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 ☀️

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Cliff's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    Randin and Krystle discuss the predatory behavior of stepfathers targeting vulnerable single mothers, the grooming process, the impact on the children, the role of the mother, and the journey of healing and closure for the survivor. Takeaways Predatory behavior targets vulnerable single mothersGrooming process involves gifts, appearance, and positioning as a stable adultSurvivor's journey involves acknowledging the bad and finding closureHealing involves training the nervous system to relax and allowing something differentEnding on a positive note can change one's demeanor Chapters Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:51 Targeting Vulnerable Individuals 04:25 Grooming and Manipulation Techniques 09:23 The Impact of Neglect and Abuse 13:34 Survival Mode and Coping Mechanisms 18:48 Family Dynamics and Enabling Behaviors 23:26 Healing and Moving Forward 26:58 Understanding Abuse and Its Impact 28:57 Resilience and Healing in the Face of Trauma

    29 min

  2. Jun 4

    Cliff's Story- My Abuser was my Safest Option

    Cliff explains his horrific childhood experiences, including trauma and abuse, as well as the impact of family dynamics on his life. It explores the challenges faced in various family environments and the coping mechanisms developed to navigate through difficult circumstances. The conversation delves into the speaker's childhood memories and trauma, highlighting the impact of his mother's addiction, the process of healing and recovery, and his approach to parenting and reflection. It explores themes of resilience and the lasting impact of childhood trauma on the speaker's life. Takeaways Childhood trauma and abuseImpact of family dynamics ResilienceImpact of Childhood Trauma Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Support Resources09:34 Challenges and Struggles in Iowa16:15 Unsafe Home Environment and Family Dynamics22:10 Lack of Disclosure and State Intervention31:25 Support and Coping Mechanisms40:30 Childhood Memories and Trauma52:23 Impact of Mother's Addiction01:05:32 Healing and Recovery01:16:56 Parenting and Reflection

    1h 8m

  3. May 28

    Taya's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    Taya's story reveals the insidious nature of abuse, from early exposure to manipulation tactics, grooming, and coercive control to the devastating impact on the victim's sense of safety and self-trust. Randin and Krystle highlight the importance of recognizing abuse, reclaiming empowerment, and protecting oneself from further harm. Takeaways Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial for reclaiming empowerment and self-protection.Understanding the impact of abuse on the victim's sense of safety and self-trust is essential for supporting survivors. Chapters 00:00 The Start of Abuse14:38 Intermittent Reinforcement and Gaslighting21:24 Coercive Control27:39 Sexual Coercion and Violence32:40 Victim Blaming and Shame41:38 Hoovering and Manipulation through Crisis50:36 Hoovering and Manipulation through Crisis56:49 Empowerment and Self-Protection

    38 min

  4. May 21

    Taya's Story- Even Prison Couldn't Free her of Him.

    Taya tells her story of abuse that started at a young age and dives right into the early days of the relationship, the manipulation and control exerted by the abuser, the escalation of abuse, instances of physical violence, the experience of living with the abuser, threats and escalation of dangerous behavior, and the abuser's behavior towards the victim's pets. Randin shares her harrowing experiences of animal abuse, stalking, home invasion, manipulation, assault, legal proceedings, and the journey of healing and self-reflection. Her story sheds light on the impact of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit. Takeaways Early signs of manipulation and control can be subtle and may escalate over time.Abusers often use threats, violence, and control to maintain power over their victims. Resilience in the face of traumaThe importance of self-reflection and healing Chapters 00:00 The Early Days08:01 Escalation of Abuse18:02 Living with the Abuser22:52 Threats and Escalation31:10 Animal Abuse38:33 Stalking and Home Invasion46:55 Assault and Trauma53:29 Legal Proceedings and Protective Order01:08:43 Healing and Self-Reflection

