Stories We Weren't Supposed To Tell

Sunshine Faye
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Stories We Weren’t Supposed to Tell. This is a survivor led podcast where we speak the truth about abuse, manipulation, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after it. These aren’t watered down stories. These are real experiences from real people who lived it, survived it, and chose to tell it anyway. You’ll hear the patterns most people miss love bombing, gaslighting, control, trauma bonds broken down in a way that finally makes sense. Alongside each story, we dive deeper with The Manipulation Whisperer episodes, connecting the dots between what happened, why it happened, and how to take your power back. This space is for the ones who: – questioned their reality – stayed longer than they should have – are trying to find themselves again And it’s also for the ones watching from the outside the friends, the family, the people who have ever asked: “Why didn’t they just leave?” This will help you understand what abuse actually does to a person how it rewires thinking, creates attachment, and makes leaving far more complex than it looks. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you’re not the only one this happened to. If you’ve ever felt like something wasn’t right but couldn’t explain why… this podcast will give you the words for it. And once you see it, you won’t unsee it. Sunshine Faye ☀️

  1. 2d ago

    E21: Randin's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    In this episode of Stories We Weren't Supposed to Tell: Manipulation Whisper, we step back from Randin's survivor story to examine the manipulation hiding beneath the surface. Together, we break down the psychological tactics that kept her trapped in a cycle of abuse, addiction, and self-doubt. We explore love bombing, future faking, gaslighting, blame shifting, projection, DARVO, JADE, FOG, triangulation, coercive control, financial exploitation, intermittent reinforcement, trauma bonding, emotional blackmail, hypervigilance, and the slow conditioning that made unhealthy feel normal. One of the most powerful moments comes when Randin shares the advice she would give her younger self: "Don't listen to yourself." Not because her intuition was wrong, but because years of trauma, addiction, and manipulation had distorted the way she spoke to herself. That realization becomes a powerful conversation about gratitude, self-talk, rewiring the brain, and learning to replace shame with compassion. This episode isn't about assigning blame or pretending survivors are perfect. It's about understanding how manipulation changes the way we think, why leaving is rarely as simple as walking away, and how accountability and healing can exist together. Whether you're healing from an abusive relationship, struggling with the aftermath of addiction, or trying to understand why you stayed longer than you wanted to, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not broken you were manipulated. And once you can recognize the pattern, you can begin to break it. ⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode contains discussions of: Domestic violenceEmotional abuseManipulation tacticsGaslightingTrauma bondingStrangulationAddiction and recoveryInfidelityFinancial exploitationCoercive controlEmotional blackmailHypervigilanceMental healthGrief and healingPlease listen at your own pace and take breaks if needed. Disclaimer Manipulation Whisper is an educational companion series within Stories We Weren't Supposed to Tell. These episodes explore common manipulation tactics and trauma responses through real survivor stories to educate, raise awareness, and encourage healing. The perspectives shared reflect our interpretation of the experiences described by our guest and are intended for educational purposes only. They should not be used to diagnose yourself or others and are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction & Why This Breakdown Matters 01:22 – Love Bombing & Future Faking 07:15 – Gaslighting, Blame Shifting & Projection 13:10 – DARVO, JADE & FOG 22:45 – Triangulation & Emotional Blackmail 30:10 – Financial Exploitation & Coercive Control 38:30 – Hypervigilance, Intermittent Reinforcement & Trauma Bonds 43:50 – Accountability vs. Abuse 46:00 – "Don't Listen to Yourself" & Rewiring Your Inner Voice 💛 If this episode helped put words to something you've experienced, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. Every conversation helps survivors understand that what they experienced wasn't love it was manipulation. And healing is always possible. Connect with Sunshine Faye Media 🌐 https://sunshinefayemedia.com

  2. Aug 13

    E20: Randin's Episode- I Thought I Deserved It.

