Why She Stayed

Grace Stuart

A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to one another in a much needed way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2 days ago

    Ep. 90: What if I'm Wrong About Everything?: Why AI Helps Survivors Feel Sane: Aimee Says

    What if you’re wrong about everything? It’s one of the most haunting questions survivors of coercive control ask themselves after years of psychological manipulation. In this episode of Why She Stayed, I sit down with Anne Wintemute, founder of AimeeSays, to unpack how blame-shifting rewires your thinking… and how abusers create the illusion of freedom, making you believe you can leave at any time while trapping you inside an invisible cage that’s nearly impossible to prove even to yourself. Learn more about AimeeSays here: ⁠www.AimeeSays.com Use code: GRACE for a discount on your Aimee subscription. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 90: What if I'm Wrong About Everything?: Why AI Helps Survivors Feel Sane: Aimee Says

  2. 7 Jul

    Ep.89: The Damage of Chronic Deception

    Brand new episode! This is a never-before-heard conversation. I’m joined by author Cora Leyderman, author of Meet Me at the Well, as she shares the story of her previous marriage to a pathological liar. While many people picture abuse as physical violence or obvious intimidation, Cora’s experience looked very different. Her husband’s primary tactics were relentless deception, psychological manipulation, and subtle patterns of control that left her questioning her own reality. If you’ve ever wondered whether emotional and psychological abuse can exist without physical violence, or if you’ve questioned your own experiences, this conversation offers insight and validation. Be sure to check out the links below to grab Cora’s book, Meet Me at the Well, and follow her on social media to learn more about her work and continue supporting her mission: Cora's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Well-Coralia-Leyderman/dp/B0GDJF28ZZ Cora's Instagram: @1restoration_road Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep.89: The Damage of Chronic Deception

  3. 17 Mar

    Ep. 87: (Re-Release) Lundy Bancroft Interview: Why Does He Do That?

    This episode originally aired on May 13, 2025. Brand new episode will be released on Tuesday, March 24th. Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experience working with abusive men and their families and is a leading voice in the field of domestic abuse and advocacy. For Lundy's books, recourses, and more visit his website at: https://lundybancroft.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 87: (Re-Release) Lundy Bancroft Interview: Why Does He Do That?

  4. 24 Feb

    Ep. 86: What If I Ruin His Life?- The Fear, the Grooming, and the People Who Said She'd Destroy Him.

    Lindsey shares the story of how her relationship slowly turned into something she didn’t recognize as abuse. What began as the gradual normalization of cheating became a pattern of psychological grooming. Over time, he reframed betrayal as “normal,” rewrote reality, and convinced her she was the one causing harm. He even faked medical emergencies- claiming she was causing him physical suffering from "stress" to keep her catering to him and feeling responsible for his well-being. Every conflict somehow became her fault. Every consequence felt like she was “ruining his life.” When the abuse escalated and arrest became a possibility, people around her warned, “What if you ruin his life?” — reinforcing the guilt he had already carefully planted. Lyndsey's IG: @lyndseyh6723 Her Podcast IG: @living.inthe.aftermath Where she serves on the board: @therefugeutah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 86: What If I Ruin His Life?- The Fear, the Grooming, and the People Who Said She'd Destroy Him.

  5. 10 Feb

    Ep. 85: Twist, Blame, Repeat

    In this episode, Kelly shares her experience of being in a relationship where reality was constantly twisted. Her abuser was skilled at blame-shifting, making her feel like she was the problem for asking reasonable questions, having needs, or expecting basic respect. What made it even more confusing was how differently he showed up to the rest of the world. Friends, family, and acquaintances saw someone charming, easygoing, and well-liked. That contrast left Kelly feeling isolated, disoriented, and unsure of her own perception. This conversation is especially for anyone who is standing on the edge of a major commitment (like a wedding) and your gut is telling you something isn’t right, this episode may help you feel less alone, less dramatic, and more grounded in your truth. Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t leaving—it’s trusting yourself enough to believe what you already know. Guest Information: Kelly's Instagram- @the.kellymichelle Grace's Instagram: @gracee__elizabeth @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 85: Twist, Blame, Repeat

  6. 27 Jan

    Ep. 84: Quiet Control: When Culture Masks Coercion

    In this episode, Kelly shares her story of entering a relationship with a mild-mannered Arab Muslim doctor at a vulnerable point in her life, a time when she felt ungrounded and stuck in patterns of promiscuity. He positioned himself as a stabilizing force, framing the relationship as a way to “save” her from that path and introduce her to a more meaningful life. As the relationship deepened, elements of Islamic practice and cultural expectations were gradually introduced (after she was emotionally invested). This created confusion: was the growing control, restriction, and mistreatment rooted in cultural/ religious norms, or was it a result of his narcissistic and coercive personality? That uncertainty became one of the most powerful tools of manipulation. The episode closes with a powerful turning point: motherhood and a clear way out. Kelly shares how becoming a mother and a last-minute opened door clarified what she could no longer tolerate and ultimately gave her the strength to walk away- not just for herself, but for her child. Guest details not included in show notes. If you would like to get in touch with our guest, please DM me on Instagram @gracee__elizabethh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 84: Quiet Control: When Culture Masks Coercion

  7. 20 Jan

    Ep. 83: How Abuse Stripped Me of Myself

    In this episode, Daniella shares her experience of being in a relationship marked by extreme intensity followed by sudden discard and abandonment. She opens up about how emotional abuse eroded her sense of self, fueled comparison and insecurity, and left her feeling like a shell of who she once was. Daniella also unpacks how her abuser used people outside the relationship to validate his false narrative- ultimately reversing victim and offender by obtaining a TRO to portray himself as the victim. This conversation sheds light on how manipulation, image-management, and psychological abuse operate beneath the surface. Daniella's Instagram: @daniellaxmc Grace's Instagram: @gracee__elizabethh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 83: How Abuse Stripped Me of Myself

  8. 13 Jan

    Ep. 82: Facing Pain Head-On: The Only Way Is Through

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kia Lee, author and survivor, as she shares her journey through domestic abuse and cancer—and what it means to keep creating hope while still living in the unknown. Kia opens up about the loneliness of clarity: that isolating moment when you see the truth of your situation before anyone else does. We talk about how life doesn’t pause for your pain- how the world keeps moving even when your own world feels like it has come to a complete stop. Together, we explore the power of discernment—learning to trust your inner knowing when circumstances, people, or even professionals cause you to doubt yourself. Kia speaks candidly about the necessity of facing pain head-on rather than avoiding it, and how doing so became a turning point in her healing. In this episode, we discuss: Living with clarity that others may not understandThe grief of watching the world move on while you’re standing stillDeveloping discernment and trusting your inner voiceWhy facing pain directly is essential to healingDomestic abuse, survival, and reclaiming your sense of selfMedical gaslighting and the importance of advocating for yourselfCreating hope while still in the unknown Sponsor Links: Aimee Says: an AI Support That Understands Abuse - and Helps You Prove It. https://www.aimeesays.com/en/home Get a free month's subscription with the code: WhySheStayed Guest Links: IG Handle @LighthouseSurvivor IG Handle 2: @namastenyc8 https://kia-lee.com/ Kia's part 1 episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JwLe9pb9v3iU9gGGIvpjM?si=nraSVP5sQ5WicSq8sejilw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep. 82: Facing Pain Head-On: The Only Way Is Through
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to one another in a much needed way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Grace Stuart
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Grace Stuart
  • Show Website
    Why She Stayed

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