Beyond the Monsters

Chell Bane

A podcast where people share real stories of trauma, survival, mental health, and the darkest moments of their lives. Trauma, abuse, true crime, resilience, and the long road toward healing are at the center of every episode. These conversations go deeper than the surface to uncover the truth of what they lived through, what it cost them, and how they found the strength to rise again. It is real, emotional, and driven by the belief that when survivors speak, others find the courage to heal. Hosted by Chell Bane, a medical professional with 20+ years in psychiatry and addiction medicine, and a survivor of trauma herself. If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here:  https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3 days ago

    88: Cast Out of Christian Music for Being Gay & Reclaiming the Song That Started It All with Michael Passons, Ty Herndon & Melissa Greene

    Former Avalon members Michael Passons and Melissa Greene alongside country music artist Ty Herndon share the story behind their powerful re-recording of Testify to Love and the deeply personal journey that led them back to a song that now carries an entirely new meaning. Michael opens up about being removed from Avalon because he was gay, the years of silence and healing that followed, and what it meant to finally reclaim his voice nearly two decades later alongside longtime friends Melissa and Ty. Together, they discuss the lasting impact rejection from faith communities can have on LGBTQ+ people, the trauma of feeling forced to hide who you are, and the complicated relationship many carry with faith after experiencing exclusion and shame. They also reflect on forgiveness, authenticity, personal growth, and why they believe love, faith, and belonging should never be reserved for only a select few. What began as a beloved Christian music classic has become a message of healing, inclusion, hope, and the freedom to finally live as your authentic self. Listen to Testify To Love https://c44.lnk.to/TestifyToLove Testify To Love Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7IPvr6b8s Michael’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpassons https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpassonsmusic https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpassonsmusic Ty’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/tyherndonofficial https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTyHerndon https://www.tyherndon.com Ty’s book: What Mattered Most https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/tyherndon Melissa’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/melissagreene https://linktr.ee/melissagreene https://www.melissagreene.net https://substack.com/@melissagreene Resources: The LGBT National Hotline 888-843-4564 The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topics: Religious Trauma, LGBTQ, Faith Journey, Christian Music Industry, Self Acceptance If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 1min

  2. 17 Jun

    87: Losing Three Children in a Drunk Driving Crash with The Simmons 3

    Dawn Simmons and her daughter Katie DeRouen share the unimaginable story of losing Dawn's three children, Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn, in a head-on crash caused by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the interstate just days before Christmas. Dawn survived the collision with life-threatening injuries, while Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn were killed, forever changing the lives of everyone who loved them. Together, they recount the devastating hours that followed, the trauma of identifying their loved ones, and the reality of navigating grief after losing multiple children in a single night. Dawn and Katie talk about traumatic loss, surviving the unthinkable, grief after child loss, survivor's guilt, faith, healing, and finding purpose through tragedy. They share how their family's heartbreak led to the creation of The Simmons Three, a nonprofit dedicated to educating students about impaired driving, decision-making, and the lasting consequences of a single choice. Their story is one of profound loss, resilience, hope, and honoring the legacy of Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn by helping save lives. Katie and Dawn’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/katiederouen https://www.tiktok.com/@katiederouen1 https://bio.site/Katiederouen1 The Simmons 3: https://www.simmons3.com https://www.instagram.com/simmons3inc Support their mission: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ieeapA?vid=1qzgvv Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: Child Loss, Drunk Driving, Survivor's Guilt, Grief Journey, Impaired Driving, Traumatic Loss If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 16min

  3. 10 Jun

    86: Fighting for Custody of Her Daughter While Healing From SA

    Chloe spent years carrying the trauma of a SA she never spoke about, burying the experience for nearly five years before PTSD, flashbacks, and overwhelming anxiety forced her to confront what happened. As she worked through therapy, marriage struggles, and the lasting impact of trauma, she found herself raising her husband’s young niece, Olivia, after the child was removed from her biological parents' care. What began as a temporary arrangement turned into a life-changing bond that would ultimately redefine Chloe’s future. While Chloe was dealing with the breakdown of her marriage, she learned her husband had become involved with another woman who was expecting his child, setting off a series of events that would lead to a high-conflict custody fight over the daughter she had spent years raising. She shares the emotional reality of navigating family court, parental abandonment, PTSD, divorce, childhood trauma, and the fight to protect a child caught in the middle. Chloe opens up about healing after SA, learning to advocate for herself, rebuilding her life, and the journey that eventually led to formally adopting the daughter she refused to leave behind. Resources: Crisis Text Line 741741 SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use) 1-800-662-HELP (4357) RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline  1-800-656-HOPE Beyond the Monsters’ Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/ https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: Sexual Assault, PTSD Recovery, Child Custody, Family Court, Infidelity, Adoption Journey, Custody Battle If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 11min

