What happens when you stop reacting to life out of your woundedness and start choosing from your wholeness? In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation on the LOVE > hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler continues her interview with Gina as she shares her journey of self-advocacy, overcoming personal crisis, and stepping into her authority as a conscious creator.

Picking up from her inner healing work, Gina details how she began putting therapy into practice by standing up for herself in high-stress dynamics. When an unexpected pregnancy coincided with a severe medical emergency (HHT and extreme edema), Gina found herself facing cognitive dissonance and escalating relationship stress. As her physical vulnerability grew, so did the clarity that her marriage was no longer aligned with her emotional well-being.

Turning to Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Gina shifted her perspective from survival to intentional creation. After asking the universe for clarity, she experienced a remarkable three-part lucid dream that gave her the "green light" to make a life-changing decision.

In this episode, we explore:

• Practical tools for setting firm boundaries in toxic relationship dynamics.
• Navigating high-risk pregnancy, health scares, and medical trauma with resilience.
• The mindset shift from expecting disappointment to asking, "God, show me how good it can get."
• Using dream symbolism and intuition to make aligned, courageous life changes.
• How to approach conscious uncoupling and peaceful co-parenting after divorce.

Gina’s powerful story is a testament to the fact that external circumstances often break down so that our lives can finally come together. Whether you are navigating a difficult life transition, healing after a divorce, or seeking spiritual growth, this episode will empower you to trust your intuition and consciously create from your innate wholeness.

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

Can childhood trauma secretly dictate the choices, relationships, and career environments you step into as an adult? In Part 1 of this moving two-part conversation on the LOVE > hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with guest Gina to explore the complex journey of processing intergenerational trauma, setting boundaries, and decoupling inherited shame.

Gina opens up about growing up in a high-conflict home shaped by domestic chaos and emotional abuse. As she navigated survival mode in her early adulthood, she realized how unhealed childhood wounds were manifesting as nervous system patterns—leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms, financial stress, and toxic workplace dynamics.

A major turning point arrived when Gina realized that the shame and guilt she carried were never hers to begin with. By seeking divine guidance and turning to Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love, she learned to view both herself and her caregivers through a lens of compassion while maintaining hard, necessary boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to identify subconscious nervous system loops that attract dysfunctional environments.
• The critical difference between intellectualizing trauma and truly processing emotional wounds.
• How to break free from family guilt and establish healthy, permanent boundaries without remorse.
• Understanding intergenerational trauma and learning to parent your inner child.

If you have ever felt stuck in repetitive life cycles, struggled with setting boundaries with toxic family members, or sought self-compassion on your personal development journey, this episode offers a roadmap toward breaking free from survival mode and stepping into healing.

Tune in to discover how honoring your own self-worth can transform your internal world—and set the foundation for creating a life aligned with your true 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

How can faith communities become places of true refuge rather than silent spaces of isolation? In the final installment of our three-part series on the LOVE>hate podcast, author Liberty Steele and host Melissa Etzler address church leaders, pastors, and community members on how to spot covert abuse and effectively support victims.

Liberty breaks down eye-opening statistics regarding domestic abuse in Christian pews and explains why traditional marital advice often harms victims of emotional and psychological control. She offers actionable indicators that friends and ministry leaders can look for—from subtle shifts in body language to quiet isolation—and provides simple, supportive ways to reach out without causing further risk.

To conclude the series, Liberty defines what peace feels like today and introduces her new book and digital toolkit, designed to help survivors find freedom, safety, and lasting spiritual restoration.

• Key Topics: Domestic abuse awareness in churches, covert emotional abuse signs, Christian divorce and healing, supporting trauma survivors, faith-based abuse resources.
• Resources Mentioned: Redeemed Years: From Narcissistic Darkness to Light by Liberty Steele, shinefromyourshadows.com.

Buy Liberty's Book Here!

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

Leaving a toxic relationship is only the first step on the road to freedom. In Part 2 of our three-part series, Liberty Steele joins host Melissa Etzler on the LOVE>hate podcast to discuss the complex legal, emotional, and psychological reality of rebuilding your life after emotional abuse.

Liberty details her experience navigating high-conflict divorce court and custody proceedings with a narcissistic partner. She breaks down practical self-defense strategies for survivors, including the "Gray Rock" method, rigorous documentation, and maintaining emotional composure under cross-examination. Liberty also explores the physiological toll of trauma, sharing how EMDR therapy and nervous system regulation helped her brain and body realize she was finally safe.

Closing this chapter with profound hope, Liberty shares her experience finding genuine, unconditional love in a healthy second marriage—proving that healing, peace, and restorative relationships are possible after trauma.

• Key Topics: High-conflict divorce court, gray rock method, EMDR trauma therapy, custody battles with a narcissist, healing after toxic relationships, healthy love after divorce.
• Resources Mentioned: Splitting by Bill Eddy, One Mom’s Battle by Tina Swithin.

Buy Liberty's Book Here!

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

What happens when emotional and verbal abuse hides behind the doors of a faith-based marriage? In Part 1 of this powerful three-part series on the LOVE>hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with author and advocate Liberty Steele to unmask the early warning signs of toxicity, covert manipulation, and love bombing within Christian relationships.

