Lyndsey shares her powerful story as a survivor of domestic violence, opening up about the early signs of manipulation, control, and emotional abuse that slowly escalated into physical violence. She reflects on the devastating impact on her children, the painful cycle of leaving and returning, and the emotional toll of the justice system that often failed to protect her. Lyndsey recounts how the last and most severe instances of abuse occurred during COVID, when isolation and fear made escaping even harder.
Through raw honesty, she exposes the hidden realities of abusive relationships, the courage it takes to recognize red flags, and the strength required to finally break free. This conversation highlights the complexities of family dynamics, legal battles, and recovery, while showing the power of resilience and the importance of strong support systems. Lyndsey’s journey is one of survival, healing, and reclaiming her voice—and her story offers hope to anyone fighting to escape abuse.
Lyndsey’s Socials
https://www.instagram.com/lyndseyh6723
https://www.instagram.com/living.inthe.aftermath
The Refuge Utah
https://www.instagram.com/therefugeutah
https://therefugeutah.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Find local resources: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center
https://dvsacenter.org
U.S Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims Program: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/legal-assistance-victims-program
Resources for assistance - financial, housing, necessities, food, etc.
https://www.findhelp.org
https://www.domesticshelters.org
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
--------
1:56:56
--------
1:56:56
Turning Trauma into Film, Empowerment, and Advocacy with Marie Pizano
Marie Pizano is an author, filmmaker, producer, and passionate advocate for domestic violence survivors and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) awareness. As the founder of MVP3 Entertainment Group, she’s brought compelling stories to life—from serving as executive producer on the multi-award-winning documentary Momo: The Sam Giancana Story, to producing the feature film Shattered. In her memoir From Barefoot to Stilettos: It’s Not for Sissies, she reflects on her journey out of a high‑conflict divorce and emotional abuse toward healing, resilience, and purposeful storytelling. Through her media work—spanning film and community events—Marie highlights how authenticity, the arts, and community can empower individuals to transform adversity into their own “yes.”
Marie’s Socials and Links
https://www.instagram.com/mariemvp
https://frombarefoottostilettos.com
From Barefoot to Stilettos, It's Not For Sissies by Marie Pizano
https://a.co/d/5gwnwbQ
12 Steps To Finding Your Yes by Marie Pizano
https://a.co/d/8F8afhu
MVP3
https://mvp3foundation.org
https://mvp3network.com/
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
--------
1:17:31
--------
1:17:31
Exploited by a Major Music Label
Mariah Heller exposes what really happened to her when she was offered a deal with a major record label. She shares how the label took control of her image, silenced her voice, and used her past trauma as part of their branding—without her consent. Pressured to change her name, aesthetic, and personal narrative, she was told to lose weight and put on a strict diet under a label-assigned nutritionist.
She opens up about being silenced, manipulated, and nearly branded as a product of her pain. This is a raw look into music industry exploitation, mental health abuse, body image pressure, identity erasure, and the dangerous price of chasing a dream when the industry cares more about marketable trauma than authentic artistry.
Mariah’s Music and Business Socials:
Music
https://www.instagram.com/riahmusic
Linktr.ee/riahmusic1991
Business
https://www.instagram.com/pain_free_fitness
www.painfree-fitness.com
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
--------
57:15
--------
57:15
Struggling with Alcoholism While Divorcing an Abuser
Danielle shares what it was like to live in an abusive marriage while silently battling depression, alcoholism, and the pressures of motherhood. During the Covid pandemic, she was raising her children, working from home, and struggling from alcoholism. In this episode, we talk about the emotional toll of high-functioning addiction, domestic violence, and what it means to live in survival mode for so long that it starts to feel normal. Danielle opens up about the moment she knew she had to leave, the guilt that followed, and the process of starting over—for herself and for her kids.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE or Text “START” to 88788
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
--------
1:14:23
--------
1:14:23
Losing Her Husband to a Fentanyl Overdose with Adriana Sansam
At just 29 years old, Adriana Sansam lost her husband to a fentanyl overdose—leaving her to raise their three young children alone. she shares the reality of falling in love, building a family, and discovering her partner’s hidden struggle with heroin addiction. Adriana opens up about navigating sudden widowhood and the challenges of grief while raising kids. She also talks about battling postpartum depression and lifelong depression—silent struggles that shaped her journey long before and after loss. This powerful conversation explores the intersection of addiction, mental health, motherhood, and grief—and what it takes to keep going when everything falls apart.
Adriana’s Socials
https://www.instagram.com/adrianasansam
https://www.facebook.com/p/Adriana-Sansam-100086399725563/
https://www.tiktok.com/@adriana.sansam
Just for Today Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@justfortodaypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/justfortodaypodcast
https://linktr.ee/justfortodaypodcast
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
Beyond the Monsters confronts the silence around trauma, abuse, addiction, and mental illness—one brutal truth at a time.
Hosted by Chell Bane—a medical professional with 20+ years in psychiatry and addiction medicine, and a survivor of trauma herself—this podcast dives into the darkest parts of the human experience to prove one thing: healing is possible, and no one should have to fight their monsters alone.
Here, survivors, experts, and changemakers speak honestly about what they’ve lived through—and what it takes to move forward. There’s no gatekeeping, no sugarcoating, and no shame.
If you’re searching for truth, connection, and hope—you belong here.
South Africa