  4. 3 Jun

    85: Being Married to a Narcissistic Cheater & Learning Self-Worth

    JaHana Holloway spent much of her life searching for love while carrying deep wounds from childhood trauma, abandonment, SA, and years of believing her worth depended on what she could give to other people. Those experiences shaped the relationships she chose and eventually led her into a marriage marked by infidelity, manipulation, emotional abuse, gaslighting, and the devastating reality of narcissistic abuse. She shares how growing up without consistent support left her vulnerable to predators, unhealthy relationships, and a lifelong struggle with self-worth. JaHana opens up about discovering her husband's affairs, surviving the chaos that followed, navigating divorce, and confronting the painful patterns that kept repeating throughout her life. She and Chell talk about narcissistic relationships, cheating, trauma bonding, emotional manipulation, childhood wounds, healing the inner child, setting boundaries, and learning that self-worth cannot be found through someone else's validation. After years of silence, JaHana shares her story for the first time and explains how speaking openly became part of reclaiming her voice and rebuilding her life. JaHana’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/vibewithjahana https://linktr.ee/jahanaholloway JaHana’s book - Metamorphosis: The Alchemy of Turning Wounds Into Wings https://a.co/d/0hUQWSOH Resources: Crisis Text Line  741741 RAINN 24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline  1-800-656-HOPE https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: Narcissistic Abuse, Narcissistic Relationship, Childhood Trauma, SA, Cheating Spouse, Emotional Abuse, Self Worth Healing If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 12min

  5. 27 May

    84: What Really Happens in Family Court and CSA Cases

    Attorney JoDee Neil spent years prosecuting crimes against children while carrying the truth about what she had survived herself. After hearing thousands of outcries from survivors throughout her career, she finally shared her own story and began writing Outcry Witness, a book focused on trauma, sexual violence, and the process of becoming “unfrozen” after years of silence. She opens up about working child abuse cases, what she has witnessed inside the criminal and family court systems, and how trauma reshapes the brain, nervous system, and sense of self over time. JoDee and Chell talk about childhood trauma, SA, addiction, EMDR therapy, recovery, dissociation, and the survival patterns many trauma survivors repeat for years without realizing it. They also discuss mandatory reporting, child abuse investigations, grooming, victim blaming, family court failures, workplace sexual violence, and why so many survivors become caretakers and protectors while quietly carrying unresolved trauma themselves.  JoDee’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/jodeeneilattorney https://www.tiktok.com/@jodeeneil.com https://www.youtube.com/@jodeeneil https://www.jodeeneil.com JoDee’s book - Outcry Witness: A Former Prosecutor's Guide to Healing and Justice After Sexual Violence https://a.co/d/0eE21UNM Resources: RAINN 24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline  1-800-656-HOPE https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ Crisis Text Line  741741 Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: family court system, CSA survivors, childhood trauma, trauma recovery, SA trauma, criminal justice system If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 4min

  6. 20 May

    83: Growing Up in a Hoarder House with Animal Hoarding

    Summer grew up in a severe hoarder home (level 5) where rooms became inaccessible, utilities stopped working, and over 30 animals lived in extreme neglect inside the house. Behind the scenes, she was dealing with chronic bullying, isolation, domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the impossible pressure of protecting her family while trying to survive her own childhood. She opens up about what it was really like going to school embarrassed by the conditions she was living in, being removed by CPS, couch surfing as a teenager, and realizing in college that the life she grew up in was never normal. Summer shares the long-term impact of growing up with parents who have hoarding disorder, narcissistic family dynamics, parentification, and severe animal hoarding, along with the complicated grief that comes from loving parents who were unable to provide safety or stability. She talks about the shame children of hoarders carry, the survival behaviors that follow them into adulthood, and the difficult process of learning basic self-care, relationships, and normalcy after years of living in chaos. Summer’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/summerjoy.cptsd_survivor https://www.tiktok.com/@summerjoy4 https://youtube.com/@summerjoy4 https://linktr.ee/summerjoy4 Collaborations/Media: summerjoy.officialmgmt@gmail.com Resources: International OCD Foundation (Hoarding) https://iocdf.org/hoarding Children of Hoarders https://childrenofhoarders.com Institute for Challenging Disorganization https://challengingdisorganization.org NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) https://nami.org Hoarding Cleanup Directory https://hoardingcleanup.com Crisis Text Line  741741 Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: Hoarding Disorder, Animal Hoarding, Childhood Trauma, Family Dysfunction, Childhood Neglect, Complex PTSD (CPTSD) If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 48min