    1h 12m

  5. May 14

    Sadie's Manipulation Episode

    In this Manipulation Whisperer Randin and Krystle go behind the scenes of Sadie’s anonymous survivor story to break down what was really happening underneath the abuse. This episode dives into the trauma responses many survivors judge themselves for CPTSD, hypersexuality, trauma bonding, nervous system addiction, and the chemical withdrawal that happens when you finally go no contact. They unpack why survivors often go back, why sex can become wired into safety, and why healing can feel physically unbearable long after the relationship ends. Then they shift into the manipulation tactics used throughout Sadie’s story: sexual coercion, medical gaslighting, coercive control, weaponized incompetence, covert narcissism, DARVO, victim blaming, future faking, secrecy, and exploitation disguised as rescue. This is not just a discussion about Sadie. This is an educational breakdown for every survivor who has ever looked back at their own coping mechanisms and asked, why did I do that? Because sometimes the body survives long before the mind understands what happened. Trigger Warning: sexual assault, domestic violence, coercive control, trauma responses, narcissistic abuse, trauma bonds, childhood sexual trauma. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro + Why Sadie’s story needed a deeper breakdown 01:23 CPTSD and living in a body trained for danger 04:00 Hypersexuality after abuse and sex as a trauma response 08:30 Trauma bonding, nervous system addiction, and chemical attachment 14:45 No contact withdrawal and why survivors go back 21:40 Practical healing tools: breath work, journaling, shadow work, somatics 31:10 Sexual coercion, fawning, and compliance as survival 35:20 Medical gaslighting, coercive control, and weaponized incompetence 40:15 Covert narcissism, public charm, and isolation through responsibility 44:10 Justin: predatory rescue, boundary testing, blackout exploitation, DARVO 48:45 Victim blaming, future faking, guilt, and forced reporting 51:10 Childhood trauma roots + piecing memory together 52:38 Closing thoughts

    55 min

  6. May 12

    Sadie's Story-My Body Isn't Mine

    Randin shares an anonymous survivor story to Krystle about trauma, marriage, coercive control, sexual assault, shame, and the complicated aftermath of trying to heal while still blaming herself. This episode looks at the ways early trauma can shape a survivor’s nervous system, how coercion can hide inside relationships, why consent is not real when fear and punishment are involved, and how survivors often carry shame that never belonged to them. Sadie’s story is heavy, honest, and deeply human. It is not just about what happened to her. It is about what she survived, what she learned, and how she began rebuilding a life where safety, love, and truth could finally exist. Content warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, coercive control, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, grief, dissociation, CPTSD, postpartum depression, hypersexuality, and suicidal thoughts. Please listen with care. Chapters 00:00 Sadie’s anonymous story begins 03:20 High school and early relationship dynamics 08:30 Early trauma and survival patterns 12:00 How trauma shaped her relationship with her body 16:20 Marriage, pain, and pressure 22:00 Coercion and survival sex 29:00 Emotional punishment and control 34:30 Carrying the marriage alone 39:00 Power shifts and escalating behavior 43:00 Dissociation and emotional survival 49:30 Why this story was hard to tell

    51 min

  7. Apr 30

    Ashleys Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    If you’ve already listened to Ashley’s story, this is where everything clicks. Because what she went through wasn’t random. It wasn’t “just a toxic relationship.” It was a pattern. In this episode of Stories We Weren’t Supposed to Tell, we break down the manipulation behind Ashley’s story the tactics that kept her confused, attached, and questioning her own reality even after abuse escalated. We’re talking about: Love bombing and instant intensityBoundary testing from the very beginningGaslighting and memory distortionDARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender)Reactive abuseTrauma bonding and intermittent reinforcementIsolation and controlSlow erosion of boundariesThis episode shows how abuse doesn’t just happen—it’s built. Slowly. Intentionally. Strategically. Because once you understand the pattern, you stop blaming yourself for staying… and start seeing exactly what was done to you. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, strangulation, coercive control, and psychological manipulation. Please listen at your own pace. If you’ve ever found yourself asking: “Was it really that bad?” “Did I overreact?” “Why couldn’t I just leave?” This episode will answer that. Takeaways Love bombing creates fast emotional attachment and lowers defensesEarly red flags are often disguised as “intensity” or “connection”Gaslighting works by planting small doubts over timeDARVO flips accountability onto the victimReactive abuse is provoked, then used against youTrauma bonds are built through cycles of harm and affectionBoundaries are rarely broken all at once—they’re worn down slowlyIsolation often increases after outside support pushes backFinancial and emotional entanglement make leaving harderAwareness is the moment the cycle starts to break Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Breakdown Setup Why this episode matters 01:00 – Love Bombing & Instant Bond Fast emotional attachment and intensity 03:00 – First Red Flag & Boundary Test Overreaction to normal dating behavior 06:00 – Questioning Herself Early Self-doubt begins immediately 08:00 – Fast Commitment & Future Faking Rushed relationship and proposal 11:00 – First Physical Incident Minimizing early violence 13:00 – Gaslighting & Reality Distortion Rewriting events and planting doubt 16:00 – Cognitive Dissonance Questioning every thought and reaction 18:30 – DARVO Explained Turning victim into offender 21:00 – Reactive Abuse Provoking reaction, then using it as proof 23:00 – Trauma Bonding Cycle Abuse → apology → affection → repeat 25:00 – Isolation & Family Conflict Pulling her away from support 27:00 – Boundary Erosion Slowly pushing limits over time 29:00 – Financial Control & Entanglement Business ties and divorce pressure 30:46 – Final Reflection & Healing Awareness, growth, and breaking free

