Surviving Toxic Relationships Podcast with The Matadoras

Elizabeth Jane and Deana Lynn

Surviving Toxic Relationships is a Christian podcast for women who are ready to break free from toxic, emotionally abusive, or narcissistic relationships and step into healing, clarity, and truth.  Deana and Lizzie are two women whose lives unexpectedly crossed when they were married to the SAME manipulative, cheating, financially abusive partner.  Their combined passion is to provide women with the tools to avoid, escape, or heal from toxic, harmful, or confusing relationships.   If you’ve been searching for faith based wisdom that goes deeper than surface-level advice, this show is for you. We talk honestly about trauma, emotional wounds, spiritual confusion, and the process of rebuilding your identity through faith.   Our esteemed guests consist of Therapists, Authors, Doctors, and Survivors. Together, we explore topics that include self-discovery and healing, narcissistic abuse, boundaries, discernment, and learning to hear God’s voice clearly in relationships.  Whether you’re trying to avoid early red flags, are in the middle of a toxic relationship, or recovering from one, this emotional and spiritual healing podcast offers real conversations, practical insight, and biblical encouragement to help you move forward into hope, restoration, self worth, and renewal.  Remember beautiful friends: You are not alone, You are not crazy, and You are deeply, deeply loved.   Deana & Lizzie

  1. 13H AGO

    Episode #102: I Didn’t Know It Was Abuse… |Therapist Explains Hidden Signs of Toxic Relationships

    What if the relationship you thought was “just difficult”… was actually harmful? In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we sit down with licensed therapist and trauma specialist Zulma Williams, founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services, to unpack the hidden reality of emotional abuse, gaslighting, and toxic relationship cycles. Zulma shares her personal story of surviving a narcissistic and abusive relationship—and why so many strong, intelligent women don’t recognize abuse until they are deeply affected. We dive into:  • The subtle ways abuse begins (and why it’s easy to miss)  • Emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse that doesn’t leave visible scars  • Gaslighting and how it makes you question your reality  • Why women stay—and why it’s NOT what people think  • The cycle of abuse (and why it feels impossible to leave)  • How trauma, anxiety, and depression are connected to toxic relationships  • A powerful step-by-step exercise to challenge negative thoughts Zulma also shares how she rebuilt her life after abuse, overcame breast cancer, and found healing, purpose, and peace—proving that it’s never too late to start over. If you’ve ever felt:  • Like you’re “walking on eggshells”  • Confused, anxious, or emotionally drained  • Like you’re the problem This conversation is for you. You are not crazy. You are not alone. You are deeply loved. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who may need this message. Connect with Zulma: Links & Resources: https://dragonflytherapyservices.net/ https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist https://open.spotify.com/show/62zkFh5mzb5mkScrew0HCX?si=1LoBTAUuT7qXBRkbmYDgTA&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&nd=1&dlsi=cb49a17d12904ab0 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    43 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Episode #101: 5 Signs You’re Not Just in a Hard Season (You May Be in a Harmful Pattern)

    Are you going through a difficult season… or is something deeper happening in your relationship? In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we continue our Love With Eyes Wide Open series by unpacking one of the most confusing and important questions many women face. Sometimes conflict, stress, and outside pressures can make a relationship feel overwhelming. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is temporary… or part of a harmful pattern? We walk through 5 clear signs to help you discern the difference, including: • Effort vs. resistance to change • Safety vs. fear • Growth vs. repeated harm • Identity vs. losing yourself • Conviction vs. confusion If you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt like you were walking on eggshells, or wondered if you’re the problem… this conversation is for you. We also share powerful reflection questions to help you process what you may be experiencing and begin to move toward clarity and truth. If this message resonates, please share it with someone who may need it. Your support helps this reach others who are quietly searching for answers. You are not crazy. You are not alone. You are deeply loved. 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    24 min
  3. APR 22

    Episode #100: Letting Go Without Going Back: Forgiveness, Boundaries & Healing | Eva Marie Everson

