The LOVE>hate Podcast

Melissa Etzler

5.0 (1)
True Crime
Updated Biweekly

How do we not just survive trauma, but redefine our lives afterward? The LOVE > hate Podcast is a trauma-informed space where survivors of assault and interpersonal violence can share their experiences and journey to healing and reclaiming their lives. Join us for deeply respectful conversations with survivors, advocates, experts, and more who transform devastating experiences into powerful purpose.

3d ago

Joelle's Story Part One

What happens when the person you swore to love becomes the catalyst for your deepest trauma? In this raw and deeply moving episode, host Melissa Etzler sits down with Joelle, a certified practitioner and nurse, to unpack her devastating experience surviving severe narcissistic abuse. Joelle pulls back the curtain on the subtle red flags she missed early on, exploring how childhood wounds and empathic natures frequently attract toxic partners. When Joelle attempted to reclaim her autonomy, her marriage devolved into a relentless, decade-long war zone. She shares the harrowing details of a high-stakes custody battle, being arrested nine times while fighting for her children’s well-being, and confronting a corrupt local court system where she ultimately had to fire her attorney and represent herself in a grueling three-day trial. From coping with a suicide attempt thirteen years ago to watching her children suffer generational scarring, Joelle speaks candidly about the immense shame and isolation that plague abuse survivors. But this isn’t just a story of victimization, it is a masterclass in primal maternal instinct and survival. Joelle details how she found the inner strength to anchor herself through autopilot warrior mode, protect her children from a failing system, and navigate the shattering realization that her post-divorce journey would lead her straight into another five-year toxic cycle. Tune in for a gripping, emotional look at the reality of systemic and domestic battlegrounds, the truth about relational trauma, and the fierce resilience required to survive the storm. Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jul 14

Christine's Story Part Two

Rebuilding your life after leaving a coercive environment is an everyday work in progress. In Part 2 of our feature interview, Christine Dillard opens up about the daunting reality of reclaiming her autonomy. After 17 years of a controlled marriage, she realized she didn't even know what she liked to eat for dinner, let alone what her hobbies were. Christine explains her unique approach to rebuilding: starting with a list of what she didn't like to narrow down who she truly was. As her identity evolved, so did her commitment to healing. Christine shares how somatic therapy, massage, and Reiki energy work allowed her body to safely release decades of stored trauma and grief without the pressure of clinical questioning. This somatic release eventually gave her the strength to compile her experiences into an immersive, seven-movement book designed to meet survivors exactly where they are—whether they are currently living in abuse, actively planning their exit, or working through life after the relationship. The episode takes an incredibly powerful turn as host Melissa Etzler connects deeply with Christine's message, sharing her own raw experiences with trauma, overcoming severe survivor's guilt, and the profound milestone of sharing her story on 20/20. Together, Melissa and Christine demonstrate that when survivors speak openly, shame dissolves, communities strengthen, and true, deep-level cultural change begins. Grab a notebook, find a quiet space, and join us for this unforgettable conclusion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Post-Separation Identity Building: How to safely rediscover your voice, preferences, and hobbies after years of control.Somatic and Energy Healing: The role of Reiki, massage, and acupressure in releasing stored physical trauma.A Trauma-Informed Framework for Recovery: How Christine’s 7-part immersive book serves three distinct stages of a survivor's journey.Overcoming Survivor's Guilt: Melissa's personal reflections on healing from sudden trauma, processing deep emotions, and the power of public vulnerability. Www.Tiktok.Com/@thetruthsheshowedme https://www.instagram.com/thetruthsheshowedme?igsh=NHNkM3FvdHFudHl5&utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/share/14iCRuWPw52/?mibextid=wwXIfr Https://amzn.to/4te56ti Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jul 7

