Bitch Is A Bad Word: A Domestic Violence Podcast on Healing and Empowerment

Lindsay Abernathy | Domestic Violence Survivor
  • 4.6 (95)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Bitch Is A Bad Word is a real, raw, and unapologetic domestic violence podcast that digs deep into healing, reclaiming power, and rewriting the rules after toxic relationships, domestic violence, domestic abuse, narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse. Hosted by Lindsay, a mom of four with zero fancy letters behind her name, this show is a no-BS conversation about breaking free and finding your voice. Each week, we bring in experts, survivors, and the real-life stories that break open the shame and stigma—because 1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience domestic violence, and these stories matter. If you’re navigating your own journey, standing in solidarity with others, curious about how to help someone, or unsure if you’re in an abusive relationship, this is the show you need. This domestic abuse podcast is your space to heal, learn, and rise together. Don’t miss our weekly Bitch Sesh, where we spill the tea, share survivor stories, and talk about the messy, beautiful process of taking our lives back—one story at a time. Join the conversation. Share your story. Let’s break the cycle together.  Because bitch is a bad word when it’s used to tear you down — but if you’re in the Bestie Gang, being a bitch means you’re a baddie. We've got your back, Besties! 🎙️ Weekly episodes 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms + full video on YouTube 📱Follow on Instagram & TikTok 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter 📱 Join our Patreon 📞 Call or text us: (331) BITCHES 🛍️ Merch store (coming soon!) 🌐 www.caliber-studio.com | ✉️ biabw@caliber-studio.com This podcast is for you if you’re searching: Am I in an abusive relationship?What are the signs of emotional or narcissistic abuse?What is coercive control or gaslighting?How do I protect my kids and get out safely?What happens if I report my abusive partner?How do I break the cycle of abuse? If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    (Re-Release) Toxic Parents: How Family Trauma Fuels Addiction - And How You Break Free with Josh Connolly

    This special episode originally aired on June 3, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- What happens when family trauma fuels addiction—and how do you break free? In this raw episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, We're joined by Josh Connelly—a survivor of toxic parents, substance abuse, and emotional trauma who found sobriety and healing. Josh opens up about growing up with toxic family dynamics, battling addiction, and the difficult path to recovery and emotional freedom. Together, we dive deep into recognizing toxic parents, overcoming substance abuse triggered by family pain, and building a new life of hope and resilience. If you’re struggling with toxic family relationships, addiction, or healing from trauma—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers powerful insights and encouragement. Inside This Episode: How toxic parents and family trauma contribute to substance abuseSigns of emotional abuse and toxic family dynamicsJosh’s journey from addiction to sobriety and healingPractical steps for setting boundaries and rebuilding your lifeFinding hope and support on the path to recovery About Josh Connelly: Josh is an advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and healing from toxic family cycles. He shares his story to empower others facing similar battles. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties! Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 24m

  2. 6D AGO

    (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: My Harrowing Journey Through The Cycle of Abuse | "Kalen"

    This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on October 23, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- Kalen’s story began when she was only 17. What she thought was the drama of love quickly became a cycle of emotional and physical abuse. For years, she was told she was crazy, too sensitive, too much. She believed it. Behind closed doors, she lived with an extreme personality who used manipulation, fear, and control to keep her questioning her own mind. In this episode of Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Kalen to explore how young love can turn into domination, how gaslighting rewrites reality, and how long-term abuse leaves scars that take years to understand. This conversation is a raw reminder that real love is not chaos or pain, and that healing begins the moment you stop mistaking cruelty for passion. Inside This Episode• How abuse can start young and feel like “drama” instead of danger • The cycle of gaslighting and control in extreme personalities • When emotional abuse escalates into physical violence • The moment Kalan realized “crazy” wasn’t her, it was him • Rebuilding after years of abuse, manipulation, fear, and shame About KalenKalen is a survivor and advocate who endured years of emotional and physical abuse beginning at 17. Today she uses her experience to help other women recognize the red flags, trust their intuition, and know that love should never hurt. Need Help? If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  3. MAR 3

