We're All Insane

Jasmine grew up in an unstable home, and at six years old, she began experiencing sexual abuse from her stepfather that continued for six years. She opens up about her mom’s response, the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and how being left without help led to further abuse as a teenager.

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to access personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair, menopause, and more.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:03:46 - What was her first experience of sexual abuse?

→ 00:06:30 - When did her stepfather’s abuse begin?

→ 00:09:42 - What happened when her stepfather broke into her room?

→ 00:13:46 - What happened when her sister told their mom?

→ 00:17:20 - Why didn’t her mom leave her abusive stepfather?

→ 00:19:42 - What happened when she finally told her mom?

→ 00:23:00 - Why didn’t she realize what was happening was wrong?

→ 00:26:08 - How did the abuse affect her childhood and friendships?

→ 00:28:44 - Why did her stepfather’s abuse become more frequent?

→ 00:30:26 - What happened when her mom suddenly became sick?

→ 00:33:56 - What happened after her mom died?

→ 00:35:22 - Why didn’t her family report the abuse?

→ 00:38:06 - Why was she placed in a mental health facility?

→ 00:40:46 - How did her past trauma affect her relationships as a teenager?

→ 00:43:16 - Why did she cut ties with her family at 18?

→ 00:45:32 - Why hasn’t she reported her stepfather?

→ 00:48:08 - When did she feel ready to talk about her trauma?

→ 00:50:10 - How can sharing your story help other survivors feel less alone?

→ 00:52:06 - Why is childhood sexual abuse so damaging?

→ 00:54:00 - How did it feel to share her story from beginning to end?

→ 00:56:12 - What else does she want people to understand about her family?

Further Listening

→ My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator
More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paranormal investigators Kyle and Jack from Hauntings of Ohio join me to share their most terrifying encounters inside haunted hospitals, the unexplained activity they’ve captured on camera, and the experiences that have made them question what’s really out there. From threatening spirit box responses to a terrifying encounter with a sprinting ghost, they reveal what it’s really like to investigate the paranormal.

Check Out Hauntings of Ohio:

→ YouTube

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ X

→ TikTok

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to access personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair, menopause, and more.

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial at https://shopify.com/insane

→ Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was We’re All Insane.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:04:04 - What Were Their First Paranormal Experiences?

→ 00:08:12 - Can You Capture Ghost Voices on Audio?

→ 00:09:42 - Their First Ghost Hunt

→ 00:12:50 - 12 Hours in a Haunted Location

→ 00:14:44 - How Does a Spirit Box Work?

→ 00:17:06 - What Ghost Hunting Gear Do They Use?

→ 00:20:34 - How Do They Protect Themselves?

→ 00:25:00 - What Happened During a Terrifying Night at a Haunted Asylum?

→ 00:28:26 - How Do They Review Ghost Footage?

→ 00:30:00 - How Do They Edit Their Videos?

→ 00:35:08 - How Did Their Channel Grow?

→ 00:40:04 - Their Scariest Paranormal Capture

→ 00:46:00 - What Have They Caught on Camera?

→ 00:52:04 - Can Spirits Get Stuck in the Past?

→ 01:00:00 - When Is a Ghost Hunt Over?

→ 01:03:10 - Why Keep Evidence Private?

→ 01:10:22 - Why Explore New Haunted Places?

→ 01:15:54 - Why Keep Ghost Hunting?

→ 01:18:14 - Intelligent vs. Residual Hauntings

→ 01:21:46 - What Happens After Death?

→ 01:33:30 - What Happened After Burning a Ouija Board?

→ 01:34:12 - Do Investigators Fake Evidence?

→ 01:39:10 - Tips for Beginner Ghost Hunters?

Further Listening

→ I Spent the Night in the Conjuring House

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alicia Barr shares the story of her 4 year affair with a married man 30 years older than her, and the struggle to walk away from a relationship she couldn’t let go of. She opens up about ending the affair, healing through therapy, and how her experience inspired her book, More Than a Secret: How a Mistress Broke Free from Her Affair.

Check Out Alicia:

→ Website

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ TikTok

→ Substack

Sponsored By:

→ ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored

→ Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com.Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was We’re All Insane.

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to access personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair, menopause, and more.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:02:34 - Why Did Alicia Feel Rushed to Live the American Dream?

→ 00:03:20 - Why Did Her Marriage Begin to Fall Apart?

→ 00:05:40 - How Did Their Friendship Begin?

→ 00:10:10 - Why Did the Church Get Involved?

→ 00:17:12 - How Did They Reconnect?

→ 00:19:44 - How Did Their Friendship Grow Closer?

→ 00:24:26 - When Did the Affair Begin?

→ 00:28:58 - How Did Her Divorce Happen?

→ 00:30:22 - Why Did She Fall in Love With Him?

→ 00:32:50 - When Did Alicia Hit Rock Bottom?

→ 00:41:22 - Why Was It So Hard to Leave the Affair?

→ 00:50:56 - How Did Her Niece Change Her Perspective?

→ 00:54:30 - What Finally Made Her End the Affair?

→ 00:56:36 - How Did Therapy Help Her Move Forward?

→ 01:03:14 - How Did Their Final Separation Affect Her?

→ 01:05:16 - How Did Their Final Goodbye Go?

→ 01:12:40 - Why Did He Tell Her Never to Contact Him Again?

→ 01:14:12 - Why Did Alicia Decide to Tell the Truth?

→ 01:17:00 - Why Did She Decide to Write a Book?

→ 01:18:30 - How Could Her Story Help Other Women?

→ 01:36:16 - What Hope Does She Have for Others?

Further Listening

→I Cheated on My Pregnant Wife… With a Man
More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year ago Remington Weckbacher, known online as RemTheBurntGuy, survived an oil field explosion that left him with burns covering more than 80% of his body. We talk about what happened after he came home, including PTSD, night terrors, flashbacks, learning how to cope with trauma, and the mental work that came with rebuilding his life.