Liberty candidly shares her personal journey—from meeting her ex-husband online and entering ten months of church premarital counseling to navigating escalating emotional abuse, control, and spiritual gaslighting. She reveals the subtle red flags many well-meaning believers miss and describes the critical breaking point that compelled her to take her young son and seek safety.

Before diving into Liberty’s story, Melissa celebrates local community heroes with a special recap of their partner Etzler Events' Community Pillar Award announcements hosted at the Richfield Farmers Market, thanking generous sponsor businesses across Washington and Waukesha counties.

Whether you are evaluating your own relationship, supporting a friend, or seeking clarity on spiritual abuse, this episode offers vital insights into identifying covert control and trusting your instincts.

• Key Topics: Narcissistic abuse in marriage, church culture and spiritual gaslighting, love bombing red flags, emotional abuse recovery, domestic abuse awareness.
• Resources Mentioned: Redeemed Years by Liberty Steele.

Buy Liberty's Book Here!

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

In Part 2 of this inspiring episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler picks up the conversation with Carly to explore the transformative journey of healing, self-discovery, and post-traumatic growth after escaping domestic violence. Shifting the focus from survival to thriving, Carly opens up about what it takes to rebuild your life and cultivate unshakeable internal peace.

Carly reflects on her journey from childhood to adulthood, sharing how growing up in strict, unpredictable environments made her hyper-adaptable—a quality that became her superpower in overcoming trauma. She discusses the critical work of breaking generational cycles, navigating chronic health challenges, and choosing to forgive not for the perpetrator’s benefit, but to reclaim her own personal power and freedom.

This episode offers tangible, actionable strategies for anyone navigating heavy emotional days or seeking to improve their relationship with themselves. Carly and Melissa dive into practical daily practices for mental wellness, including the physiological benefits of physical movement, body language, daily mindset shifts, and surrounding yourself with a uplifting support network.

Carly also shares what it feels like to finally use her voice to inspire others, choosing gratitude over bitterness, and finding quiet solitude in a busy world. Her powerful final message serves as a beacon of hope for anyone standing at a crossroads in their own life.

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

In this deeply moving episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with Carly to discuss the nuanced realities of domestic abuse, survival, and the courage it takes to break free. Sharing her powerful story, Carly sheds light on a critical truth that many survivors face: the time you decide to leave an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous.

Carly takes listeners through her personal journey, beginning with a seemingly stable marriage that quickly transformed into a terrifying situation involving substance addiction, severe control, stalking, and life-threatening escalation. She details the pivotal mindset shift that prompted her to start gathering evidence, the terrifying moments when her safety was compromised, and the complex legal battles that followed.

This conversation tackles the harsh realities survivors navigate—from unsupportive family dynamics and victim-blaming to law enforcement intervention, restraining orders, and physical danger even after escaping. Beyond the trauma, Carly shares how she began breaking the cycle of abuse, processing grief, and choosing self-empowerment through forgiveness and support systems.

Whether you are looking for hope, seeking to understand the psychological complexities of toxic relationships, or searching for domestic violence resources, this episode offers a profound look at human resilience and safety.

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

What does life look like after the survival mode ends and the silence sets in? In the powerful conclusion of our two-part conversation, host Melissa Etzler sits down with advocate and survivor Jason to discuss the long, profound journey of emotional healing, overcoming trauma, and breaking down the stigma surrounding male vulnerability.

Picking up 16 years after escaping an abusive relationship, Jason opens up about the invisible scars left behind. He shares the raw reality of the post-trauma timeline, from spending an entire decade avoiding his own reflection in the mirror, to navigating the subconscious "fight or flight" mode that leaves your body tense long after the chaos has passed. Jason discusses how he broke through toxic societal expectations of masculinity to embrace his emotions, proving that crying isn't a sign of weakness, but a reminder that you are alive.

Discover the simple, life-changing grounding techniques that helped Jason rebuild his self-worth and retrain his mindset. From practicing meditation and moving closer to the coast to feel the ocean breeze, to finding deep peace in nature through gardening and reclaiming irreplaceable time with his children, this episode serves as a practical roadmap for anyone looking to heal from generational or relational trauma.

Jason's final words of encouragement offer a beautiful beacon of hope for anyone currently walking on eggshells: on the other side of the madness, there is beauty. Tune in to learn how to separate fact from fiction in your own mind, discover the therapeutic power of nature, and find out why learning to breathe freely again is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

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

What happens when the person you are supposed to feel safest with becomes the source of your greatest fear? In part one of this deeply moving and courageous conversation, host Melissa Etzler sits down with survivor and advocate Jason to break the silence on a topic that is far too often left in the dark: male domestic abuse and men’s mental health.

Jason opens up about the insidious nature of toxic relationships, using the powerful metaphor of a frog in boiling water to explain how subtle emotional, physical, and financial abuse can slowly take over a life. He shares the terrifying reality of navigating an abusive household while simultaneously battling severe brain lesions from a workplace carbon monoxide poisoning incident. From the agonizing moment his five-year-old son had to physically protect him, to the heartbreak of being turned away by traditional support systems and a battered women's shelter because of his gender, Jason’s story sheds light on the critical lack of domestic violence resources for men.

