The Wounds That Do Not Heal

Tressa Brady
  • 4.5 (16)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

In "The Wounds That Do Not Heal," host Tressa Brady opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence in military families, shedding light on an often-hidden issue. Through her raw and vulnerable storytelling, she shares the struggles, pain, and resilience she has witnessed and endured while seeking to provide help and support to those who desperately need it.    Tressa also interviews experts in the field of domestic violence, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and survivors, who uncover the harsh realities and systemic challenges faced by military families. Together, they explore the unique dynamics and complexities surrounding domestic violence within this community, breaking down stigmas and fostering a crucial conversation that goes beyond the surface.   "The Wounds That Do Not Heal" aims to create a safe space for listeners to reflect, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact domestic violence has on military families. This podcast strives to make a positive change and inspire action by offering valuable resources, guidance, and empowerment.  Join Tressa on this emotional journey as she advocates for change and supports those in need.

  1. Episode 33: - Raquiah King and Akeila Ware: When Choosing Life Ends in Death

    DEC 12

    Episode 33: - Raquiah King and Akeila Ware: When Choosing Life Ends in Death

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com In this episode, listeners are invited into two powerful and heartbreaking stories of young Black women whose lives were cut short while carrying the children they longed to welcome. Through Raquiah King and Akelia Ware’s journeys, the episode explores the devastating intersection of pregnancy, intimate partner violence, and systemic inequities in healthcare and society. With compassion and urgency, the narrative honors their choices, their dreams, and the families left behind, while shining a light on the dangers too often ignored. More than a recounting of tragedy, this episode is a call to awareness and action. It threads together personal reflection, medical insight, and the voices of loved ones to underscore how bias, silence, and violence continue to endanger women—especially women of color. Listeners will leave not only remembering Raquiah and Akelia, but also carrying forward the reminder that protecting mothers and children means confronting uncomfortable truths and demanding change. If you are Pregnant and need help immediately: United States Resources: Pregnant women needing immediate housing..dialing 2‑1‑1 is the fastest way to connect with local housing resources in the U.S. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) → https://www.fns.usda.gov/wicMedicaid / Pregnancy Medicaid → https://www.medicaid.govTANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) → https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf Good Counsel Homes (Maternity Homes in NY/NJ) → https://www.goodcounselhomes.orgHomeless Prenatal Program (San Francisco, CA) → https://www.homelessprenatal.orgDial 2‑1‑1 (U.S.) → https://www.211.org🌍 Global Resources UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) → https://www.unfpa.orgInternational Rescue Committee (IRC) → https://www.rescue.orgSave the Children → https://www.savethechildren.orgMarie Stopes International (MSI Reproductive Choices) → https://www.msichoices.orgDomestic Violence Support: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) → https://www.thehotline.orgWomen’s Aid (UK & International) → https://www.womensaid.org.ukIf you are a veteran struggling with your mental health please dial 988 and press 1. YOU MATTER.