    (Re-Release) Answering the Call: Inside the National Domestic Violence Hotline with CEO Katie Ray-Jones

    This special episode originally aired on October 30, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- In this special episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down inside the National Domestic Violence Hotline headquarters with Katie Ray-Jones, the organization’s badass CEO and lifelong advocate for survivors. Together, they pull back the curtain on what really happens when someone calls for help. From personal survivor stories to the Power and Control Wheel, tech abuse, and teen dating violence, this episode reveals the realities of modern abuse and the lifesaving work happening behind the scenes. Lindsay also shares her emotional experience being invited to serve as an “Advocate for the Day,” listening in on live calls and witnessing firsthand the compassion and strength of those answering up to 3,000 calls every single day. Inside This Episode: • What really happens behind the scenes at the National Domestic Violence Hotline • The truth about tech abuse and digital coercion in modern relationships • How the Power and Control Wheel helps survivors recognize and name abuse • The rise of teen dating violence and how to stop it early • Lindsay’s firsthand experience listening in on real hotline calls Why This Episode Matters: Because every call is a cry for freedom and every answer is a lifeline. About the Guest: Katie Ray-Jones is the CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline, the nation’s leading resource for survivors of abuse. Under her leadership, the Hotline has expanded its services, implemented groundbreaking safety technology, and supported millions of callers nationwide. 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org https://www.instagram.com/ndvhofficial/ Follow & Connect: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube 💌 Follow @bitchisabadwordpodcast for updates, clips, and behind-the-scenes moments 💜 Need support? Visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 26m

  4. FEB 26

    (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: Jenn Higgins Turned Tragedy Into Purpose After Domestic Violence Took Her Best Friend

    This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on April 24, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- TRIGGER WARNING: Please be advised that this episode contains discussions of suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word's Bitch Sesh, we sit down with Jenn Higgins, the visionary founder behind Anyways Socks, a company born out of resilience, humor, and healing. Jenn opens up about surviving domestic abuse, finding her voice, and creating a brand that celebrates individuality and strength — anyway you are. We dive into: Jenn’s journey through survival and entrepreneurshipHow she turned pain into purpose with Anyways SocksThe role of creativity and humor in the healing processWhy building a business as a survivor is an act of resistanceHer message for anyone navigating abuse or identity rediscovery This candid Bitch Sesh isn’t just about socks — it’s about survival, self-expression, and socking it to domestic abuse! Whether you're a survivor, creator, advocate, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode is for you. Support and Visit ANYWAY SOCKS --- If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages. If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel! If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  5. FEB 24

    (Re-Release) Richard Grannon on Narcissistic Abuse, Childhood Conditioning, and Breaking the Cycle

    This episode originally aired on October 28, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- “The only time you knew your worth as a child was when you were solving a tyrant’s problem.” Richard Grannon Meet Richard Grannon, trauma specialist, author of A Cult of One, and the internet’s most brutally honest voice on narcissistic abuse and emotional recovery. In this episode of B!tch Is A Bad Word, Lindsay and Richard go deep on how narcissistic parents and partners shape our sense of self, why chaos can feel like love, and what it takes to finally break free from toxic patterns. Because healing isn’t just about leaving, it’s about understanding why you stayed. Inside this episodeThe psychological imprint of narcissistic parenting and how it shapes adult relationshipsWhy we confuse love with control and trauma with connectionHyper-fixation, adrenaline addiction, and why “ADHD” might actually be traumaThe cult of toxic relationships and why we worship people who hurt usCo-creation vs. victimhood and how to reclaim power without shameHealing strategies to rewire your nervous system and rediscover your true self About Richard Grannonhttps://www.youtube.com/@RICHARDGRANNON https://www.richardgrannon.com/ Richard Grannon is a psychotherapist, speaker, and creator of The Spartan Life Coach. Known for blending philosophy, psychology, and practical tools for emotional recovery, his work has helped millions break free from narcissistic abuse and rebuild with clarity and self-respect. ----- Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APP The #1 App For More Confident Co-Parenting Click to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabw If you’re co-parenting with a narcissist, living through post-separation abuse, or just trying to protect your peace, the TalkingParents app will save your sanity. Every message. Every call. Every receipt. Safely logged. Documented bad words, gaslighting, word salads, or being run around more than a Target cart on a Sunday. Just boundaries, receipts, and your peace of mind. It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this collab is all about protecting survivors long after they leave. 👉 Follow @TalkingParentsApp on Instagram & listen to the full episode of this Bitch Is A Bad Word ep now. ------ Follow & ConnectSubscribe, rate, and review Bitch Is A Bad Word to help more survivors find us! Share this episode with a bestie stuck in the “I can fix him” cycle. Join the Bestie Gang for tools, healing resources, and community (links in show notes) We've Got Your Back, Besties! Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  6. FEB 19

