Why She Stayed
Grace Stuart
A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to one another in a much needed way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep. 67: Behind the Blame: Understanding DARVO
Taylor shares her abuse story and how her reality became completely distorted and shaken over time. We discuss how she was made to feel like the offender and how she was often recorded, shamed, and blamed as a form of control. We discuss topics of emotional, financial, & sexual abuse throughout the episode. Guest details will be private for now until further notice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Ep. 66: You Won't Get Closure From The Same Person Who Hurt you | Laura Richards
This conversation features Laura Richards, an abuse recovery coach and host of the That's Where I'm At podcast. She shares her insights on trauma bonds and gaslighting. Laura highlights why survivors often minimize their experiences and the psychological traps that keep them in abusive relationships. They dive into red flags of covert narcissism and examine the confusion created by contradicting behaviors. Laura emphasizes that true closure comes from within, not from the abuser, and offers encouragement for healing and self-love.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 65: "The Way He Operated Was So Subtle"
Nicolette shares about the emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse she faced in her marriage and how minimizing, denying, and blaming made it so hard to see through the fog. We discuss how abusers will often seem very forthcoming and honest about their "past" struggles and use their honesty as a distraction to their current behavior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 64: "He's Not Going to Change"- Erin's Story
Erin shares her abuse story of enduring physical, emotional, verbal & financial abuse. She describes how her abuser blamed the mistreatment on "stressors" and kept her in a cycle of hoping it was always just about to get better. Erin's Instagram: @love_doesnt_destroy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 19min
Ep. 63: "Purposeful, Determined, & Unwavering"- Sarah's Story
Sarah shares her story of the many years of abuse she endured throughout her marriage and how spiritual and emotional abuse played a big role in keeping her trapped. She also shares how she navigated with 3 children including one special needs child and how she clung to her faith even when it was used against her as manipulation. Lastly, we discuss when an abuser says they didn't "mean" to hurt us and why it is still intentional abuse. If you would like to connect with Sarah she has provided her Instagram below:@hopperbunch4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep. 62: He Knew Which Lines Not To Cross
Christa shares her story of experiencing high forms of covert abuse and how that led to a complete mental breakdown and loss of self. We dive into many examples of manipulation and how she eventually saw through the fog, overcame the confusion, and walked away for good. If you would like to get in touch with Christa, please see her Instagram below:@christarealba Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep. 61: Weaponization Of Mental Health, Triangulation, & Charisma
On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep. 60: How Abusers Control The Narrative | with Quinn Padilla
On this episode, I am joined by trauma therapist and abuse recovery coach- Quinn Padilla. We discuss topics such as what is a "one-off" mistake vs. a pattern, intent vs. action, and how an abuser will attempt to control the narrative. Get in touch with Quinn: Instagram: @itsquinnpadillaWebsite: https://www.itsquinnpadilla.com/Grace's socials: Instagram: @gracestuart26 @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 17, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 59: Discussing the Diddy Trial- with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 57 Reasons We Stay & Helping a Loved One | Bethany Comerford
On this episode, I am joined by life coach Bethany Comerford as we discuss red flags in manipulation, why survivors often stay for so long, ways to practically help a loved one, and how grief plays a role even when this person has abused you.This week we experienced several technical difficulties, but episodes will return to the normal day and pattern over the course of the weeks ahead. To get in touch with Bethany here are her links:Website: https://www.positiveconnectionscoaching.com/Instagram: @bethanylifecoach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