    32 min
  2. Episode 32: Dying to be Loved: The Murder of Danielle Rippeon

    DEC 4

    Episode 32: Dying to be Loved: The Murder of Danielle Rippeon

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com This episode traces the story of Danielle Rippeon, a young woman from Northern California whose search for love and stability led her into a whirlwind relationship with a newly enlisted soldier. What began as a fast‑moving romance soon revealed cracks—jealousy, control, and fear quietly shaping her daily life. Set against the backdrop of military culture, weapons expertise, and the pressures of young marriage, Danielle’s story unfolds with mounting tension. What appears from the outside as a couple building a future together becomes, behind closed doors, something far more troubling. 🔗 Sources for This Episode 🔗 The News Tribune – Editorial on the Skylar Nemetz case🔗 Crime Desk (Medium) – The Tragic Story of Skylar Nemetz That Ended in the Loss of Young Life🔗 CBS News / 48 Hours – Coverage by Erin Moriarty (segment featuring Skylar Nemetz and his mother)🔗 Washington State Court of Appeals records (Tacoma, WA) – Case filings and rulings on Nemetz’s appeal🔗 Police reports and testimony – Officer Darrell Moore’s account at the scene (referenced in trial coverage)Sources for Domestic Violence Help 🇺🇸 🔗 National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 confidential support via phone (1‑800‑799‑SAFE), text, or online chat🇺🇸 🔗 State Resources Directory – U.S. Office on Women’s Health – Find local programs and shelters by state🌍 Global Resources 🌍 🔗 NO MORE Global Directory – International directory of domestic and sexual violence helplines and services in over 200 countries🌍 🔗 DomesticShelters.org – International Organizations – Global network of shelters, hotlines, and advocacy groupsVeterans Crisis Line (988) 🔗 Veterans Crisis Line – 988, then Press 1 Confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families. Available 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or through chat and text options on the site.

    47 min
  3. Episode 31: They Were Loved. They Were Brilliant. And They Were Betrayed: A Double Murder and Suicide near Wright-Patterson AFB

    OCT 31

    Episode 31: They Were Loved. They Were Brilliant. And They Were Betrayed: A Double Murder and Suicide near Wright-Patterson AFB

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com Jaymee Prichard was a devoted mother of three. Jaime Sue Gustitus was a decorated Air Force officer. Both were deeply loved, deeply accomplished—and both were killed in a calculated act of violence by someone they knew. In this episode, we walk through the limited facts released by law enforcement, examine the public speculation swirling around the case, and challenge the dangerous narratives that often follow intimate partner homicides. What happened in Greene County was not a mystery of passion—it was a deliberate, devastating loss. We don’t know the full story. But we know this: Jaymee and Jaime Sue deserved better. And their legacy will not be defined by the man who took their lives 🔗 Sources for Today’s Show 🔗 Dayton Daily News “Taken too soon: Families mourn, describe Wright-Patt victims of murder-suicide” — Emotional tributes and law enforcement updates.🔗 WLWT Cincinnati “Three Wright-Patterson workers dead after suspected double-murder suicide” — Timeline and police statements.🔗 Wright-Patterson AFB Official Site “Incident Involving Wright-Patt Personnel Under Investigation” — Formal military response and investigation details.🌍 Global Domestic Violence Resources: UN Women – Ending Violence Against Women Offers global advocacy, survivor support, and country-specific resources. 🔗 unwomen.orgThe National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.-based, with global guidance) 24/7 confidential support via phone, chat, and text. While U.S.-based, they offer guidance for international callers and referrals. 🔗 thehotline.org | Call: +1-800-799-7233Women’s Aid (UK) Offers support, education, and refuge services across the UK, with resources relevant to international survivors. 🔗 womensaid.org.ukDomesticShelters.org A searchable database of shelters and services across North America, with educational articles and safety planning tools. 🔗 domesticshelters.org🛡️ Veteran-Specific Mental Health Resources VA Mental Health Services The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers counseling, therapy, substance use treatment, and support for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. 🔗 va.gov/mental-healthVet Centers Community-based counseling centers that provide confidential support for combat veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and those adjusting to civilian life. 🔗 vetcenter.va.govMakeTheConnection.net A powerful site filled with real stories from veterans, plus tools to find help based on your specific needs. 🔗 maketheconnection.net🧭 What You Can Do Right Now Call 988 and press 1

    23 min
  4. Episode 30: Sworn to Protect, Compelled to Kill — The Preventable Murder of Megan Montgomery

    OCT 23

    Episode 30: Sworn to Protect, Compelled to Kill — The Preventable Murder of Megan Montgomery