    Can you forgive someone and still walk away? In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with award-winning author Eva Marie Everson to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in relationships: forgiveness vs. reconciliation. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and themes from her upcoming novel Miss Beth Betancourt, Eva shares: Why forgiveness does NOT always mean restoring the relationshipHow to set healthy, God-honoring boundariesWhat toxic relationships look like in families, workplaces, and lifeThe emotional and spiritual cost of holding onto bitternessHow healing actually happens over timeThis conversation is for anyone who has ever asked: “Why can’t I just move on?”“Am I wrong for setting boundaries?”“What does God really expect from me in toxic relationships?”Plus, hear about Eva’s new book releasing May 12, filled with rich storytelling, faith, and even Southern recipes passed down through generations Giveaway: Listen to the episode and enter to win a free copy of her book by visiting her website (linked below) and mentioning this podcast. https://evamarieeversonauthor.com/ 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    34 min
  4. APR 15

    Episode #99: Brain Hijack in Relationships; Why You Feel Unsafe in Love (Even When You’re Not) | Diane McDowell

    In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we sit down with Diane McDowell, creator of the Brain to Heart Code, to uncover why so many emotionally intelligent women still feel unsafe in love—even in healthy relationships. If you’ve ever:  Overreacted and didn’t know why  Felt triggered by something small  Struggled with people pleasing or weak boundaries  Attracted the same unhealthy relationship patterns …this episode will change how you understand yourself. Diane explains the concept of the “brain hijack”—when your nervous system mistakes safety for danger—and how this subconscious wiring impacts your relationships, reactions, and ability to set boundaries. We also dive into:  Why disconnection is NOT a communication issue  The truth about boundaries (and why most people get them wrong)  How people pleasing is actually self-abandonment  The difference between your emotions and someone else’s “emotional dumping”  Practical tools to regain control and rebuild emotional safety This conversation is for anyone ready to break toxic cycles, reclaim their voice, and build healthier, more grounded relationships—from the inside out. 🔗 Connect with Diane McDowell: Website: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com Mini Course: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/the-brain-to-heart-mini-course 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    32 min
  5. APR 8

    Episode #98: How Toxic Relationships Make You Feel Unlovable (And How to Heal) | Ashana Kaiulani

    In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with trauma support specialist and reclamation coach Ashana Kaiulani to unpack what toxic relationships really do to your identity, self-worth, and ability to receive love. We dive into: Why toxic relationships make you feel unlovableThe truth about “reactive abuse” and self-blameHow trauma rewires your identity and behaviorsWhy you can’t “think” your way into healingThe role of safe relationships in true recoveryHow to soften without losing your boundariesThis is not just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming who you are. Listen now and take your first step back home to yourself. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who needs this. Relevant links for Ashana’a information:  https://linktr.ee/ashanak  https://www.youtube.com/@WayHomeWellness https://www.instagram.com/wayhomewellness/ 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    33 min
  6. MAR 25

    Episode #97: The Nice Guy Trap | Barb Nangle on Codependency, Boundaries, and Healthy Love

    Codependency, toxic relationships, healthy boundaries, and emotional healing are at the center of this powerful conversation with boundaries coach Barb Nangle, founder of Higher Power Coaching and host of Fragmented to Whole. After decades of therapy and personal development, Barb hit a codependent breaking point at age 52. What followed was a life-changing journey through 12-step recovery, where she began to understand patterns of people pleasing, rescuing, and losing herself in relationships. In this episode, Barb shares: What codependency actually looks like in real lifeWhy focusing on others causes you to lose yourselfHow ignoring your own needs becomes a patternThe difference between being “nice” and being kindWhy charm can be misleading in relationshipsHow toxic behavior creates confusion, not always chaosWhat healthy boundaries actually look like in practiceHow boundaries lead to healthier communication and intimacyWhat a truly healthy relationship feels likeWhy it is never too late to change your patternsWe also discuss the emotional confusion that comes from being with someone everyone else sees as “a nice person,” and how that can cause you to question your own perception. If you have ever ignored red flags, overfunctioned in relationships, or felt like you lost yourself trying to make things work, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and hope. 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    40 min
  7. MAR 18