Check Out Remington:

→ GoFundMe

→ Instagram

→ YouTube

→ TikTok

→ Facebook

Sponsored By:

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial athttps://shopify.com/insane

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visithttps://forhers.com/insane to access personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair, menopause, and more.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:43 - What has the recovery process been like?

→ 00:02:45 - What is the surgery process like?

→ 00:04:43 - What did his girlfriend ask him the morning of the accident?

→ 00:05:49 - What was his job?

→ 00:06:53 - How did his work day start?

→ 00:08:20 - How did the oil field explosion start?

→ 00:11:42 - What happened when the explosion threw him from the rig?

→ 00:13:07 - How big was the explosion and could it have been prevented?

→ 00:14:19 - How did he survive being trapped in the fire?

→ 00:16:57 - How did they put the fire out?

→ 00:18:21 - What happened to the two men that passed away?

→ 00:19:36 - What was going through his mind when it happened?

→ 00:20:42 - How did they finally call for help?

→ 00:23:32 - What happened during the ambulance ride to the hospital?

→ 00:25:41 - What did he experience while he was unconscious?

→ 00:28:55 - What were the first surgeries he went through?

→ 00:31:04 - What was his daily care like in the hospital?

→ 00:32:01 - How bad was the infection he had from the water?

→ 00:33:28 - What was it like waking up after two and a half months?

→ 00:35:48 - How did his family cope while he was in the hospital?

→ 00:37:03 - What happens during recovery from severe burns?

→ 00:40:01 - How was his mental health throughout the process?

→ 00:42:35 - Why did he start going to therapy?

→ 00:44:21 - When did he reconnect with other survivors?

→ 00:45:46 - Why did he decide to leave the oil field?

→ 00:47:06 - What are his future goals?

→ 00:49:02 - Why did he start sharing his story online?

→ 00:51:25 - How did the fire impact his memory?

→ 00:52:47 - What surgeries and procedures are next for him?

→ 00:54:25 - How are skin grafts helping him regain mobility?

→ 00:58:42 - How did he learn to feel comfortable in his new body?

→ 01:03:19 - How does he want to use his experience to help others?

→ 01:06:28 - How did he learn to cope with his trauma?

→ 01:07:36 - What everyday things became difficult after the accident?

→ 01:12:43 - How is he using his experience to educate others?

→ 01:16:46 - How does workers compensation work?

Further Listening

→ My Boyfriend Stabbed Me 11 Times Then Killed Himself

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Nelson Rodriguez, host of Honor Among Thieves, a candid conversation about growing up around crime, getting pulled into a massive healthcare fraud scheme, losing everything, serving time in federal prison, and ultimately rebuilding his life through storytelling.

Check Out Nelson:

→ https://honoramongthievespodcast.com

→ Instagram

→ Podcast Instagram

→ YouTube

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to access personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair, menopause, and more.

→ ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - How did he become obsessed with crime stories?

→ 00:02:04 - How did his parents' stories shape his childhood?

→ 00:04:22 - Why did Scarface have such a big influence on him?

→ 00:05:32 - What made him believe the gangster lifestyle was worth chasing?

→ 00:14:11 - How did he go from being completely broke to making thousands a week?

→ 00:15:53 - When did he realize he was committing federal fraud?

→ 00:17:34 - How did the fraud actually work?

→ 00:22:04 - How did making easy money completely change his lifestyle?

→ 00:29:34 - What was he spending his fraud money on?

→ 00:31:12 - How long did he commit fraud?

→ 00:33:49 - Was he ever afraid of getting caught?

→ 00:35:41 - Why did he finally decide to walk away from the fraud?

→ 00:41:10 - How did the FBI eventually discover what he had been doing?

→ 00:45:10 - What was it like being arrested outside his home by the FBI?

→ 00:52:19 - Why did he lose his business?

→ 00:54:51 - What did he do while out on bond?

→ 00:57:33 - What happened while he was in federal prison?

→ 01:02:50 - How did prison change his perspective on life?

→ 01:05:42 - What did he learn from the people he met in prison?

→ 01:07:28 - What inspired Honor Among Thieves?

→ 01:11:17 - Why is rebuilding life after prison harder than prison?

Further Listening

→ I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louise Barnett spent 15 years living through extreme highs and devastating lows without knowing she had bipolar I disorder. She chased relationships, drugs, alcohol, and anything else that could quiet the noise in her mind.

Louise joins me to talk about her memoir, Tainted Love, and the four relationships that became chapters of her life. We talk addiction, mania, depression, motherhood, attachment, self-sabotage, sobriety, and what it actually feels like to live with bipolar disorder.

Check Out Louise:

→ Website

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ LinkedIn

→ TikTok

→ Amazon

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial athttps://shopify.com/insane

→ Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://wayfair.com/ right now to shop all things home.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:38 - What does living with undiagnosed bipolar disorder actually feel like?

→ 00:02:59 - How did growing up Mormon impact her life?

→ 00:05:15 - Why did substances become a way to escape?

→ 00:11:52 - Why can relationships become chapters of our lives?

→ 00:14:49 - What makes us stay in relationships when we're afraid to be alone?

→ 00:16:23 - How did these relationships impact her mental health?

→ 00:21:01 - What happens when the highs suddenly turn into a crash?

→ 00:24:30 - How did pregnancy change her life?

→ 00:26:39 - What does mania feel like?

→ 00:31:24 - What was it like the first time she left Patrick?

→ 00:34:28 - How is gratitude important for healing?

→ 00:36:21 - What was her inpatient treatment experience like?

→ 00:39:40 - What happened after she left inpatient therapy?

→ 00:45:01 - What does motherhood look like while struggling with bipolar disorder?

→ 00:48:36 - What does sobriety change when you're also managing bipolar disorder?

→ 00:51:32 - Can you actually manage bipolar disorder without letting it control your life?

→ 00:55:06 - How do you find self love and challenge feelings of loneliness?

→ 00:59:22 - Why can learning to sit with yourself change everything?

→ 01:06:29 - How do her life coaching sessions work?