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com In this episode, Tressa confronts the brutal reality of how systems designed to protect victims often do the opposite. Through the story of Megan Montgomery—a vibrant, hopeful woman whose life intersected with law enforcement, the courts, and a culture of institutional silence—we explore the devastating consequences of unchecked power and delayed justice. From the moment Megan met Jason McIntosh, a police officer with a history of violence, the warning signs were there. But like so many women, Megan did what she was “supposed” to do: she filed protective orders, sought help, and tried to escape. What followed was a chilling unraveling of legal loopholes, judicial delays, and systemic failures that allowed her abuser to remain armed, employed, and dangerously close. This episode dives deep into the intersection of domestic violence, law enforcement, and the legal system’s complicity. We examine how stalking, firearm access, and institutional loyalty create a perfect storm for intimate partner violence—and why education, accountability, and reform are not optional, but urgent. If you’ve ever wondered why survivors stay silent, why restraining orders fall short, or how abusers manipulate the very systems meant to stop them—this episode will leave you shaken, informed, and ready to demand better. Megan Montgomery Charitable Foundation: 🔗About Us - Megan Montgomery Foundation Here are key sources that document Megan Montgomery’s story and the systemic failures surrounding her case: The main source for today’s show: 🔗 "The End of The World as I Knew It" by Heather Buckner – Good Housekeeping 🔗Upworthy Offers a comprehensive overview of Megan’s relationship with Jason McIntosh, the abuse she endured, and the tragic events leading to her death. Includes quotes from her mother and highlights the invisibility of domestic violence behind curated social media images. 🔗WVTM13 News Features interviews with Megan’s family and friends, reflecting on her life, her advocacy goals, and the creation of the Megan Montgomery Foundation. Emphasizes the emotional toll and the family's commitment to turning grief into action. 🔗People Magazine Details Jason McIntosh’s guilty plea, Megan’s efforts to help other victims, and her writings during recovery. Includes courtroom statements and reflections from her family about the long-term impact of the abuse. Resources for survivors and those seeking support (please access only from a device your abuser cannot access): National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 confidential support via call, chat, or text. Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Offers a 24/7 hotline and online chat: 800-656-HOPE (4673).NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) Advocacy, education, and resources for survivors and allies working to end domesti

    37 min
  5. Episode 29: Possession, Not Partnership: The Killing of Tashianna Blake

    OCT 7

    Episode 29: Possession, Not Partnership: The Killing of Tashianna Blake

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com What happens when the very institutions sworn to protect us become the breeding ground for unchecked violence? In this searing episode, we step outside Hawaii—to confront the brutal murder of Tashianna Blake, a mother of two, whose life was stolen by her military husband in a calculated act of cruelty. Her story, set against the backdrop of Fort Carson’s bloody legacy, exposes a chilling pattern: men with no combat history, no PTSD, but a dangerous thirst for control. From narcissistic manipulation to stolen valor, we examine how military systems fail to screen for sociopathy—and how women pay the price.  Stay tuned for updates on the sentencing of Ruby Tenorio’s killer, and the upcoming trial of Dana Alotaibi’s estranged ex-husband, who stands accused in the gruesome deaths of Dana and her unborn son. 🔍 Verified Sources for the Case of Tashianna Blake Dermot Blake’s conviction and sentencing:A former Fort Carson soldier, Dermot Blake, was found guilty of first-degree murder for shooting his wife, Tashianna Blake, in front of their two daughters. He received a mandatory life sentence without parole. Court documents revealed that Blake forced Tashianna to apologize before delivering the final shots, and that both daughters witnessed the murderIf you’re experiencing DV—please explore the resources below using a device that your abuser cannot monitor.  U.S. Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 confidential support via phone (800-799-7233), text (“START” to 88788), and online chat. Offers safety planning, emotional support, and referrals.DomesticShelters.org Searchable database of over 3,000 shelters and programs across the U.S. and Canada. National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) Offers training, technical assistance, and policy advocacy. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) U.S. Department of Justice site with links to state coalitions, tribal programs, and national hotlines.State-by-State Resource Directory From the Office on Women’s Health—clickable map of DV coalitions and services in every U.S. state and territory.Global Resources NO MORE Global Directory A comprehensive international directory of DV & sexual violence helplines and services in nearly every UN-recognized country.Hot Peach Pages Offers DV information & hotline listings in over 110 languages. Global Network of Women’s Shelters Connects shelters worldwide for advocates/survivors globally.Pathways to Safety International Tailored support for Americans experiencing abuse while abroadIf you’re a service member struggling with mental health:   • Call 988, t

