Women of Impact

If you've ever been controlled by someone mentally or emotionally, then you know how crushing it is to your confidence, your self-esteem, and your belief in yourself.

You question HOW this person convinced you to do or say or believe things that you KNOW deep down to your core are not true? WHAT did they do to get you to fall for the lies and change so much, without you even frikin’ realizing it? And HOW can you make sure it doesn’t happen to you again??

Well homie, the reality is that this type of manipulation happens more often than you might think, 1 on 1 in toxic relationships and sometimes even whole groups of people at a time in a cult.

So in this episode of Women of Impact, I wanted to get to the bottom of how good, well-intentioned, educated, “normal” people like you and me can fall into the trap of a controlling person like a cult leader or narcissistic romantic partner, and literally leave behind their life, family, job, money, friends, belief system, sanity, and everything about themselves for this person.

And whether it’s coz of a cult, a toxic partner, or a guy at work that keeps trying to convince you to join this “amazing self-help group”, if you think it “won’t happen to you” – well homie you’re actually that much more likely to become their next target and victim!!!!

And that’s why today’s guest is none other than the ultimate cult expert and deprogrammer, Rick Alan Ross. This guy is an aboslute LEGEND when it comes to cults!!

We go deep into:
- the type of people who start cults.
- how cults like NXIVM and Scientology bring people in.
- what specifically makes a person more vulnerable to saying yes and “drinking the Kool-aid”.
- strategies used by notorious cult leaders to gain control and brainwash people (and you’ll be surprised by what they have in common with your toxic ex!!!).
- HOW you can actually avoid getting into a cult or toxic relationship in the first place.
- & so much more!!!

This episode is truly FILLED with the knowledge you NEED if you want to have any hope of spotting the cult leaders, con men, and toxic boyfriends BEFORE they can rope you, or anyone you love, into their manipulative world and cut you off from the life YOU want to live!!!

Follow Rick Alan Ross:
Website: https://culteducation.com/
X: https://x.com/RickAlanRoss
Get “Is This a Cult?”: https://a.co/d/hKoEsRt

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The Lindsay Clancy case is one of the most gut-wrenching tragedies making headlines, and has torn the public opinion, (and even relationships) apart. Was it unspeakable heartbreak? Psychosis? Or criminal intent, plain and simple? Today, I’m joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry, the woman who bravely took the stand in the Depp-Heard trial, to unravel the real-life consequences every woman needs to think about. Not just for herself, but for every mother, wife, and daughter who might need help before it’s too late.
We break down the psychology, the law, and those impossible “what would I do?” dilemmas that are dividing men, women, and the world.
Here’s exactly what we dive into:
The difference between baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis (and why most mothers never, ever hurt their children)
The systems failures that are failing mothers, and what HAS to change
Why women often hide dark thoughts, and why “blaming the husband” misses the real point
The crucial first step to get help, without fear, shame, or losing your kids

Chapter Titles:
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression vs. Psychosis: The Real Risks
The Truth About Postpartum Psychosis and Filicide: Numbers No One Tells You
Meds, Misdiagnosis & System Failure: Is This the Real Root?
Overmedication, Missed Warnings & Hindsight Bias
Should Kids Be Taken Away? The Danger of Overreaction
Intrusive Thoughts vs. Hallucinations: How to Tell the Difference
Did the Medical System Fail Her? Ethics, Testing, and Protocol Debates
Why This Case Divides Men and Women, and the Hidden Biases at Play
Can Insanity “Set You Free”? What Actually Happens If You’re Acquitted
If You’re Struggling Right Now: What to Do and How to Get Help
“I Don’t Feel Understood”: How Partners Can Actually Hear Each Other

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Need Support? These Resources Can Help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
The National Maternal Mental Health 24/7 Hotline: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24031728478
National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

Follow Shannon Curry:
Website: https://currypsychology.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/currypsychgroup

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Welcome back to part 2 of this transformative episode of Women of Impact with the phenomenal Thais Gibson! We’re diving deeper into the stages of relationships and revealing the critically important role of understanding attachment styles.