Further Listening

→ Molested By My Brother

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For early releases, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 16 years old, Kate went to a lake house party with someone she trusted, unaware that the night would change her life forever. After drinking a small amount, she blacked out and spent years trying to understand what happened. Eleven years later, Kate received the case file and discovered witness statements and confessions that gave her a clearer picture of that night. She opens up about the lasting impact on her relationships and mental health, her struggles with depression and OCD, and finding healing through finally telling her story.

Check Out Kate:

→ Instagram

→ Tiktok

Sponsored By:

→ Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:02:18 - What Was Kate’s Childhood Like?

→ 00:04:56 - What Led to Her Being Sent to a Wilderness Camp?

→ 00:09:12 - What Was the Wilderness Camp Experience Like?

→ 00:15:08 - What Were the Rules and Conditions Like at the Camp?

→ 00:20:34 - What Happened to Kate at 16 Years Old?

→ 00:22:20 - How Did Kate Know Nick?

→ 00:26:24 - How Much Did Alcohol Play a Role in What Happened?

→ 00:27:16 - What Happened on August 11, 2009?

→ 00:28:36 - Why Did Kate Feel Like She Wasn’t the “Perfect Victim”?

→ 00:31:22 - What Happened When They Arrived at the Lake House?

→ 00:35:02 - What Does Kate Remember From the Assault?

→ 00:40:00 - What Happened After She Woke Up?

→ 00:45:00 - When Did Kate Begin Telling People What Happened?

→ 00:50:00 - Why Did She Decide to Report the Assault?

→ 00:53:16 - How Many People Later Confessed About That Night?

→ 01:00:00 - Why Did She Feel Like Other Survivors Had Been Through Something Worse Than Her?

→ 01:08:04 - What Did She Discover When She Finally Got the Case File?

→ 01:21:08 - How Did the Assault Affect Her Relationship With Sex?

→ 01:23:18 - Why Was One of the Witnesses Reluctant to Testify?

→ 01:25:00 - What Did Karen Say Happened That Night?

→ 01:37:16 - Who Else Was Present and What Did They Know?

→ 01:39:12 - What Did Samantha Remember From That Night?

→ 01:42:02 - How Long Did the Assault Continue?

→ 01:46:06 - What Did Garrett Tell the Detective?

→ 01:48:16 - Why Did Nick Refuse to Speak With Police?

→ 01:50:18 - What Did Jared Say About Whether Kate Had Been Drugged?

→ 02:10:02 - What Kind of Therapy Did She Do to Help Heal?

→ 02:19:20 - How Can Survivors Take Back Their Power?

→ 02:21:08 - How Can Talking About Trauma Help With Healing?

→ 02:27:18 - How Has She Worked on Her Mental Health and Emotional Regulation?

→ 02:30:52 - How Did She Get Through One of the Hardest Periods of Her Life?

→ 02:35:36 - How Did Her Breakup Affect Her Mental Health?

→ 02:38:06 - Why Did She Finally Start Talking About Her Intrusive Thoughts in Therapy?

→ 02:40:48 - What Does Moving Forward Look Like for Her?

Further Listening

→ My Boyfriend Trafficked Me To His Friends
More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most of his life, Jason did what he thought he was supposed to do. He got married, built a career, and checked all the boxes, while quietly suppressing something he had actually known since he was six years old.

In 2003, at 28 years old, Jason came to terms with the fact that he was gay after developing a relationship with a coworker who was also married. What followed was incredibly complicated. There was an affair, two marriages, a pregnancy, fear of being outed, and eventually one of the hardest conversations of Jason's life, telling his wife the truth.

Check Out Jason:

→ Jason's website: https://www.jasonwaidmiller.com/

→ Jason's Instagram: @jasonwaidmiller

→ Jason's TikTok: @jasonwaidmiller

Sponsored By:

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial athttps://shopify.com/insane

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

→ ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:49 - What was it like knowing he was gay from such a young age?

→ 00:02:47 - Did he feel attracted to his wife?

→ 00:04:26 - How did he know he was gay from six years old?

→ 00:06:15 - Why did he suppress his sexuality for nearly 30 years?

→ 00:07:32 - How did the affair begin?

→ 00:12:52 - How did he feel after the first time he was with Matt?

→ 00:14:21 - What was the most stressful part of the affair?

→ 00:17:51 - What changed for him after the affair started?

→ 00:21:42 - What happened when he found out his wife was pregnant?

→ 00:25:02 - Did finding out he was going to be a father change things?

→ 00:28:09 - How did they decide it was time to tell their wives?

→ 00:30:26 - What was the difference between attraction and exploration?

→ 00:34:36 - What was it like telling his wife, “I’m gay”?

→ 00:37:27 - How did his ex-wife respond?

→ 00:40:45 - Why did she want to talk to Matt?

→ 00:41:54 - What was Matt’s response?

→ 00:43:36 - How did his ex-wife choose forgiveness and grace?

→ 00:47:46 - What made him decide to share his story publicly?

→ 00:51:48 - What did they do after coming out?

→ 00:56:20 - What is Matt’s relationship like with his ex-wife?

→ 00:58:38 - How did people in his community react?

→ 01:01:12 - When did Matt and Jason get married?

→ 01:03:28 - Why did he start posting on social media?

→ 01:10:54 - How did his wife’s reaction impact the rest of his life?

Further Listening

→ Being Gay in a Homophobic House

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ellen opens up about the traumatic story of being attacked by two wolf hybrids when she was just 5 years old. She shares what she remembers from the attack, the devastating injuries that nearly cost her her leg, and the physical and emotional aftermath that followed. She also opens up about living with PTSD, night terrors, and panic attacks, how EMDR and art became part of her healing, and what it has meant to finally share her story 25 years later.

Check Out Ellen:

→ Instagram

→ Website

Sponsored By:

→ Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go tohttps://quince.com/insane. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

→ MasterClass | MasterClass keeps adding new classes, so there’s never been a better time to get in. Head to https://masterclass.com/insane to get at least 15% off any annual membership.

→ ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored
On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:03:30 - Why are wolf hybrids dangerous around children?

→ 00:05:14 - How did the attack happen?

→ 00:07:58 - How did the wolf attack her leg?

→ 00:08:42 - What does she remember afterward?

→ 00:14:58 - How did her parents react?

→ 00:17:00 - Why did doctors consider amputation?

→ 00:19:30 - How did the attack affect her parents?

→ 00:22:18 - How did she recover from four surgeries?

→ 00:27:36 - What was her hospital stay like?

→ 00:31:58 - How did losing her hamstring affect her?

→ 00:34:08 - How did she overcome her fear of dogs?

→ 00:36:08 - Did the owner face consequences?

→ 00:40:50 - How did the attack cause her passion for art?

→ 00:44:18 - What happened during her first psychedelic experience?

→ 00:50:26 - How did the trauma affect her family?

→ 00:59:12 - Why did she finally share her story?

→ 01:05:06 - Why was her dad worried about her sharing online?

→ 01:09:40 - Why do wolf hybrids end up in sanctuaries?

→ 01:13:50 - How did telling her story help her heal?

Further Listening

→ Dove in a Lake and Broke My Neck

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99

a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, a survivor opens up about the deeply disturbing story of being sexually abused by an adult woman he trusted when he was just 11 years old. He shares how the grooming began, how he was manipulated into believing the abuse was love, the shame and confusion he carried for years, and how the trauma continues to affect his relationships, substance use, and healing today.

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane

to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:04:09 - What Was His Childhood Like?

→ 00:06:22 - What Was Happening at Home?

→ 00:08:32 - How Did He Meet His Abuser?

→ 00:13:22 - Why Did He Trust Her?

→ 00:19:00 - When Did Grooming Turn Into Abuse?

→ 00:24:02 - Why Did She Make Him Keep It a Secret?

→ 00:27:22 - Why Was She Giving Kids Drugs and Alcohol?

→ 00:33:46 - Did the Abuse Affect His Sexuality?

→ 00:36:08 - Why Did She Say He Would “Latch Onto” Her?

→ 00:36:48 - When Did the Sexual Abuse Escalate?

→ 00:41:44 - How Did the Abuse Affect His Family?

→ 00:44:34 - Why Couldn’t He Connect With His Mom?

→ 00:46:04 - Did His Friends Suspect What Was Happening?

→ 00:48:18 - How Did the Abuse Affect School and Friendships?

→ 00:51:34 - How did the abuse continue as he got older?

→ 00:55:06 - Why didn’t anyone intervene?

→ 01:00:00 - What happened when her niece came to visit?

→ 01:07:04 - When did he first try to end the relationship?

→ 01:10:44 - Why did the abuse start again?

→ 01:13:50 - When was the last time he saw his abuser?

→ 01:14:14 - How did he tell his fiancée what happened?

→ 01:16:22 - When did he finally start therapy?

→ 01:19:42 - What happened when he saw his abuser again?

→ 01:26:04 - Why does he want to speak out about his story?

→ 01:31:50 - What does he want other survivors to know?

Further Listening

→ I Dated My Predator
More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

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a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Niki as she shares the unbelievable chain of events that led to her preparing to self-surrender to federal prison. Nikki opens up about losing her grandmother at a young age, growing up around addiction, unresolved childhood trauma, and the lifelong need to prove that she had everything together.

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visithttps://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

→ Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head tohttps://wayfair.com/ right now to shop all things home.

→ AquaTru | Go tohttps://aquatru.com/ now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:41 - A childhood growing up with parents addicted to crack

→ 00:05:21 - A last-minute trip to Vegas

→ 00:06:20 - Who did Nikki meet on the flight to Vegas?

→ 00:18:06 - What happened when Nikki and her friends flew to Guadalajara?

→ 00:23:16 - What were the red flags?

→ 00:27:48 - Stopped at a checkpoint

→ 00:31:36 - Why did a federal agent suddenly contact Nikki?

→ 00:35:29 - How did this unexpectedly lead the federal government to Nikki?

→ 00:40:14 - What was it like being interrogated by federal agents?

→ 00:42:23 - $2 million worth in her truck…

→ 00:45:32 - What was it like living in legal purgatory for 8 years?

→ 00:50:26 - How did Nikki manage to reduce her sentence?

→ 00:54:44 - Why is Nikki actually excited to finally go to prison?

→ 01:01:19 - How does Nikki feel now that this chapter of her life is finally ending?

Further Listening

→ I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deanna is sharing a part of her story she never thought she would tell publicly. After growing up in a deeply controlling religious environment, she entered adulthood without a clear understanding of boundaries, consent, or her own self-worth, leaving her vulnerable to relationships filled with manipulation, coercive control, abuse, and addiction.

She opens up about being groomed and sexually coerced by a partner, losing herself in unhealthy relationships, and turning to alcohol until a DUI and three months in jail became the wake-up call that ultimately saved her life. Through sobriety, recovery, and learning to trust herself, Deanna began rebuilding her identity and discovering that the family she'd always dreamed of didn't have to look the way she'd been taught.

Check Out Deanna :

Subscribe To Intrepid Storytelling:

→ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@IntrepidStorytelling

→ Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579

→ Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ?si=1213f92e209a4cbe

Follow Intrepid Storytelling On Social Media:

→ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578154971079

→ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/intrepidstorytelling

→ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@intrepidstorytelling

Follow Deanna On Social Media:

→ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/deanna.powell.5817/

→ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deannapowell

Deanna's Websites:

→ Podcast: https://www.intrepidstorytelling.com/

→ Real Estate: https://www.intrepidhometeam.com/

Sponsored By:

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial athttps://shopify.com/insane

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visithttps://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:02:25 - Why does she use the word intrepid?

→ 00:04:08 - What is the impact of the Diddy and Epstein cases?

→ 00:05:56 - Where was she born?

→ 00:07:48 - What was it like growing up as a southern baptist?

→ 00:12:13 - How was she disciplined as a child?

→ 00:15:32 - What was sex education like for her?