Christine's Story Part One

In this first part, Christine Dillard joins the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast to break down the complex mechanics of coercive control and domestic abuse. For 17 years, Christine lived an entirely double life: she was a confident, strong team lead in corporate America who managed boardrooms with ease, only to return home to an environment filled with walking on eggshells, explosive outbursts, and escalating threats. Christine candidly discusses the psychological barriers that keep many individuals trapped in abusive dynamics, including the heavy layers of shame, embarrassment, and self-doubt that cause victims to internalize the blame. She reflects on the early red flags, behaviors as seemingly minor as a partner being hours late for a first date, and explains how micro-behaviors snowball over time until a survivor no longer recognizes their own reality. The turning point came at year 14, leading to a meticulous, empowering three-year exit strategy. Christine shares invaluable insights on how she quietly took control of the household finances, advocated for raises at work to replace a dual income, and waited until her daughter was legally old enough to have a voice in custody courts. Finally, Christine introduces a unique, immediate nervous system hack, the "Altoid trick", recommended by her trauma therapist to shock the body out of a full-blown panic attack. Tune in to hear a masterclass in strategic survival, self-advocacy, and immediate trauma grounding. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Anatomy of Coercive Control: How abusers use micro-behaviors to alter your narrative and rewrite your reality.The Illusion of the Double Life: Navigating the stark contrast between professional success and private survival.Building a Strategic Exit Plan: Financial empowerment, child custody timelines, and finding the courage to set terrifying boundaries.Nervous System Grounding: A practical, immediate physical trick to disrupt nightmares and panic attacks. Www.Tiktok.Com/@thetruthsheshowedme https://www.instagram.com/thetruthsheshowedme?igsh=NHNkM3FvdHFudHl5&utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/share/14iCRuWPw52/?mibextid=wwXIfr Https://amzn.to/4te56ti Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jun 30

Maria's Story Part Two

How do you find peace and joy on the days when life simply feels too heavy? In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation on the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler continues her discussion with author and podcaster Maria to explore the practical daily habits, tools, and mindsets required for long-term emotional healing and self-discovery. Following her survival of multiple health crises and major life transitions, Maria shares how she finally realized her lifelong dream of becoming a self-published author in her 40s. She introduces her book, Against All Odds: A Less Than 1% Chance, sharing how real-life stories can act as a guide for others seeking a shift in perspective. Melissa and Maria discuss the reality of the healing journey—acknowledging that even after doing the deep work, crappy days still happen. Maria reveals her go-to practices for heavy days, starting with a simple, transformative deep breath to flood the brain with oxygen and anchor yourself in the present moment. She explains the power of asking yourself the right questions to shift your focus away from future anxiety or past depression. Listeners will learn about the "law of giving and receiving," why Maria is known as the "purple energy girl" at work, and how consciously projecting the joy you wish to receive can cultivate inner peace. Finally, Maria leaves the audience with an uplifting message about looking for the "lighthouses" around us and building a personalized mental health toolbox. Don't forget to check the show notes for links to Maria's podcast and her newly released book! Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jun 23

Maria's Story Part One

Why do some people survive impossible circumstances, and how do we shift from feeling like life is happening to us to realizing it is happening for us? In the first part of this deeply moving episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with Maria, a remarkable survivor who has spent her life defying the statistics. From the very beginning, surviving a less-than-one-percent chance of survival in utero, Maria’s journey has been defined by resilience. In this episode, Maria bravely opens up about overcoming severe personal trauma, navigating the heavy emotional weight of silence, and facing an unexpected cervical cancer diagnosis at just 19 years old. She shares the pivotal moment an unexpected mentor, a true angel in her life, helped her break her silence, guide her toward therapy, and begin a somatic and emotional healing journey. We dive deep into the profound connection between emotional distress and physical wellness, exploring how suppressed trauma can manifest as disease in the body until we find the courage to speak our truth. Maria also details the emotional complexities of family dynamics, navigating early motherhood with three children, and surviving a life-threatening medical emergency. This episode is a powerful beacon for anyone dealing with the aftermath of trauma, chronic illness, or feelings of isolation. Tune in to discover how breaking the cycle of silence can pave the way for true emotional restoration, and learn how to recognize the "lighthouses" in your own life when things feel dark. Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jun 16

AGP's Story

In this deeply moving episode of The LOVE>hate Podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with the incredibly resilient Amanda Goldman-Petrie (affectionately known as AGP) for a powerful conversation on trauma, survival, and why growth is always greater than pain. AGP shares her "utterly insane" life journey, walking listeners through three distinct evolutions of herself. She opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse and neglect, only to face a near-death experience at age 18 when she was struck by a minivan, forcing her to relearn how to walk while navigating an unexpected pregnancy. If that wasn't enough, AGP later faced a rare brain tumor diagnosis during law school, resulting in a life-altering surgery that wiped away chunks of her memory. Remarkably, AGP views the loss of her memories as a unexpected blessing that helped wash away the residual trauma of her past. She shares how the turning point in her healing journey arrived through the unwavering, unconditional love of her husband, who spent a decade acting as her chauffeur when she was too terrified to drive, eventually giving her the confidence to reclaim her independence. Listeners will gain insight into practical, everyday tools AGP uses to protect her peace and stay grounded, from mindfulness walks in the sun to bonding with family through the Paired app and Wordle. Now a proud wife, mother, and law student, AGP delivers a beautiful roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in their own suffering. This episode is an inspiring reminder that you don't have to carry your burdens alone, support systems are all around you, and pain is never the ultimate point of your story—the growth is. Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jun 9