    33 min

  8. Apr 30

    Ashley's Story- She Refused To Be Another Statistic

    Studies show that when a partner strangles someone, the victim becomes 7 times more likely to be killed by that person. Sit with that. In this episode Ashley shares what it’s like to survive a relationship that escalated from intense connection… to control… to violence that nearly turned deadly. What started as deep conversation and attraction quickly turned into: verbal abuse within the first weekmanipulation and blame shiftingphysical violencegaslighting that made her question her own realityand a cycle of control that only got worse over timeThis episode exposes how dangerous relationships don’t start out looking dangerous. They often look intelligent, charming, and safe until they’re not. Ashley’s story is about surviving strangulation, coercive control, and emotional abuse… and the moment she realized she would not become another statistic. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, strangulation, coercive control, and emotional abuse. Please listen at your own pace. If you’ve ever questioned your instincts, second-guessed your reality, or stayed hoping someone would change this episode is for you. Takeaways Strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in abusive relationshipsAbuse often starts fast, intense, and emotionally addictiveEarly red flags are often minimized or rationalizedGaslighting can make you question your memory and realityReactive abuse is used to flip the narrative onto the victimTrauma bonding keeps you emotionally attached even after harmAbusers escalate when control starts slippingStrength and empathy can be used against youProtecting them often feels more natural than protecting yourselfWalking away is not weakness it’s survivalChapters 00:00 – Intro & Strangulation Statistic Why this story is life-or-death important 01:10 – The Initial Attraction Intelligence, depth, and early connection 02:30 – First Red Flag (Week One) Immediate verbal abuse and control 05:20 – The “Good Phase” Love bombing and short-term stability 06:30 – First Physical Violence Shoved into wall after birthday conflict 08:30 – Gaslighting Begins Rewriting reality and self-doubt 09:10 – Fast Engagement & Control Rushed commitment and blame shifting 12:00 – Wedding Day Red Flags Control, resentment, and emotional withdrawal 15:00 – Business & Alcohol Issues Control mixed with instability 18:00 – Escalation & Destruction of Property Aggression and power struggles 21:00 – Push-Pull & Trauma Bonding Cycles of abuse and affection 25:00 – The Strangulation Incident Life-threatening violence and survival moment 30:00 – Aftermath & Police Involvement Calling for help and hospital visit 37:00 – Protective Order & Court Fear, love, and conflicting emotions 42:00 – Breaking the Order & Pull Back In Manipulation and false change 45:00 – Isolation & Control Over Time Separation from family and support 50:00 – Final Breaking Point (Children Involved) When abuse extended to her child 55:00 – Divorce & Escaping Control Leaving despite pressure and manipulation 57:00 – Reflection & Lessons Learned Boundaries, intuition, and growth 1:01:26 – Final Message “You’re not so strong that you can make him better.”

    1h 4m

  9. Apr 30

    Amber's Manipulation Whisperer Episode

    If you’ve already listened to Mother Knows Best, this is where everything starts to make sense. Because what Amber experienced wasn’t just a difficult childhood. It wasn’t just family drama. It was manipulation. The kind that starts so young you don’t even realize it’s happening the kind that teaches you fear instead of safety, confusion instead of clarity, and survival instead of self-worth. In this episode of Stories We Weren’t Supposed to Tell, we break down the patterns behind Amber’s story: fear-based control, emotional invalidation, parentification, gaslighting, triangulation, smear campaigns, and trauma bonding. This isn’t about retelling her story. It’s about helping you see it clearly. Because once you can name it, you can stop blaming yourself for it and start choosing something different. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of childhood abuse, family trauma, and psychological manipulation. Please listen at your own pace. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be perfect to be safe, like your emotions were “too much,” or like you’ve been questioning your own reality this episode will help you understand why. Takeaways Fear-based control teaches obedience, not safetyEmotional invalidation disconnects you from yourselfParentification keeps children emotionally responsible for adultsGaslighting distorts memory and realityTriangulation and smear campaigns are control tacticsPerfectionism is often a trauma responseTrauma bonding is created through push-pull cyclesAwareness is the first step to breaking the pattern Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Breakdown Purpose 01:30 – Initial Reactions 03:30 – Fear-Based Control 07:30 – Early Conditioning & Triggers 10:30 – Emotional Invalidation 15:30 – Boundaries & Anxiety 18:30 – Parentification 22:30 – Dependency & Control 26:00 – Gaslighting & Memory 30:00 – Perfectionism as Survival 33:00 – Body Image & Self-Worth 36:00 – Triangulation 38:30 – Smear Campaigns 40:30 – CPS & Escalation 42:30 – Trauma Bonding 43:09 – Final Truth & Reframe 44:30 – Resources & Closing