→ 00:22:57 - How was her dating life growing up?

→ 00:26:19 - What happened when she started stripping?

→ 00:28:17 - Why did she feel like she had to get married?

→ 00:32:28 - What did love bombing look like in her relationship with Steve?

→ 00:35:05 - What was it like moving in with Steve?

→ 00:37:59 - When were drugs introduced into the relationship?

→ 00:40:54 - When did the relationship begin to become coercive?

→ 00:44:36 - Why did she keep doing things she didn't want to do?

→ 00:48:40 - Can you become addicted to another person?

→ 00:50:11 - How did she finally get away from Steve?

→ 00:52:51 - When did she meet her second husband?

→ 00:57:12 - What happened during her second marriage?

→ 00:58:59 - What made her finally call 911 on her husband?

→ 01:00:45 - How did divorce lead to more drinking and self-destruction?

→ 01:06:43 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction?

→ 01:08:44 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction?

→ 01:12:35 - What made her decide to get sober for good?

→ 01:14:36 - How was outpatient treatment and probation?

→ 01:15:39 - What happened when she started dating again?

→ 01:20:31 - Why did she get married a third time?

→ 01:23:02 - What was off about her third marriage?

→ 01:27:13 - How did she feel when she found out he was cheating?

→ 01:31:31 - Why did she stop believing she needed a husband to have a family?

→ 01:34:51 - What is the foster parent application process like?

→ 01:39:40 - Why did she pick her sperm donor?

→ 01:43:33 - What is motherhood like for her?

→ 01:47:59 - How did sobriety help She rebuild her self-worth?

→ 01:50:33 - How did telling her story finally help her let go of shame?

Further Listening

→ I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time | https://shop.wereallinsane.com/

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts: https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 20 years, Andrea believed she was living her dream life. Then her husband confessed he had been secretly running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, shattering everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Andrea shares the devastating moment her world fell apart, how she navigated betrayal, financial ruin, and single motherhood, and what it took to rebuild her life after losing everything. She hopes her story reminds others that even after unimaginable trauma, healing is possible.

Check Out Andrea:

→ Instagram

→ TikTok

Topics Discussed:

→ Ponzi Scheme Survivor

→ Marriage Built on Lies

→ Financial Betrayal

→ Life After Losing Everything

→ Healing After Trauma

Sponsored By:

→ AirDoctor | Head to https://airdoctorpro.com and use promo code INSANE and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty, absolutely FREE! All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

→ ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane

to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:46 - What was Andrea's childhood like?

→ 00:03:06 - Why didn't wealth seem like a red flag?

→ 00:06:34 - How did she meet her future husband?

→ 00:08:08 - Why did Sean seem so charming?

→ 00:10:56 - Did their relationship seem too good to be true?

→ 00:12:42 - How did her father's death change what she wanted in a partner?

→ 00:16:31 - What were the first red flags in their marriage?

→ 00:19:10 - How did they build their dream life together?

→ 00:22:26 - How wealthy did they become?

→ 00:24:56 - What happened on March 18, 2009?

→ 00:29:38 - What did he confess first?

→ 00:31:50 - What is a Ponzi scheme?

→ 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything?

→ 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything?

→ 00:39:44 - What do you do after your entire life falls apart?

→ 00:44:34 - Why did she need her own attorney?

→ 00:49:18 - What was it like during the federal investigation?

→ 00:55:05 - How do you tell your children their father is going to prison?

→ 01:00:08 - How did she prepare her family for prison?

→ 01:04:00 - What happened when the first victim came to their door?

→ 01:08:54 - How dangerous did things become after the fraud was exposed?

→ 01:13:50 - How much money was stolen?

→ 01:17:20 - Why did she refuse to hide her jewelry?

→ 01:21:22 - How was she cleared by the government?

→ 01:23:12 - Why did her family move to Utah?

→ 01:27:00 - How did sharing her story help her heal?

→ 01:30:20 - How do you help your children recover from trauma?

→ 01:33:18 - Why is forgiveness the key to moving forward?

→ 01:35:02 - When did the shame finally disappear?

→ 01:36:44 - How did rebuilding her life lead to new opportunities?

→ 01:39:24 - Is recovery possible after losing everything?

→ 01:44:26 - How much prison time did her ex-husband serve?

→ 01:46:12 - Was it difficult to trust and love again?

→ 01:49:30 - How did she meet her current husband?

→ 01:50:52 - What does Andrea want others to know?
Further Listening

→ I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 15 years old, Jess entered a residential treatment center while struggling with trauma and her mental health. There, she met a counselor she was meant to trust who slowly groomed and sexually abused her, exploiting her vulnerability and changing the course of her life.

In this episode, Jess shares how childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and years of silence shaped her life and how she eventually found healing. She hopes her story helps other survivors feel seen, exposes the reality of abuse of power, and reminds people that healing is possible.

Check Out Jess:

→ Tik Tok | @graylightaura

Topics Discussed:

→ Childhood Trauma & Mental Health

→ Grooming by a Treatment Center Counselor

→ Surviving Sexual Abuse

→ Addiction & Recovery

→ Healing After Trauma

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane

to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:42 - What was Jess's childhood like?

→ 00:02:40 - How did losing her aunt change her life?

→ 00:05:10 - How did her father's alcoholism affect her?

→ 00:09:14 - What led to her first mental health crisis?

→ 00:10:10 - What happened during her first suicide attempt?

→ 00:11:02 - What was it like being in psychiatric hospitals?

→ 00:19:36 - Why was she sent to a residential treatment center?

→ 00:21:56 - How did she meet the counselor who groomed her?

→ 00:24:42 - How did they stay in contact after treatment?

→ 00:26:48 - How did the grooming begin?

→ 00:27:38 - What happened on their first "date"?

→ 00:29:40 - When did the abuse become sexual?

→ 00:31:18 - How did the abuse continue?

→ 00:32:34 - How was she isolated and manipulated?

→ 00:37:18 - How did the relationship affect her family?

