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 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.
May 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 56: Love Bombing, Illusion of Stability, & Devaluation | Lindsay Abernathy
Today I am joined by Lindsay Abernathy host of Bitch Is A Bad Word podcast as she shares her personal story of surviving domestic abuse. We discuss topics of love bombing, future faking, how control escalates over time financially, emotionally, physically, and much more. Please see links below to connect with Lindsay or to check out her podcast: Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpodTiktok: @bitchisabadwordApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word-a-domestic-abuse-survivors-guide/id1780948251YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 13, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 55: Lundy Bancroft Interview | Why Does He Do That?
I am honored to have Lundy Bancroft on the show with me to talk about some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding domestic abuse and the mind of the abuser. Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experience working with abusive men and their families and is a leading voice in the field of domestic abuse and advocacy. For Lundy's books, recourses, and more visit his website at: https://lundybancroft.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