    45 min

  10. Apr 30

    Amber's Story- Mother Knows Best

    Amber shares what it’s like to grow up in a home where fear, perfection, and control were disguised as love. From being told she was the product of rape to surviving abuse, emotional manipulation, and identity erasure to uncovering the truth about her mother’s calculated control tactics Amber’s story exposes what happens when the person meant to protect you becomes the one manipulating the narrative. This episode dives into: Childhood trauma and survival patternsThe long-term impact of emotional and psychological abuseHow manipulation hides inside family dynamicsWhat it takes to break the cycle and choose yourselfThis isn’t just a story about abuse. It’s a story about recognition, boundaries, and reclaiming your life. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of childhood abuse, sexual abuse, coercive control, emotional manipulation, and false allegations. Please listen at your own pace. If you’ve ever questioned your reality, minimized your pain, or struggled to set boundaries with family… this episode will hit. Takeaways Abuse doesn’t always look like violence it often looks like control, fear, and perfectionism.You can be manipulated your entire life and not recognize it until adulthood.Family roles (caretaker, peacekeeper, “perfect child”) are survival strategies not personality traits.Narcissistic abuse can escalate into extreme control tactics, including smear campaigns and false reports.Gaslighting inside families can distort your memory and your sense of reality.Setting boundaries will feel wrong at first but that doesn’t mean they are.Healing begins when you recognize: “This wasn’t normal.”Breaking the cycle means choosing your children and yourself over dysfunction.You can come from chaos and still create safety. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Content Warning Overview of Amber’s story and themes of control, trauma, and manipulation 01:00 – Chaotic Childhood & Early Abuse Unstable upbringing, abusive father figure, and early trauma 04:30 – Identity Shock: “Unwanted” Narrative Learning how she was conceived and the emotional impact 08:30 – Escalation of Abuse & Trauma Responses Violence, fear-based control, and emotional shutdown 15:00 – Survival Through Perfection Fear, punishment, and becoming “perfect” to stay safe 20:00 – Becoming the Caregiver Taking on emotional responsibility for her mother 25:00 – The First Safe Parent Her stepfather and finally feeling seen 30:00 – Leaving Home & Early Independence Breaking away while manipulation continues 34:00 – Wedding Control & Narcissistic Traits Control, criticism, and “Momzilla” behavior 38:00 – Smear Campaigns & Sabotage False rumors and attempts to destroy her relationship 43:00 – CPS Calls & Extreme Manipulation False allegations, investigations, and truth revealed 48:00 – Cutting Contact & Breaking the Cycle Setting boundaries and walking away 50:30 – Recognizing Manipulation in Real Time Finally seeing the patterns clearly 52:30 – Healing & Parenting Differently Choosing to break generational cycles 53:30 – Message to Her Younger Self Hope, strength, and self-worth 54:20 – Closing Message & Resources Support, validation, and encouragement to seek help

    56 min

  11. Apr 23

    We Heal By Telling our Stories

    We Heal by Telling Our Stories There are moments in life that split everything into before and after. This is one of them. In this opening episode of Stories We Weren’t Supposed to Tell, Randin (Sunshine Faye) and Krystle share the raw truth behind why this podcast exists and the lived experiences that led them here. From childhood intuition being silenced, to toxic relationships, abuse, anxiety, and losing connection with themselves… both women walk you through the turning points that forced them to face their truth. The moments where survival meant going quiet and the moments where healing began by finally speaking up. This episode isn’t just an introduction. It’s a reminder: • You’re not crazy. • You’re not weak. • And you are not alone. Because abuse thrives in silence… but healing begins the moment someone says, “that happened to me too.” This is a space where truth is spoken, patterns are exposed, and survivors begin to take their power back… together. Welcome to the stories we weren’t supposed to tell. Takeaways The impact of religious upbringing on intuitionThe healing power of truth and community Chapters 00:00 The Voice of Intuition08:37 Disconnecting from Intuition and Self14:13 Dependency on Medications and Loss of Inner Voice22:27 Early Sensitivity and Intuitive Experiences28:15 The Healing Power of Truth and Community

    12 min
  • 11 Episodes

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunshine Faye