  7. 13 May

    82: Going to the Execution of Her Mother’s Killer (Ep. 18 Follow-Up)

    In this follow-up to episode 18, Sarah is joined by her stepdaughter Avery more than 20 years after Avery’s mother was murdered when she was just five months old. After spending most of their lives carrying the weight of the case, they received the call that the execution date had finally been set for the man responsible. Sarah and Avery share what it was like preparing for the execution, traveling to Texas together, and walking into a situation neither of them truly knew how to process until they were living it in real time. Avery opens up about growing up without her mother and later losing her father to suicide in 2023, while Sarah reflects on the years of grief and emotional survival that followed both tragedies. What they expected would bring closure instead forced them to confront layers of trauma, family pain, suicide loss, and the emotional reality of watching a case that shaped their lives finally come to an end. Together, they talk about the complicated emotions surrounding the execution, the unexpected moments that stayed with them afterward, and the difficult process of figuring out who they were once this chapter of their lives was finally over. Sarah’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/skyvisions333 Sarah’s Podcast - All The Things Shoals: https://www.instagram.com/allthethings.shoals https://www.youtube.com/@allthethingsshoals https://open.spotify.com/show/65FFAsKIBmYj3sEocu9eXQ?si=c8973a65da1a49bf Resources: Project Unbroken https://projectunbroken.org Crisis Text Line 741741 Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: true crime, grief, murder case, family trauma, healing after loss, capital punishment  If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 6min

  8. 6 May

    81: Her Brothers SAed Her, One Tried to Silence Her with a Lawsuit

    Darlene Lekowski was sexually abused by two of her older brothers beginning at just 7 years old, carrying the trauma in silence for more than five decades while building a life that looked perfect from the outside. She shares the long-term reality of sibling sexual abuse, PTSD, perfectionism, fear of abandonment, and what happens when trauma is buried instead of healed. After finally confronting one of her brothers, he responded by suing her for defamation, forcing her into a two year legal battle where she was made to relive the abuse publicly in court. Darlene breaks down the family dynamics that kept her silent, the threats and manipulation used against her as a child, and the emotional toll of protecting everyone else while destroying herself in the process. She talks about raising children while carrying hidden trauma, how PTSD showed up throughout her life, and the moment she realized surviving wasn’t the same thing as healing. After winning the lawsuit and being validated by a jury, she began rebuilding her life, writing her book Shattering Silence, and speaking publicly to help other survivors break the shame and secrecy surrounding sibling sexual abuse, trauma, and family betrayal. Darlene’s Links: darlene-lekowski.com  https://www.instagram.com/darlenelekowski https://www.facebook.com/darlenelekowski “Shattering Silence” book  https://a.co/d/003yCIaB Resources: RAINN 24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline  1-800-656-HOPE https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ Crisis Text Line 741741 Beyond the Monsters Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters  https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters  Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care. Topic: sibling sexual trauma and abuse (SSTA), childhood trauma, family abuse, PTSD recovery, sexual abuse awareness, court trauma If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Please contact beyondthemonsters@gmail.com for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
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About

A podcast where people share real stories of trauma, survival, mental health, and the darkest moments of their lives. Trauma, abuse, true crime, resilience, and the long road toward healing are at the center of every episode. These conversations go deeper than the surface to uncover the truth of what they lived through, what it cost them, and how they found the strength to rise again. It is real, emotional, and driven by the belief that when survivors speak, others find the courage to heal. Hosted by Chell Bane, a medical professional with 20+ years in psychiatry and addiction medicine, and a survivor of trauma herself. If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here:  https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Chell Bane
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Monsters

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