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Girl Talk Decoded
Welcome to Girl Talk Decoded, the unconventional women’s health podcast where we tackle all things women’s health—emotional, physical, and everything in between. Hosted by Mary Vance, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Carla Hernandez, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, we bring a combined 30 years of expertise and a love for unfiltered conversations about real issues affecting women daily. Twice a month, we call out the BS and make complex topics user-friendly, discussing the latest research, personal stories, and insightful interviews on everything from nutrition, mental health, and relationships to fertility, perimenopause, autoimmune diseases, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned health guru or just want to better understand your body, this podcast will challenge your perspectives, validate your experiences, and empower you to take control of your health.
Girl Talk Decoded
#7 - When Love Hurts: Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Abuse
In this episode, Mary and Carla get real about something that often gets swept under the rug – emotional and verbal abuse in relationships. They share their own stories and talk honestly about how things like manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional control can sneak into our lives, often without us realizing it. They dive into why emotional abuse is so hard to spot, how our pasts shape how we see relationships, and why verbal abuse can sometimes do even more damage than physical abuse.
They also discuss the importance of therapy, self-awareness, and setting healthy boundaries as ways to break free from toxic patterns. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship is truly healthy, this episode is a must-listen. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing, and with therapy, self-work, and a strong support system, you can start rebuilding your confidence and finding peace again.
Episode highlights:
(1:16) Concerns about turmeric, black pepper, and liver damage
(3:48) Assuming “more is better” with supplements
(5:09) Recognizing emotional abuse in relationships
(10:24) How childhood experiences shape relationship dynamics
(14:26) The abuse cycle: conflict, remorse, and repetition
(16:18) Why abusers often deny responsibility and blame their victims
(20:21) Therapy as a tool for healing and recognizing toxic patterns
(27:01) The impact of abusive relationships on mental health and the nervous system
(34:01) Takeaway: when to seek therapy and when to leave immediately
(36:02) Outro
Check out Mary’s article on verbal abuse here: https://maryvancenc.substack.com/p/on-verbal-abuse
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