    (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh | “G” Speaks from Inside an Abusive Relationship

    This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on April 17, 2025 -- This was the start of it, besties! If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- Bitch Sesh are up-close & personal conversations with current victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence sharing their stories. In this compelling inaugural episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word: "Bitch Sesh", Lindsay engages in a candid conversation with "G", a courageous wife and mother currently navigating the complexities of a verbally abusive relationship characterized by gaslighting and coercive control. "G" reached out feeling isolated, seeking a platform to share her story—a narrative that resonates with many yet often remains unheard. For security, we do not feature "G"'s image. This episode delves into: - The insidious nature of gaslighting and its impact on self-perception - Understanding coercive control and its manifestations in intimate relationships - The emotional toll of verbal abuse and strategies for coping - Recognizing the signs of emotional manipulation and reclaiming autonomy - The importance of sharing survivor stories to foster awareness and support Whether you're currently in a challenging relationship, supporting someone who is, or aiming to understand the dynamics of emotional abuse better, "G"'s story offers valuable insights and hope. If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel! Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  7. FEB 17

    (Re-Release) Bethany Joy Lenz on Cults, Control, and Finding Herself Again

    This episode originally aired on April 15, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, actress, singer, author, and podcaster Bethany Joy Lenz joins us for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation about surviving a cult — all while starring on one of TV’s most iconic teen dramas, One Tree Hill. Bethany opens up about her upcoming memoir, her journey of breaking free from coercive control, and how reclaiming her faith helped her heal from spiritual abuse and toxic relationships. She shares how being in the public eye shaped her recovery and how she's using her platform to empower others. 🎙️ In this episode: What it was like to be in a cult while starring on a cult-favorite TV showEscaping spiritual manipulation and finding her own truthUnderstanding the difference between intuition and trauma responsesHealing from abusive relationships and psychological controlWhy storytelling and visibility matter in recovery Whether you're a lifelong One Tree Hill fan, a survivor of spiritual or emotional abuse, or someone seeking truth and healing, Bethany’s story will resonate deeply. #BethanyJoyLenz #SurvivingACult #CoerciveControl #SpiritualAbuse #OneTreeHill #TraumaHealing #ToxicRelationships #Memoir2025 #BitchIsABadWordPodcast If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 Visit Joy's linktr.ee/bethanyjoylenz to PURCHASE: - Joy's book Dinner For Vampires: Life On A Cult TV Show (While In An Actual Cult) - Listen to Joy on the ONE TREE HILL podcast Dramaqueens - Subscribe to Joy's print magazine MODERN VINTAGE - And so much more! ***Give yourself the ultimate in sleep comfort with a 40% Discount from Cozy Earth Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code BESTIES for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here. ------- Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  8. FEB 12

    (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh | "Quinn":What Emotional Abuse Looks Like (When You’re in It)