→ 00:39:34 - How did the trauma begin to consume her life?

→ 00:49:40 - Why couldn't she leave the relationship?

→ 00:59:48 - How did she try to start over?

→ 01:05:16 - How did becoming a mother change her life?

→ 01:08:56 - What made her finally report her abuser?

→ 01:13:44 - What happened when she confronted her former counselor?

→ 01:18:02 - Why was the investigation closed?

→ 01:22:32 - What was it like seeing her abuser in court?

→ 01:28:10 - What needs to change to better protect vulnerable kids?

→ 01:35:00 - What are the warning signs of grooming?

→ 01:39:12 - What does Jess want parents and survivors to know?

Show links:

→ R*ped in Police Custody

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just 14 years old, Chris entered the juvenile justice system for minor offenses, where he encountered a trusted county sheriff who would profoundly alter the course of his life. After being groomed and sexually abused, the trauma followed him into adulthood, leading to years of addiction, mental health struggles, and silence.

Today, Chris is sharing his story to expose the abuse of power that went unchecked, advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, and prove that healing is possible even after decades of carrying the weight of the past.

Check Out Chris:

→ Facebook

Topics Discussed:

→ Growing Up in the Juvenile Justice System

→ Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse

→ The Lasting Effects of Trauma

→ Holding Powerful People Accountable

→ Finding Healing Through Advocacy

Sponsored By:

→ Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:40 - How did one false accusation change his life?

→ 00:03:58 - How did he meet Sheriff Bullock?

→ 00:05:18 - How did the grooming begin?

→ 00:07:02 - What happened during the first assault?

→ 00:10:36 - How did the abuse continue?

→ 00:11:20 - What happened during the second assault?

→ 00:15:12 - What was life like at Warren Acres?

→ 00:17:02 - Why did he keep returning to detention?

→ 00:19:07 - What happened during the third encounter?

→ 00:21:18 - How did he cope with the abuse?

→ 00:25:20 - Why did he begin acting out?

→ 00:27:03 - Why was he sent back to Warren Acres?

→ 00:29:54 - What happened during the final assault?

→ 00:31:12 - When did he first attempt suicide?

→ 00:35:30 - Why did he keep the abuse a secret?

→ 00:42:40 - How did the trauma follow him into adulthood?

→ 00:43:40 - How was Sheriff Bullock finally exposed?

→ 00:46:42 - What did life look like after the abuse?

→ 00:52:50 - What led to his next suicide attempt?

→ 00:55:24 - How was his life saved?

→ 00:56:38 - What was psychiatric treatment like?

→ 00:57:42 - What made him choose recovery?

→ 00:59:08 - How did sobriety change his life?

→ 01:07:12 - How did he discover the sheriff's trial?

→ 01:08:10 - Why did he decide to testify?

→ 01:19:18 - What was it like facing his abuser in court?

→ 01:27:14 - How did meeting another survivor change him?

→ 01:29:22 - How did survivors help change New Jersey law?

→ 01:30:23 - How many victims may there have been?

Further Listening:

→ My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator

- OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

- Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 20 years old, Zach Cheremski dove into a lake he'd grown up on and instantly became paralyzed from the neck down. In this episode, Zach shares the moments leading up to the accident, what it was like to survive a catastrophic spinal cord injury, and the physical and emotional challenges that followed. He reflects on resilience, hope, and how one split-second decision changed the course of his life forever.

Check Out Zackary:

→ https://x.com/Geodezics

Topics Discussed:

→ Surviving a life-changing diving accident

→ Living with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia

→ The physical and emotional challenges of recovery

→ Navigating addiction, chronic pain, and healing

→ Finding purpose, resilience, and hope after trauma

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:20 - Why did they decide to go night swimming?

→ 00:04:29 - What was going through his mind while trapped underwater?

→ 00:05:26 - How was he finally rescued?

→ 00:11:26 - What happened after he arrived at the hospital?

→ 00:18:38 - Who helped his family find hope during the darkest days?

→ 00:20:20 - What unexpected complications happened after the accident?

→ 00:23:30 - Why did he ask to "pull the plug"?

→ 00:27:38 - How did the support of others change his mindset?

→ 00:36:50 - Which unexpected visitor gave him hope?

→ 00:41:46 - What was recovery in the ICU really like?

→ 00:52:12 - How did pain medication become another battle?

→ 01:01:48 - What was it like returning to college after paralysis?

→ 01:13:20 - Why was going home harder than the hospital?

→ 01:16:42 - Did the hallucinations change the way he saw life?

→ 01:20:00 - Why did he question what was real after the accident?

→ 01:35:20 - How did he finally overcome addiction?

→ 01:51:20 - What does healing really look like after surviving trauma?

→ 01:57:45 - What message does he hope others take away from his story?

→ 02:01:10 - How has this experience changed the way he lives today?

Show links:

→ Hung From a Power Line By My Leg for an Hour

More We Are All Insane!

- OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

- Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

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For 14 years, Cynthia endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of the man she believed was her father.

From the age of five until she escaped at 19, she was groomed, manipulated, and repeatedly sexually abused by her stepfather…all while living in what appeared to be the perfect family. When she finally found the courage to tell someone at 16, she expected protection. Instead, she was met with disbelief, shame, and pressure from the very people who should have stood by her.

Resources:

→ https://rainn.org/

→ https://paar.net/

Check Out Cynthia:

→ https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaadelgado

Sponsored By:

→ Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial athttps://shopify.com/insane

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visithttps://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

→ AquaTru | Go tohttps://aquatru.com/ now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:00 - What was her family dynamic?

→ 00:01:48 - What was her first memory of sexual abuse?

→ 00:02:51 - What was her next memory of abuse?

→ 00:05:51 - What feelings dominated her childhood?

→ 00:07:37 - Why didn't she know her stepfather wasn't her biological father?

→ 00:08:56 - How did she feel when she found out he wasn’t her father?

→ 00:09:49 - How often was she abused?

→ 00:10:13 - What happened when she became seriously ill?