Seriously, homie, once you grasp these concepts, you’ll have a whole new perspective on your relationships. You’ll learn how to navigate the power struggle stage, set healthy boundaries, and communicate your needs effectively – all essential skills for building a rock-solid connection with your partner.

Ready to reclaim your relationship power? Let’s jump right back in!

SHOWNOTES
Understanding the real challenges behind the power struggle phase and how to grow from it
Recognizing attachment styles and how they shape your relationship behaviors
Mastering the art of communicating needs effectively without spiraling into conflict
Breaking free from toxic patterns and moving toward stable, committed, and blissful relationships
And soooo much more!!!

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Women of Impact! I'm your host, Lisa Bilyeu. You know the feeling when you're in a relationship that's going so well, but suddenly you hit a rough patch? It's like everything was sunshine and rainbows, and then BOOM, you're questioning everything. You think, 'If we were so right for each other, why does it feel so hard now?' You’re constantly wondering if this is just a phase or if it’s a sign you’re not meant to be. You start doubting yourself, your partner, and maybe even relationships as a whole.

Well, let me break it down for you! You’re not alone in this. Being in a relationship comes with stages and trust me, they aren't all easy-breezy. We go from the excitement of dating to the honeymoon phase and then hit the power struggle – the make-or-break stage where vulnerability and communication are EVERYTHING.

But don’t worry, homie! Today’s episode is a crash course in navigating these stages with grace and insight. Our special guest, Thais Gibson, is here to guide us through the maze of relationship dynamics.

If you've ever found yourself caught in a whirlwind of relationship struggles and doubted if you could ever find stability and happiness, this episode is your guide to transformation! You’ll walk away equipped to handle challenges with compassion and clarity, and learn how to
turn those tough moments into building blocks for a stronger connection.

SHOWNOTES
Understanding the real challenges behind the power struggle phase and how to grow from it
Recognizing attachment styles and how they shape your relationship behaviors
Mastering the art of communicating needs effectively without spiraling into conflict
Breaking free from toxic patterns and moving toward stable, committed, and blissful relationships
And soooo much more!!!

FOLLOW LISA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s get real: ever wonder why you sometimes second-guess yourself even when you KNOW something’s not right? Or why people, yes, even “friends,” partners, or bosses, can keep you stuck, controlled, or exploited for YEARS? This second half is your masterclass on psychological defense and reclaiming your power.
Former CIA ops officer Andrew Bustamante is back, ripping the lid off the step-by-step manipulations used by abusers, cult leaders, narcissists, and even the “nice guy” you’re dating. He breaks down his framework for vetting trust, seeing through hidden motives, and how to un-park yourself from a relationship where you’re “on the backburner.” If you want the bulletproof system for seeing through lies, protecting your heart, and never getting played again, this is your guide.

SHOWNOTES
The disposal (“parking”) framework: How cheaters keep you on the back burner
How to spot when the “new normal” in your relationship is a trap
“Switch tracking”: The hidden sign someone’s changing your reality
Wanted vs. unwanted information: The question that reveals honest intent
Detecting lies: how CIA ops actually build trust (operational tests you can use today)
False assumptions, unwanted info, and feelings-based vetting
Vet, validate, analyze, and synthesize: The CIA trust formula for your relationships
Synthesis: making choices that ACTUALLY serve you (and not the abuser’s agenda)

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Follow Andrew Bustamante:
Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/4asr05N
Read Andy’s CIA book ‘Shadow Cell’: https://geni.us/ShadowCellBook
Follow Andy on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-Bustamante
Explore Spy School: https://everydayspy.com/
Support Andy's sponsor Axolt Brain: https://axoltbrain.com/andy
Listen to the podcast: https://youtube.com/@EverydaySpyPodcast

Follow Me, Lisa Bilyeu:
Website: https://www.lisabilyeu.com
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.