    33 min
  6. Episode 26: Natasha Soto's Last Dance

    AUG 20

    Episode 26: Natasha Soto's Last Dance

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com Natasha Soto Rivera was a Marine, a newlywed, and a new mother whose life radiated promise. At just 20, she was thriving in one of the most male-dominated branches of the military. But behind the celebration, something darker was brewing. This episode traces Natasha’s journey—from boot camp to ballroom, through the joy of motherhood to a night that should have been magical-—but wasn’t. Her story deserves to be heard—loudly, clearly, and without apology. We begin to unravel the silence and honor her legacy. Also in this episode: updates on Ruby Tenorio’s murder investigation and a disturbing case involving a Naval wife found dead in a Japanese hotel room. Ruby Araceli Tenorio Obituary (2024) - Cookeville, TN - Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes & Cremations Services - Baxter Cha __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 📚 Sources Covering Natasha Soto Rivera’s Case Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star (Virginia) This local paper was one of the first to report and is cited in this episode. It provided key details from the police affidavit, including Rodolfo’s 911 call and the forensic findings of a “brutal” beating. NBC Washington – Court Documents Includes quotes from the affidavit obtained by the Free Lance–Star, and outlines the timeline of events following the Marine Corps Ball.  🕊️ Natasha Soto Obituary – Reading  If you’re experiencing DV—please explore the resources below using a device that your abuser cannot monitor.  U.S. Resources  National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 confidential support via phone (800-799-7233), text (“START” to 88788), & online chat. Offers safety planning, emotional support, & referrals.DomesticShelters.org Searchable database of over 3,000 shelters & programs across the U.S. & Canada. Global Resources NO MORE Global Directory A comprehensive international directory of DV & sexual violence helplines & services in nearly every UN-recognized country.Hot Peach Pages Offers DV information & hotline listings in over 110 languages. Pathways to Safety International Tailored support for Americans abused while abroadIf you’re a service member struggling with mental health:   • Call 988, then press 1

    41 min
  7. Episode 25: From Homecoming to Homicide: The Betrayal of Amy Contreras

    JUL 31

    Episode 25: From Homecoming to Homicide: The Betrayal of Amy Contreras

    Have you survived domestic violence, sexual trauma, or the loss of a loved one to murder? Have you faced systemic failures that deeply impacted your life or family? TWTDNH is a podcast confronting the realities of domestic violence, murder, untreated PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and institutional neglect. It’s a space for truth-telling — where stories are met with compassion, visibility, and dignity. Now seeking fellow podcasters and subject matter experts to help amplify voices the system has failed to hear. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com Last episode, we mourned the consequences of untreated PTSD. This time, we confront something far more calculated: a story of entitlement, control, and the deadly cost of leaving. Sergeant Amy Colbert had done the unimaginable—survived war zones, brought daughters into the world, and chosen freedom after years of abuse. Days after returning from deployment, she packed up her life. What followed was a chilling truth: for some, being left isn't just rejection—it’s justification for violence.  This episode unpacks the story of a devoted mother, soldier, and woman who was finally ready to walk away. It explores what happens when power, ego, and entitlement collide. Sources:  📰 News Coverage & Initial Reports NBC NewsGreat Basin SunAustin American-Statesman🪦 Memorial & Obituary  Find a Grave Memorialhttps://greatbasinsun.com/news/2019/apr/12/obituary-amy-contreras/If you’re experiencing DV—please explore the resources below using a device that your abuser cannot monitor.  U.S. Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 confidential support via phone (800-799-7233), text (“START” to 88788), and online chat. Offers safety planning, & more.DomesticShelters.org Searchable database of over 3,000 shelters and programs across the U.S. & Canada. National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) Offers training, technical assistance, and policy advocacy. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) U.S. Department of Justice site with links to state coalitions, tribal programs, & national hotlines.State-by-State Resource Directory From the Office on Women’s Health—clickable map of DV coalitions & services in every U.S. state/territory.Global Resources NO MORE Global Directory A comprehensive international directory of DV services in nearly every UN-recognized country.Hot Peach Pages Offers DV information & hotline listings in over 110 languages. Global Network of Women’s Shelters Connects shelters worl