    This episode originally aired on September 25, 2025. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org ----- TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations regarding self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide. The Trauma Bond. It's hard to see the forest for the trees when you're in the middle of a constant emotional onslaught. That is Quinn's story, our guest on today's Bitch Is A Bad Word: Bitch Sesh. Like many of us, Quinn didn't know she was in an abusive marriage, being torn in so many directions she didn't know what was up until after the divorce, when she could put some distance between she and her ex, with reflection. Quinn's story is important for all of us because when you're standing in the middle of a battlefield, being assaulted constantly on all sides, it's almost impossible to tell where you stand and what's really going on. However, if you're able to pull yourself out, place yourself on a hill above the fray, you can see what's really happening below. And that is what we want to help you recognize if you are or find yourself in Quinn's relationship. All abusers use different tactics to control and Quinn's ex used emotional manipulation.  He would use tactics to draw her in, such as love bombing, "randomly" bumping into her (when he was really stalking), and coming up with excuses to see her when separated ("I'm dropping off food for you and the kids"), that would become prolonged engagements that evolved into excuses why he shouldn't or couldn't leave. And when Quinn pushed him away too hard, her ex would become violent with financial threats, harm to her and the kids, and suicide. It was a constant emotional rollercoaster, meant to draw her in and keep her attached to him with ebbs and flows of kindness and love that turned into threats, coercion, and control, and back again. Listening to Quinn's story helps us identify these tactics used in our own relationships, either ones used against us or ones we may use ourselves, so when we're in the thick of it, that memory of listening to her story will cause that lightbulb go off in our heads and we realize what's really going on, helping us break the cycle of domestic abuse and domestic violence. Need Help? If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org. ABOUT QUINN Quinn Padilla is a licensed therapist, abuse recovery coach, and mother of three who brings both her personal journey as an abuse survivor and her professional expertise to the work she does. Through her practice, she helps women heal from abuse and post-separation abuse, blending education with practical tools for recovery. Quinn also shares accessible guidance and support through Instagram and TikTok as @itsquinnpadilla, reaching women across the world with resources to help them feel seen and empowered. She is the creator of Breaking the Trauma Bond, a course designed to help women understand the cycle of abuse, regulate their nervous systems, and break free from trauma bonds. Learn more about her course through her bio on Instagram or to work with her one on one visit www.itsquinnpadilla.com.  Listen wherever you get your podcasts Watch: YouTube Join: Patreon Follow: Instagram TikTok Subscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m
See All (96)

Trailer

4.6
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

Bitch Is A Bad Word is a real, raw, and unapologetic domestic violence podcast that digs deep into healing, reclaiming power, and rewriting the rules after toxic relationships, domestic violence, domestic abuse, narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse. Hosted by Lindsay, a mom of four with zero fancy letters behind her name, this show is a no-BS conversation about breaking free and finding your voice. Each week, we bring in experts, survivors, and the real-life stories that break open the shame and stigma—because 1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience domestic violence, and these stories matter. If you’re navigating your own journey, standing in solidarity with others, curious about how to help someone, or unsure if you’re in an abusive relationship, this is the show you need. This domestic abuse podcast is your space to heal, learn, and rise together. Don’t miss our weekly Bitch Sesh, where we spill the tea, share survivor stories, and talk about the messy, beautiful process of taking our lives back—one story at a time. Join the conversation. Share your story. Let’s break the cycle together.  Because bitch is a bad word when it’s used to tear you down — but if you’re in the Bestie Gang, being a bitch means you’re a baddie. We've got your back, Besties! 🎙️ Weekly episodes 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms + full video on YouTube 📱Follow on Instagram & TikTok 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter 📱 Join our Patreon 📞 Call or text us: (331) BITCHES 🛍️ Merch store (coming soon!) 🌐 www.caliber-studio.com | ✉️ biabw@caliber-studio.com This podcast is for you if you’re searching: Am I in an abusive relationship?What are the signs of emotional or narcissistic abuse?What is coercive control or gaslighting?How do I protect my kids and get out safely?What happens if I report my abusive partner?How do I break the cycle of abuse? If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

You Might Also Like