    In this episode of Stories We Weren't Supposed to Tell, Randin shares the deeply personal story of the abusive relationship that forever changed her life. From addiction and trauma to love bombing, manipulation, repeated violence, and ultimately becoming the father of her daughter, she opens up about the cycle that kept pulling her back and what it finally took to break free. Together, we explore trauma bonding, coercive control, gaslighting, strangulation, addiction, pregnancy, the justice system, recovery, and the complicated grief that comes with losing someone who both loved and harmed you. Randin reflects on the choices she made, the shame she carried, and how healing allowed her to reclaim her life and become the woman she is today. Whether you've experienced domestic violence, struggled with addiction, or are trying to understand why leaving an abusive relationship isn't as simple as walking away, we hope this conversation reminds you that healing is possible and that your past does not define your future. ⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode contains discussions of: Domestic violenceStrangulationTrauma bondingLove bombingEmotional abuseGaslighting and manipulationAddiction and substance usePregnancy during abuseIncarcerationGrief and homicideMental health and recoveryPlease listen at your own pace and take breaks if needed. DisclaimerStories We Weren't Supposed to Tell is a survivor-led podcast created to educate, raise awareness, and encourage healing. The experiences shared in this episode reflect one individual's personal story and should not be used to diagnose yourself or others. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are experiencing abuse or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified professional or local emergency services. Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction & Trigger Warning 01:26 – Meet Randin 08:45 – Love bombing & the beginning of the relationship 20:30 – The first lies, manipulation & betrayal 34:30 – Violence begins to escalate 48:00 – Trauma bonds, addiction & staying stuck 1:05:00 – Pregnancy, strangulation & surviving abuse 1:25:00 – Recovery, rebuilding & becoming a mother 1:40:00 – Steven's death & complicated grief 1:50:00 – What healing looks like today 💛 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. Every conversation helps break the silence surrounding abuse, addiction, and healing. Connect with Sunshine Faye Media 🌐 https://sunshinefayemedia.com

  3. Aug 6

    E19: Gayleen's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    This conversation breaks down the manipulation, abuse, and survival patterns hidden throughout Gayleen's story. Randin and Krystle explore how childhood boundary violations, grooming, love bombing, surveillance, minimization, intimidation, sexual coercion, trauma bonding, future faking, and fear conditioning shaped Gayleen's beliefs about herself and the relationships she accepted. They also discuss the fixer trap, self-worth, boundaries, healing, and the powerful moment Gayleen began seeing herself through a different lens. Through honest conversation, they reveal how manipulation changes not only how survivors see others, but how they see themselves and why naming these tactics is often the first step toward healing. TakeawaysAbuse often begins with boundary testing, grooming, and normalization, not physical violence.Love bombing, surveillance, minimization, and intimidation are powerful tools of control.Trauma bonds are strengthened through intermittent reinforcement and cycles of hope and disappointment.Future faking keeps survivors invested in potential rather than reality.Self-blame and low self-worth can become internalized long after the abuse ends.Being a fixer can keep people trapped in unhealthy relationships for years.Boundaries are essential for healing, even when they feel uncomfortable.Healing is not linear; it requires self-awareness, honesty, and choosing yourself repeatedly.Chapters00:00 The Manipulation Hidden in Plain Sight 08:12 Grooming, Boundary Testing, and Love Bombing 14:27 Surveillance, Control, and Walking on Eggshells 19:48 Minimization, Intimidation, and Sexual Coercion 25:36 Trauma Bonds and Intermittent Reinforcement 31:18 Future Faking and False Hope 35:42 The Fixer Trap and Self-Sacrifice 42:15 Self-Blame, Worthiness, and Internalized Messages 48:51 Boundaries, Healing, and Choosing Yourself 55:24 Get Up: The Turning Point Toward Recovery

  4. Jul 30

    E18: Gayleen's Episode- She Saves Everyone but Herself.

    In this episode, Gayleen shares her journey through childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and recovery. She reflects on growing up in a fractured family, the lasting impact of not being believed when she spoke up, and the patterns that followed her into adulthood. Gayleen opens up about domestic violence, gang culture, meth addiction, incarceration, and the difficult road to rebuilding her life. Along the way, she discusses the role self-worth played in her choices, the lessons learned through survival, and what ultimately helped her break free from the cycles that kept her stuck. This conversation explores resilience, healing, recovery, and the courage it takes to start over. Gayleen's story is a powerful reminder that your past does not define your future, and that hope can exist even in life's darkest moments. Takeaways • The lasting impact of childhood trauma and not being believed • How abuse and addiction can become intertwined • The role self-worth plays in relationships and recovery • Why healing requires both honesty and self-compassion • Hope, resilience, and life after survival Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Gayleen's Story Begins 09:32 Finding Her Voice 16:07 Self-Worth and Survival 21:31 Early Signs of Abuse 28:21 Addiction and Escaping Reality 38:45 Recovery and Accountability 46:12 Leaving and Starting Over 52:30 Healing Through Motherhood 55:14 Life After Survival

  5. Jul 23

    E17: Teresa's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    The conversation dives into the harrowing story of manipulation, abuse, and control experienced by Teresa. It explores the insidious tactics used to groom, isolate, and trap her in a cycle of trauma and dependency. The narrative sheds light on the devastating impact of emotional and physical abuse, as well as the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship. Takeaways Emotional attachment and conditioning play a significant role in maintaining control over the victim.Isolation, financial control, and substance abuse are key tools used to perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Chapters 00:00 The Manipulation Whisperer08:48 Isolation and Financial Control15:32 Conditioning and Learned Entrapment23:12 Substance Use and Tracking29:06 Normalization of Abuse

