Surviving Toxic Relationships Podcast (Formerly The Matadoras, No More Bull Podcast)
Two Women, One Narcissist, and the Journey to Freedom
In this raw and gripping podcast, Lizzie and Deana—two women who share the painful bond of having been married to the same narcissistic abuser—pull back the curtain on the devastating cycle of manipulation, betrayal, and gaslighting that they endured. Together, they unravel the dark truths of sexual addiction, financial abuse, trauma bonding, and double lives, while sharing how they found the courage to escape and reclaim their power.
Through candid storytelling, heartfelt conversations, and practical insights, Lizzie and Deana shed light on the devastating ripple effects of narcissistic abuse, not just in their lives but in the lives of others who followed. More importantly, they offer hope, empowerment, and tools for healing to those who may feel trapped.
This podcast is not just about survival—it's about rising above the pain to build your best self and your best life. A must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, solidarity, and the strength to survive or break free.
Episodes
63 episodes
Episode #63: Untangling Complex Shame: A Journey to Healing with Dr. Zoe Shaw
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Zoe dives into the often misunderstood world of complex shame—how it silently shapes our relationships, distorts our identity, and hinders our ability to experience healthy love....
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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38:54
Episode #62: He Controlled Everything: My 29-Year Marriage to a Covert Narcissist
What happens when the person you vowed to spend your life with turns out to be living a double life — not in secret affairs, but in hidden abuse?In this eye-opening episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we’re joined...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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29:38
Episode #61: Samia Come Forth: From Rock Bottom to Purpose-Driven Powerhouse
What happens when pain meets purpose?Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Samia Young, a powerhouse of resilience, faith, and redemption. Once a foster youth who endured unspeakable abuse, a toxic marriage, and time ...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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54:17
Episode #60: Why Wives Feel Invisible At Home; With Dr. Becky Whetstone
In this candid and powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, Lizzie and Deana are joined by therapist and author Dr. Becky Whetstone to unpack the real dynamics behind relationship breakdowns, nagging, resentment, an...
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43:38
Episode #59: When the Affair Goes Viral; But You're the One Left Bleeding- Astronomer CEO-Andy Byron story
In this powerful Talk It Out Tuesday episode, Lizzie and Deana talk openly about the emotional toll of public betrayal, using the viral Andy Byron affair as a lens to explore the very personal pain of infidelity. Together, they unpack the...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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22:56
Episode #58: Navigating High Conflict Divorces: Insights from Lisa Johnson
In this conversation, Lizzie and Deana speak with Lisa Johnson, a high conflict divorce strategist and advocate, about the complexities of navigating high conflict divorces and legal abuse. Lisa shares her personal journey from being a victim t...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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42:27
Episode #57: Gaslighting, Blame Shifting & Minimizing; 3 Toxic Tactics That Keep You Stuck
In this episode, Lizzie and Deana delve into the complexities of manipulation, focusing on gaslighting, blame shifting, and minimizing. They share personal stories and insights on how these tactics can distort reality and erode emotional safety...
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24:53
Episode #56: When the Marriage Ends in Midlife: Healing After Betrayal & Financial Devastation
On the first episode of "Talk It Out Tuesdays", Lizzie and Deana discuss the phenomenon of "gray divorce", particularly focusing on the emotional and financial impacts of divorce for individuals over 50. They share personal experiences of navig...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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16:07
Episode #55: Spotting Manipulation in Conversations; How to Trust Your Gut Again
In this conversation, Lizzie and Deana explore the complexities of manipulation within faith-based relationships, particularly focusing on how women of faith may be more susceptible to manipulative behaviors. They discuss various manipulation t...
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Season 1
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Episode 55
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25:52
Episode #54: Breaking Free; A Story of Resilience
In this conversation, three time best selling author, Azadeh Atzberger shares her powerful journey from a troubled childhood marked by bullying and substance abuse to reclaiming her life after escaping an extremely toxic relationship. She...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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31:54
Episode #53: I Think I Want Out; The 5 Stages of Marital Breakdown
In this conversation, Dr. Becky Whetstone, LMFT discusses the complexities of marriage, particularly focusing on the challenges faced when one partner wants to end the marriage. Becky shares insights from her book, "I Think I Want Out, Th...