Despite the isolation and a battle with a suicidal mindset, this episode captures the exact turning point where Jason reclaimed his life. You will hear about his incredible physical and emotional transformation, losing over 100 pounds, and the exact, cinematic moment at an Eric Clapton concert where a sudden Bob Marley connection signaled that he was finally, truly free.

If you or a loved one are walking on eggshells at home, this episode is a powerful reminder that evil doesn't discriminate, resources need to change, and hope is always on the horizon. Tune in to hear how one father found the strength to survive for his children, and discover why love is always greater than hate.

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

How do you break a toxic cycle for good and reclaim your personal sovereignty? In the conclusion of this powerful two-part series, host Melissa Etzler and Joelle dive deep into the profound evolution of self-healing. Picking up in 2018, the pivotal year Joelle chose radical singledom after escaping a second abusive relationship, this episode shifts the narrative from enduring trauma to mastering the medicine of the soul.

Joelle shares her transformative ten-year journey of turning severe emotional scars into profound wisdom. As an expert guide, she explains why external safety can initially feel boring to a dysregulated nervous system and how true healing requires confronting childhood father and mother wounds. Melissa and Joelle discuss the vital importance of somatic connection, explaining how the body registers red flags long before the mind catches up. Joelle reveals the diverse alternative modalities that fueled her recovery, including breathwork, nervous system regulation, craniosacral therapy, Akashic record readings, and astrology.

Now entering her second Saturn return, Joelle reflects on building her thriving business, Divinity Life Coaching, and authoring The Rebellious Soul. She offers invaluable insight into how we wear protective masks from childhood and how to safely unmask our authentic selves. This episode is an empowering roadmap for anyone feeling stuck, anxious, or trapped in repeating relationship patterns. Discover why the answers we crave are always found in the stillness, how to build rigid boundaries rooted in self-love, and what it truly means to become "the one" before looking for the one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Triggers

Dan 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 Advocacy

Listeners 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 Biases

From 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

In this powerful episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with advocate Dan Roth to discuss a critical yet frequently overlooked topic: male domestic violence and sexual assault survivorship. Dan opens up about his personal journey, shedding light on the complex realities of relationship trauma, mental health struggles, and the long road to recognizing abuse.

Navigating Early Trauma and Susceptibility

Dan discusses how experiencing early trauma can leave individuals more vulnerable to subsequent abuse. Entering his late teens while battling anxiety, severe depression, body dysmorphia, and an eating disorder, Dan describes an intense emotional need to feel wanted. This vulnerability led him into a toxic relationship at age 18, where he lacked the awareness to identify crossing boundaries or recognize the early warning signs of an abusive partner.

Recognizing the Reality of Abuse and Coercion

The conversation dives deep into the specific dynamics of the abuse Dan faced, which spanned sexual, physical, and severe psychological components. He recalls instances of physical harm and revoked consent, behaviors he initially minimized or shrugged off as "normal" relationship friction.

It wasn't until two decades later—while listening to a female friend share her own experiences with intimate partner violence—that Dan finally connected the dots. This revelation highlights a major societal gap: because society rarely frames men as victims, it took 20 years for him to fully process that he was a survivor of domestic abuse.

By reclaiming his narrative and establishing firm boundaries years later, Dan emphasizes the vital importance of opening up transparent conversations. His story serves as a crucial resource for other male survivors, proving that vulnerability is a strength and that healing is entirely possible.

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

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Love is Greater Than Hate, host Melissa Etzler welcomes Kimberly to share a story that remained hidden in the shadows for decades. For years, Kimberly lived in the suffocating grip of shame, only recently finding the strength in 2025 to reveal the reality of her past to her family. Her journey is a profound testament to the fact that true healing can only begin when we stop hiding our truths.

Kimberly opens up about being a young, "sheltered" 16-year-old bride who found herself in a physically and mentally abusive marriage. As a straight-A student who "threw herself into books," she describes how her vulnerability was exploited and how she eventually became isolated from her own supportive family. This episode explores the complex dynamics of domestic abuse, trauma bonds, and the long road to recovery.

Key Highlights of this Conversation:

• The Power of Spiritual Roots: How reciting childhood prayers and creeds provided a lifeline when Kimberly didn't know how to "pray-pray."
• The Role of a Support System: The bittersweet relationship with her mother-in-law and the friends who attempted to rescue her.
• The Moment of Self-Rescue: Why Kimberly had to be the one to decide she was ready to leave, regardless of outside help.
• Healing with Adult Children: Navigating the "resurfacing pain" as her children become adults and seek answers about their father.
• Forgiveness as Peace: The incredible spiritual milestone of replacing anger with pity and achieving total forgiveness for her abuser.

Kimberly’s insights into self-love and faith offer a beacon of hope for anyone feeling trapped by their circumstances or their past. Her message is clear: slow down, learn to love yourself first, and never forget whose child you are.

Tune in to hear how Kimberly transformed her pain into a "peace walk" and why she believes that on the other side of necessary pain, there is always something better.

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