Denise's Story

In this powerful episode of The LOVE>hate Podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with author, minister, and overcomer Denise M. Walker for an intimate conversation on healing, faith, and reclaiming your voice after trauma. Denise opens up about her deeply personal journey overcoming the painful wounds of childhood abuse and the physical and emotional toll of a severe endometriosis diagnosis. After facing a devastating miscarriage and a medical prognosis that she would likely never have children, Denise shares how a pivotal mindset shift transformed her from a victim into a victorious woman of faith. She reveals the exact moment she learned to release her heavy emotional burdens to God, resulting in a miraculous recovery and the birth of her now 22-year-old son. Listeners will discover practical, budget-friendly creative outlets for healing, including Denise’s passion for junk journaling, digital Bible journaling, and meditating on scripture to find inner peace. As an accomplished author, Denise also discusses her inspiring women’s Christian fiction series—Barren Wound, Sufficient Grace, and So That You May Live—explaining how she poured her real-life trauma and medical struggles into her main character, Hannah, to provide a roadmap of empathy and hope for others. Whether you are navigating your own healing journey, struggling to build boundaries and trust after trauma, or seeking inspiration to step into your God-given purpose, this episode serves as a beautiful reminder that you do not have to stay stuck in your past. Tune in to find encouragement, discover the power of vulnerability, and learn how your deepest pain can connect to your greatest purpose. Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Jun 2

Dan's Story Part Two

In the powerful second half of this interview on the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler dives deeper with advocate Dan Roth into the complex realities of mental health, family dynamics, and intentional recovery. Dan opens up about his personal turning point, sharing the precise mindset shift that saved his marriage and reshaped his entire approach to emotional healing. Navigating Neurodivergence and Family TriggersDan offers a raw, vulnerable look into the challenges of balancing his own neurodivergence while parenting two autistic children. He explains how managing multiple sets of sensory triggers often meant suppressing his own needs, leading to emotional burnout. Dan discusses the embarrassment of life transitions—including his departure from Amazon during the 2023 mass layoffs—and how hiding those struggles created barriers in his marriage until a profound moment of self-awareness sparked a commitment to radical communication. From Survival to Impact: The Power of Grassroots AdvocacyListeners will be inspired by Dan’s extensive journey into grassroots advocacy. After a spinal injury sidelined the sports and physical outlets he once used for stress relief, Dan channeled his energy into creating massive community change. He details the incredible success of The Manny Project, an initiative that has successfully installed adaptive playground swings in 80% of his school district's elementary schools within just 18 months, ensuring children with physical and mental handicaps can play alongside their peers. Challenging Societal BiasesFrom special education reform to global fundraising for sickle cell anemia, and even championing menopause and maternity rights, Dan emphasizes the necessity of men stepping into uncomfortable conversations to become better partners and parents. He touches on his recent TEDx talk regarding body dysmorphia and eating disorders, closing with a powerful, unfiltered reflection on boundaries, processing trauma, and breaking down generational cycles for a fairer future. Click here to donate to LOVE>hate now National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Trailer

The LOVE>hate Podcast Trailer

The LOVE > hate Podcast is a trauma-informed space where survivors of assault and interpersonal violence can share their experiences and journey to healing and reclaiming their lives. Hosted by a trauma-informed Emotional Freedom Techniques practitioner, we believe in the power of your voice to inspire, empower, and connect.

How do we not just survive trauma, but redefine our lives afterward? The LOVE > hate Podcast is a trauma-informed space where survivors of assault and interpersonal violence can share their experiences and journey to healing and reclaiming their lives. Join us for deeply respectful conversations with survivors, advocates, experts, and more who transform devastating experiences into powerful purpose.

Creator

Melissa Etzler
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

27
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© All rights reserved.
Show Website

The LOVE>hate Podcast

True Crime

True Crime

Updated Weekly