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Season 1
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Episode 53
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51:22
Episode #52; Forgiveness vs Reconciliation: Why You Can Let Go Without Going Back
In this episode, Lizzie and Deana explore the critical distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing that forgiveness is a personal choice that can occur independently of the other party's actions. They discuss the importance ...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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25:52
Episode #51: Healing From Narcissistic Abuse: Red Flags, Boundaries, and Reclaiming Self Worth
SummaryIn this conversation, Katherine Miura, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her insights on navigating narcissistic abuse. She defines narcissistic abuse as the construction of a false perception of reality by t...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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51:08
Episode #50: Emotional Healing & Nervous System Reset After Abuse
In this conversation, Mandy Schulis, a narrative coach and nervous system expert, shares her insights on healing after toxic relationships. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, patience, and understanding the nervous system's role ...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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29:28
Episode #49: Toxic Dating & Red Flags: An LMFT's Survival Guide
In this conversation, Carla Litto, a marriage and family therapist, discusses the signs of narcissism in romantic relationships. She explains how narcissists often present themselves charmingly at first, but their true nature reveals itself ove...
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38:20
Episode #48: The Matadoras Origin Story; 2 Ex Wives Unveil A Narcissists Double Life & Protect The Next Victim
In this episode of the Matadoras No More Bull podcast, Lizzie and Deana share their personal journeys of escaping toxic relationships and the importance of healing. They discuss the challenges of recognizing abusive patterns, the impact of dece...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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10:17
Episode #47: Do You Have Healthy Boundaries? 6 Keys To Building Healthy Boundaries
In this brief episode, Deana and Lizzie discuss the importance of setting boundaries for personal well-being and empowerment. They explore the signs of unhealthy boundaries, the steps to becoming a 'boundary boss', and the significance of self-...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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8:56
Episode #46; Breaking The Generational Cycle of Trauma; Tina's Journey of Forgiveness and Self Love
In this conversation, Tina shares her profound journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and a cult-like upbringing to a path of healing and self-discovery. She discusses the impact of generational trauma, the challenges of recognizing...
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32:00
Episode #45; Narcissistic Abuse: How to Recover & Heal (Strategies for Survivors) with Katherine Miura LMFT
In this conversation, Katherine Miura, an author and marriage and family therapist, shares her personal journey of overcoming narcissistic abuse and her mission to help others heal from similar experiences. She discusses the complexities of nar...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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29:55
Episode #44: The Red Flags Of Suicide Manipulation; Surviving Manipulation Abuse
In this episode, The Matadoras delve into the complex and often misunderstood topic of emotional abuse through suicide manipulation. They share personal stories, discuss the red flags of manipulation, and provide practical advice on how to resp...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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18:27
Episode #43: You Can't Make This Sh*t Up! Laughing Through The Narcissistic Nightmare
In this engaging conversation, the Matadoras and special guest Jennifer, share their personal stories of navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals. They explore the complexities of narcissistic personalities, recount their experien...
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Episode 43
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43:37
Episode #42: Interview with Dr. Sam Vaknin, Professor of Psychology; Breaking the Manipulation & Aggression Cycle
In this engaging episode, Dr. Sam Vaknin, a renowned expert on narcissism, author, and Professor of Psychology provides invaluable insights into the warning signs of abusive behavior, the psychological tactics employed by abusers, and effective...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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49:26
Episode #41: The Power Shift: Recognizing & Breaking Free from the Victim Role
In this conversation, Lizzie and Deana explore the concept of victim mentality, discussing its origins, signs, and how it manifests in relationships and life circumstances. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and breaking free from thi...
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41:26
Episode #40; The Lonely Dark; Finding Your Way Out of Depression.
In this conversation, Deana and Lizzie discuss the profound themes of grief, loneliness, and depression, particularly as they navigate personal struggles and the importance of vulnerability. They share their experiences and insights on how to c...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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42:33
Episode #39: The Weight Of "What If's"-Navigating Grief, Loss & Regret
In this episode of The Matadoras, hosts Deana and Lizzie delve into the complex and often painful topic of grief. They share personal stories of loss, including the impact of losing friends and family members, and discuss the various ways indiv...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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38:50