“When I first discovered this podcast I was so thrilled that a partner had decided to speak so publicly about her experience. So many women experience betrayal trauma and I found it comforting to hear Ashlynn. Over time I feel her voice has been silenced and both Coby and Brannon answer her questions for her, dismiss her feelings and talk over her. The most recent episode, titled “We’re getting divorced” was just heartbreaking to listen to. At one point in the episode Ashlynn starts to discuss her feelings and instead of validating her, The Expert, complements Coby on his appearance. I hear abuse happening in this relationship, and no one is calling it out. This episode starts with both Coby and Brannon admitting that last summer Ashlynn felt something was off and didn’t tell her that Coby was considering divorce even when Ashlynn communicates that something feels off. The keep more secrets from her. This is abuse. Over time I have watched her voice become silenced and her feelings pushed right over to talk more about how “the addict” feels. If you want a podcast that excuses away abusive behavior as “anxious attachment” and teaches addicts how not to validate their spouse, not to affirm their spouse and how to continue having their voice silenced, this is your podcast now. Brannon states that this couple is a “healthy relationship” in this episode. I disagree, withholding information, invalidating your spouse, perpetuating abuse by threatening divorce and excusing and justifying it away because his feelings are hard and painful, isn’t healthy. My hope is that Ashlynn can someday find her voice again and speak up for herself and know that even in high level recovery, this isn’t how she deserves to be treated. And she does have a voice, and for those of us who have decided to stay, this podcast’s intent is to bring hope. Listening to this the last few months, hope isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
This episode, along with “What do you attack into your life and why?” Have really turned me off from listening and flowing this journey. If I want to listen to abuse, listen to blame, listen to a spouse be invalidated, and not recognized for her efforts, not praised for her journey, and have her voice stomped on, I could turn no further than this podcast.”
Partner of a SA via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/22/18