    Episode #96: Moral Injury Explained | How Trauma, Abuse, and Faith Collide (Dr. Larry Brant)

    Moral injury is one of the most misunderstood forms of trauma—and it may explain why so many women leaving toxic or abusive relationships still feel broken, ashamed, or beyond forgiveness. In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with Navy Chaplain and combat veteran Dr. Larry Brant, who has spent decades helping individuals heal from PTSD, spiritual trauma, and moral injury. Together, we explore: What moral injury actually is (and how it’s different from PTSD)How toxic relationships and spiritual abuse create deep identity woundsWhy many women feel “unforgivable” after abuseHow faith is often twisted to control and silenceThe critical role of safe, non-judgmental support in healingWhy “just pray more” is not enoughA real pathway to restoration, healing, and hopeIf you’ve ever felt:  ✔️ Like something is deeply wrong with you  ✔️ Spiritually confused after a relationship  ✔️ Ashamed of what you tolerated or experienced  ✔️ Disconnected from your faith or identity This conversation will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface—and why healing is possible. Dr. Brandt’s book: Restoring the Broken  https://a.co/d/0eXHyJ6H 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    35 min
  8. MAR 11

    Episode #95: How Toxic Relationships Keep Women Stuck | Nikki Allen on Abuse, Trauma Bonds, and Healing

    Why do women stay in toxic relationships? In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Nikki Allen shares her personal story of emotional abuse, physical violence, trauma bonding, identity loss, and the long journey toward healing and self-love. Nikki is the author of Loved You, Hated You, a bold novel inspired by real-life heartbreak. What began as a song became a screenplay and then a gripping work of fiction rooted in betrayal, emotional captivity, and the power of choosing yourself. In this conversation, Nikki opens up about abusive relationship patterns, why women stay, how childhood wounds can shape adult relationships, what healing really looks like, and how healthy love can feel unfamiliar after toxic love. We also talk about: toxic relationships and emotional abusetrauma bonds and why leaving is so harddomestic violence and reactive abuseself-worth after abusetriggers in healthy relationshipsboundaries, healing, and self-lovehow creativity can help process heartbreak and traumaNikki’s book Loved You, Hated You If you have ever asked yourself, “Why did I stay?” or struggled to trust healthy love after surviving abuse, this episode is for you. Find Nikki Allen and her work at NikkiAllen.com Subscribe for more conversations on toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, healing, boundaries, faith, and emotional recovery. 🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast? https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzie 📘 Our book is available on Amazon:  Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God's Voice in Relationships Not sure what you’re actually seeing in your relationship?            ↓  Get your FREE Discernment Checklist ↓                                                                 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships Contact us anytime at our email:  care@survivingtoxicrelationships.org  📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships  Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.  ...

    39 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Surviving Toxic Relationships is a Christian podcast for women who are ready to break free from toxic, emotionally abusive, or narcissistic relationships and step into healing, clarity, and truth.  Deana and Lizzie are two women whose lives unexpectedly crossed when they were married to the SAME manipulative, cheating, financially abusive partner.  Their combined passion is to provide women with the tools to avoid, escape, or heal from toxic, harmful, or confusing relationships.   If you’ve been searching for faith based wisdom that goes deeper than surface-level advice, this show is for you. We talk honestly about trauma, emotional wounds, spiritual confusion, and the process of rebuilding your identity through faith.   Our esteemed guests consist of Therapists, Authors, Doctors, and Survivors. Together, we explore topics that include self-discovery and healing, narcissistic abuse, boundaries, discernment, and learning to hear God’s voice clearly in relationships.  Whether you’re trying to avoid early red flags, are in the middle of a toxic relationship, or recovering from one, this emotional and spiritual healing podcast offers real conversations, practical insight, and biblical encouragement to help you move forward into hope, restoration, self worth, and renewal.  Remember beautiful friends: You are not alone, You are not crazy, and You are deeply, deeply loved.   Deana & Lizzie

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