  6. Jul 16

    E16: Teresa's Story- She Took Back Control

    The episode tells a story into the speaker's journey of overcoming trauma, the impact of past experiences on present choices, and the progression of an abusive relationship. It explores the dynamics of raising children, dealing with trauma and mental health, early work relationships, red flags, building trust, recognizing unhealthy patterns, marriage and family dynamics, control and isolation, escalation of abuse and substance use, life after leaving and returning, and the first experience of physical abuse. The conversation covers the early signs of abuse, discovery of meth use, forced drug use and abuse, attempts to escape, protecting the child, hiding and survival, violence and police involvement, law enforcement and victim blaming, pivotal moment and escape, recovery and therapy, support and healing, choosing self-care, and encouragement to the broken self. The interviewee shares her journey through trauma bonds, addiction, and the impact of childhood abuse on her acceptance of abuse in adulthood. Takeaways Overcoming trauma and finding strengthThe impact of past experiences on present choices Trauma bonds and addiction can trap individuals in abusive relationships.The impact of childhood abuse can influence acceptance of abuse in adulthood. Chapters 00:00 First Experience of Physical Abuse37:01 Forced Drug Use and Abuse42:50 Violence and Police Involvement49:17 Pivotal Moment and Escape55:03 Support and Healing01:03:44 Choosing Self-Care

  7. Jul 10

    E15: Dovah's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    Randin and Krystle break down the impact of trauma and manipulation on an individual's life, highlighting the use of various tactics such as gaslighting, coercion, and medical neglect. It also emphasizes the importance of boundary-setting and self-advocacy in the healing process. Takeaways Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective emotional survival toolkit for regulating emotions and setting boundaries.Manipulation tactics such as gaslighting, DARVO, and medical neglect have a profound impact on survivors, leading to self-doubt and trauma responses. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)12:06 Impact of Gaslighting and Coercive Control21:33 The Use of DARVO and Smear Campaigns31:17 Medical Neglect and Self-Advocacy43:04 Challenges with Boundaries and Autonomy• • 50:24 Surviving and Overcoming Trauma

  8. Jul 2

    E14: Dovah's Story- They Didn't Break Me

    The conversation begins with an introduction and the sharing of a personal story, leading into a discussion about the chaotic and oppressive childhood environment. This segues into the feeling of being unsafe and unprotected, followed by the impact of trauma on the teenage years. The coping mechanisms and misunderstandings are explored, leading to a discussion about the physical and mental health effects of trauma. The conversation covers the journey of belief, relief, and the importance of advocating for oneself. It delves into mental health abbreviations, disorders, and the diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. The discussion also explores struggles, survival, healing, and self-discovery, along with the impact of generational trauma and the importance of spirituality in life transformation. Takeaways Generational trauma impactSurviving childhood traumaPhysical and mental health effects of trauma Advocating for oneself is crucialUnderstanding mental health abbreviations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story10:02 Impact of Trauma on Teenage Years25:03 Coping Mechanisms and Misunderstandings32:04 Physical and Mental Health Effects39:08 Belief and Relief45:23 Life Changes and Family Dynamics54:23 Healing and Self-Discovery01:00:27 Generational Trauma and Understanding01:06:48 Personal Growth and Confidence01:12:24 Life Transformation and Spirituality

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About

Welcome to Stories We Weren’t Supposed to Tell. This is a survivor led podcast where we speak the truth about abuse, manipulation, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after it. These aren’t watered down stories. These are real experiences from real people who lived it, survived it, and chose to tell it anyway. You’ll hear the patterns most people miss love bombing, gaslighting, control, trauma bonds broken down in a way that finally makes sense. Alongside each story, we dive deeper with The Manipulation Whisperer episodes, connecting the dots between what happened, why it happened, and how to take your power back. This space is for the ones who: – questioned their reality – stayed longer than they should have – are trying to find themselves again And it’s also for the ones watching from the outside the friends, the family, the people who have ever asked: “Why didn’t they just leave?” This will help you understand what abuse actually does to a person how it rewires thinking, creates attachment, and makes leaving far more complex than it looks. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you’re not the only one this happened to. If you’ve ever felt like something wasn’t right but couldn’t explain why… this podcast will give you the words for it. And once you see it, you won’t unsee it. Sunshine Faye ☀️

Information

  • Creator
    Sunshine Faye
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunshine Faye