    42 min
  8. Episode 24: The War Machine Doesn’t Stop—Even When the Battle Ends: The Desmond Family Tragedy

    JUL 2

    Episode 24: The War Machine Doesn’t Stop—Even When the Battle Ends: The Desmond Family Tragedy

    TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 healingwounds13@gmail.com In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest episode, Tressa will unravel the tragedy at the heart of a Canadian family’s devastation... and the sprawling system failures behind it. From ignored cries for help to institutional silence, and the high cost of unchecked trauma, we examine the forces that failed Lionel Desmond—and the loved ones who paid the price. This is not just a story about one man. It's about the machinery that protects itself, the cracks in our support systems, the emotional warfare military families face, and the generational cost of doing nothing. If you’ve ever wondered what trauma looks like when it isn’t treated—or what silence sounds like when it's systemic—this episode is for you. Listen with care. 🔗 Primary Sources on the Lionel Desmond Inquiry and Travis Decker Desmond Fatality Inquiry – Official Website: Includes the full final report, recommendations, witness list, and background on the inquiry.CBC News: The System Failed Lionel Desmond and His Family: In-depth reporting on the inquiry’s findings and systemic failures.Global News: Final Report of the Desmond Inquiry Released: Overview of the inquiry’s timeline, delays, and key conclusions.📰 Travis Decker Sought Mental Health Counseling 2 Weeks Before Daughter Murders – This piece provides additional context on Decker’s visit to Bates Counseling and includes powerful commentary from both providers about the systemic gaps that left him—and many others—without adequate support.🧠 Mental Health Treatment Resources Stella Center – Official Website Offers cutting-edge treatments for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injury, including Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), ketamine infusion therapy, TMS, and more. Over 20 locations across the U.S.📚 Books by Dr. Shauna “Doc” Springer 📘 WARRIOR: How to Support Those Who Protect Us A powerful exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by military personnel and first responders. It offers insights into how we can better support those who serve. 📗 BEYOND THE MILITARY: A Leader’s Handbook for Warrior Reintegration (co-authored with Jason Roncoroni) This comprehensive guide addresses the psychological, cultural, and relational aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life. 📕 RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma (co-authored with Sgt. Michael Sugrue) A deep dive into the trauma experienced by law enforcement officers, offering a path to healing and resilience.

    1 hr
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4.5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

In "The Wounds That Do Not Heal," host Tressa Brady opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence in military families, shedding light on an often-hidden issue. Through her raw and vulnerable storytelling, she shares the struggles, pain, and resilience she has witnessed and endured while seeking to provide help and support to those who desperately need it.    Tressa also interviews experts in the field of domestic violence, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and survivors, who uncover the harsh realities and systemic challenges faced by military families. Together, they explore the unique dynamics and complexities surrounding domestic violence within this community, breaking down stigmas and fostering a crucial conversation that goes beyond the surface.   "The Wounds That Do Not Heal" aims to create a safe space for listeners to reflect, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact domestic violence has on military families. This podcast strives to make a positive change and inspire action by offering valuable resources, guidance, and empowerment.  Join Tressa on this emotional journey as she advocates for change and supports those in need.

Information

  • Creator
    Tressa Brady
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wounds That Do Not Heal
  • Show Website
    The Wounds That Do Not Heal

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