→ 00:13:08 - How did everyone react when they found out?

→ 00:14:17 - Did her mom know what was happening?

→ 00:16:51 - Who else did he sexually abuse?

→ 00:19:01 - How did the abuse escalate as she got older?

→ 00:24:26 - How did the abuse change when she was 14?

→ 00:26:06 - How did her high school girlfriend change everything?

→ 00:27:32 - What happened after the school reported the abuse?

→ 00:29:26 - Why was the police investigation so traumatizing?

→ 00:30:22 - How did her stepfather manipulate her from jail?

→ 00:33:19 - How did her family convince her to protect her abuser?

→ 00:36:09 - How was she manipulated into staying silent?

→ 00:38:48 - Why did the abuse begin again after he returned home?

→ 00:43:51 - How did her mother treat her differently from her sister?

→ 00:46:03 - What is a mother wound?

→ 00:48:38 - How did her mother also groom her?

→ 00:51:56 - How does her family treat her abuser to this day?

→ 00:53:29 - Why does she still struggle to cut off her mother?

→ 00:57:17 - Why is it so difficult to understand her mother's choices?

→ 00:59:29 - How did her mother respond to the allegations?

→ 01:02:55 - What happened when he got out of jail?

→ 01:05:01 - How did her stepfather regain her trust?

→ 01:08:01 - What happened after he slapped her?

→ 01:14:37 - How did he continue manipulating her emotionally?

→ 01:17:19 - Why did she finally leave home?

→ 01:20:01 - When did she leave the city?

→ 01:23:53 - What happened during the court proceedings?

→ 01:27:09 - How has family betrayal impacted her adulthood?

→ 01:30:20 - When did they get married?

→ 01:31:22 - How did the assault affect her mental health?

→ 01:34:05 - How is she breaking cycles moving forward?

→ 01:37:41 - How is she struggling with people pleasing?

→ 01:40:02 - What is her relationship with her family like now?

→ 01:42:48 - Why do so many survivors feel guilty?

→ 01:46:02 - How has becoming a stepmother changed her perspective?

→ 01:48:35 - How do you live your life with trauma?

→ 01:51:02 - Why does she feel obligated to share her story?

→ 01:54:38 - Why is it so important for survivors to speak out?

Further Listening:

→ My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some stories are incredibly difficult to hear—but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be told.

At 16 years old, he brought a shotgun into his high school. One teacher was shot, countless lives were forever changed, and he would spend the next 17 years in prison living with the consequences of his actions.

Today, he works alongside educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, speaking openly about warning signs, intervention, accountability, healing, and hope for those who may be struggling in silence.

Topics Discussed:

→ What causes someone to become a school shooter?

→ Can childhood trauma lead to violent behavior?

→ What are the warning signs before school violence?

→ How does untreated depression affect teenagers?

→ Can someone truly change after prison?

Sponsored By:

→ AirDoctor | Head to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code INSANE to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs every purchase.

→ Cozy Earth | Stay comfortable all summer long with Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set, Everywhere Pant, and Everyday Polo. For an exclusive offer, head to https://cozyearth.com/ and use code INSANE to receive 20% off your order.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:57 - What can we learn from someone who committed school violence?

→ 00:02:52 - Why is he telling his story now?

→ 00:05:24 - What was his childhood really like?

→ 00:07:27 - How did childhood sexual abuse shape his mental health?

→ 00:08:01 - When did depression begin to take over?

→ 00:09:05 - Why did he attempt suicide?

→ 00:12:21 - How did his relationship with school change?

→ 00:13:59 - Did the mental hospital actually help?

→ 00:16:16 - How did his mental health spiral so quickly?

→ 00:17:36 - Why did his mom hire an attorney?

→ 00:20:18 - Why didn't he tell anyone about the abuse?

→ 00:22:59 - What is the impact of being open about your trauma?

→ 00:26:20 - How can we all relate to each other more?

→ 00:27:57 - What happened after he left school for the summer?

→ 00:28:43 - How did he feel when he returned to school?

→ 00:29:55 - How did it feel to drop out of high school?

→ 00:31:48 - How did he start to feel at community college?

→ 00:33:55 - How was his mom handling his mental decline?

→ 00:35:21 - What is the gun safety process?

→ 00:37:12 - When did he become suicidal again?

→ 00:38:33 - Why did he decide to bring a gun to school?

→ 00:40:51 - What was in his suicide note?

→ 00:41:29 - What was going through his mind that morning?

→ 00:42:33 - How was he feeling throughout the shooting?

→ 00:44:36 - Did he come in with a plan?

→ 00:46:50 - When did he decide to start shooting?

→ 00:49:06 - What happened when he fired the first shot?

→ 00:51:22 - How was the shooting stopped?

→ 00:53:37 - Why did he finally give up?

→ 00:54:17 - How does he feel about being alive today?

→ 00:55:36 - What is his mission in life?

→ 00:57:52 - How did his friends and family respond?

→ 01:01:32 - What was prison really like?

→ 01:04:29 - Who did he maintain contact with while in prison?

→ 01:08:09 - When did he decide to share his story?

→ 01:13:01 - How does it feel to share his story now?

→ 01:14:15 - What did he do after getting out of prison?

→ 01:16:28 - What happened when he experienced an act of violence?

→ 01:24:31 - Why did he accept his death?

Further Listening:

→ My Dad Planned To Kill Us

Check Out Jon Romano:

→ https://www.tiktok.com/@jonseekingpeace

→ https://chooselovemovement.org/

→ https://988lifeline.org/

More We Are All Insane:

- OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time: https://shop.wereallinsane.com/

- Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts: https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victoria grew up watching her father abuse her mother, never knowing what would happen behind closed doors. In this episode, she shares what it was like growing up in a home shaped by domestic violence, addiction, and fear, and how those experiences continued to impact her long after her father was arrested.

She opens up about the night everything changed, the grief of losing multiple family members while trying to rebuild her life, the complicated relationship she has with her father today, and how she's worked to break generational cycles of abuse. Victoria's story is one of resilience, healing, and choosing a different future despite the trauma she endured.

Topics Discussed:

→ Growing Up in a Home Affected by Domestic Violence

→ Living With the Effects of Childhood Trauma

→ Escaping Abuse and Rebuilding a Life

→ Grief, Loss, and Healing Through Family Tragedy

→ Breaking Generational Cycles of Abuse and Addiction

→ Navigating a Complex Relationship With an Abusive Parent

→ Finding Healing by Sharing Her Story

Sponsored By:

→ Cozy Earth | Stay comfortable all summer long with Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set, Everywhere Pant, and Everyday Polo. For an exclusive offer, head to https://cozyearth.com/ and use code INSANE to receive 20% off your order.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:01:31 - What was her childhood like growing up in a Mexican household?

→ 00:07:10 - When did she first realize something was wrong at home?

→ 00:12:49 - What was it like growing up with domestic violence?

→ 00:18:03 - Why did her mom stay with her father for so long?

→ 00:24:18 - Why did she feel safest with her family in Mexico?

→ 00:31:12 - How did her family finally escape the abuse?

→ 00:37:58 - What happened after her father was arrested?

→ 00:43:55 - How did her family begin rebuilding their lives?

→ 00:47:07 - How did losing her grandfather change her quinceañera?

→ 00:48:34 - How did her mom turn a quinceañera into buying their first home?

→ 00:50:12 - How did growing up with abuse affect her relationships?

→ 00:54:05 - How did losing her aunt and cousin change her outlook on life?

→ 00:57:14 - Why didn't she want her father at her graduation?

→ 01:00:45 - What did a detective tell her that changed everything?

→ 01:05:32 - How did she begin healing from years of trauma?

→ 01:09:48 - How did healthy relationships change her perspective?

→ 01:14:18 - How did alcohol become a coping mechanism?

→ 01:18:42 - What helped her finally begin letting go of the past?

→ 01:24:09 - Why did she decide to reconnect with her father?

→ 01:31:56 - How did she learn to forgive without forgetting?

→ 01:38:27 - What did she discover after searching her father's room?

→ 01:46:35 - Why was telling the truth so difficult?

→ 01:52:18 - What is her relationship with her father like today?

→ 02:00:45 - What did investigators uncover during the case?

→ 02:05:15 - Why did she decide to tell her family's story?

→ 02:09:02 - How does she protect her peace while keeping her father at arm's length?

→ 02:13:12 - Why did she decide to share her story publicly?

→ 02:16:38 - What does she hope other survivors take away from her story?

Further Listening:

→ I Lived With Bill Gates After Escaping Abuse

Check Out Victoria:

→ https://www.instagram.com/ruizandrobledocleaningco/

Resources:

→ https://www.houseofruthinc.org/

→ https://www.loveisrespect.org/

→ https://www.thehotline.org/

→ https://www.cpedv.org/

→ https://ncadv.org/

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At 17 years old, she believed that if a boyfriend didn't hit her, he was a good boyfriend.

Growing up in a small town, raised in a strict religious household, and surrounded by unhealthy relationships, she had no idea what a healthy partnership was supposed to look like. What started as a high school relationship eventually led to years of heartbreak, single motherhood, difficult co-parenting battles, and the painful realization that the father of her child was never going to become the parent her daughter deserved.

But nothing could have prepared her for the message she received in 2025…a message that revealed her ex had been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses involving a minor.

Topics Discussed:

→ How do you protect your child from an unsafe parent?

→ When should co-parenting stop?

→ What are signs of parental neglect?

→ How do you win sole custody?

→ How do you heal after betrayal?

Sponsored By:

→ HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visithttps://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

→ Cozy Earth | Give Dad the gift of comfort this summer with Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set, Everywhere Pant, and Everyday Polo. For an exclusive offer, head tohttps://cozyearth.com/ and use code INSANE for 20% off.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - What was it like growing up in a strict Jehovah's Witness household?

→ 00:02:34 - How did childhood trauma shape her relationships?

→ 00:04:04 - What happened during her high-risk pregnancy?

→ 00:09:02 - What made co-parenting so difficult from the beginning?

→ 00:12:58 - Who did she move in with after leaving her ex?

→ 00:14:44 - When did neglect become impossible to ignore?

→ 00:17:31 - Why did she pursue sole legal and physical custody?

→ 00:20:14 - How did his parenting get worse over time?

→ 00:25:42 - How did her current partner become the father figure her daughter needed?

→ 00:31:02 - What message changed her life forever?

→ 00:33:45 - How did she react after learning about her ex's arrest?

→ 00:37:50 - Did she try to speak to him or his family after the news broke?

→ 00:42:55 - When was the last time she spoke to her ex?

→ 00:44:39 - How is her daughter handling the news about her father?

→ 00:46:09 - How will she one day explain the truth to her daughter?

→ 00:48:26 - How is she staying mindful of her mental health?

→ 00:50:54 - Why did she start sharing her story on TikTok?

→ 00:53:33 - How did going viral help her custody case?

→ 00:55:09 - Did the positive tik tok comments help her heal?

→ 00:57:06 - How was she able to afford a lawyer?

→ 00:59:04 - Does she see herself continuing to share her journey?

→ 01:02:21 - Why does she believe more parents need to share stories like this?

→ 01:08:05 - What is she going to do next?

→ 01:09:30 - Why is it scary for people to share their story?

→ 01:12:15 - When did people start to listen to her story?

→ 01:15:31 - How did her relationship with her father impact her parenting decisions?

→ 01:17:36 - What did she do when she first found out?

→ 01:20:02 - What is it like to struggle with your mental health?

→ 01:21:53 - What was it like hearing his sentencing in court?

→ 01:25:48 - What did she learn about relationships and abuse?

Show links:

→ I Lived With Bill Gates After Escaping Abuse

Check Out Ruvyn:

→ Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@alchemy_with_rue?_r=1&_t=ZT-97HpKvjuX0P

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemy_with_rue/

More We Are All Insane:

→ OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time

→ Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices