From Now On

Latest Episodes:

THE BREAKTHROUGH: Finding courage and self-love after 26 years of abuse May 22, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to walk away from a life you’ve known for decades—especially when that life has been shaped by abuse?

Today, we’re exploring the moment of breakthrough: the courageous decision to leave a 26-year abusive marriage and step into the unknown. Too often, society tells us it’s too late to start over, but real freedom can begin when you have the courage to do so. Freedom knows no age.

Lisa welcomes Stephanie Strickland, author, motivational speaker, and survivor of intimate partner violence, who shares her powerful journey of finding the courage to leave, heal, and rebuild her life after more than two decades of abusive marriage. Together, Lisa and Stephanie discuss the invisible weight of shame, the masks we wear to survive, and the transformative power of finally telling your truth—not just to others, but to yourself.

This episode is about reclaiming your story, breaking free from the past, and proving that peace and wholeness are possible, no matter when you begin. Lisa and Stephanie call on listeners to support those making brave choices, reminding us all: it’s never too late for your breakthrough.

“From Now On…I will always advocate for myself. From now on, I will always use my voice. I will never downplay myself again. From now on, I will advocate for other women, and from now on, I will practice self-love.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of emotional, verbal, psychological and sexual abuse. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Stephanie Strickland:

Stephanie Strickland is the author of Finding Peace Within, a motivational speaker, and a survivor of intimate partner violence and abusive marriage. Stephanie Strickland passionately spends her time advocating for victims and survivors of abuse. Stephanie believes that by openly sharing her life, removing her mask, and walking in her purpose, she is showing women that you don’t have to live in the shame of your past.

Follow Stephanie @iamsdstrickland on Instagram. Go to stephaniedstrickland.com to learn more about her and order her book Finding Peace Within.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE MINDSET: Transforming Trauma into Purpose May 15, 2025

Show notes

Today, we’re exploring the powerful connection between mindset, healing, and purpose. Too often, survivors are told to “move on” or “just be positive,” but real transformation requires more than empty platitudes; it demands courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to rewrite your story.

Lisa welcomes Lewis Huckstep, a purpose and transformation coach who has turned his own history of childhood trauma into a mission to help others reclaim their worth and step into the lives they were meant to live. Lewis shares how his deepest wounds became the seeds of his purpose, and how embracing vulnerability, setting boundaries, and healing old patterns allowed him to create a life of inspiration and service to others.

Together, Lisa and Lewis break down the myth that trauma defines you and discuss practical steps for transforming emotional triggers, breaking free from toxic cycles, and discovering your authentic self. They explore why purpose often emerges from our greatest pain, and how giving back can be the ultimate act of healing.

This episode is a call to action for anyone ready to move beyond survival and step into a life of meaning. Lisa and Lewis invite you to see your story not as a source of shame, but as the foundation for your greatest gift to the world. Healing isn’t about forgetting the past. It’s about using it to fuel your future.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into inspiration or how to find purpose on the other side of pain, this conversation is for you.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of healing after trauma. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Lewis Huckstep:

Lewis Huckstep is a Purpose & Transformation Coach, author of The Inspired Life Method, a speaker, and podcast host of The Lewis Huckstep Experience. Lewis Huckstep discovers people’s life's purpose and their true, authentic self. He works with his clients to heal their mental and emotional limitations, overcome sabotaging patterns, allowing access to their true potential & fulfilment.

Follow Lewis @lewishuckstep on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Go to lewishuckstep.com to learn more about his services.

Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE MARTIAL ARTIST: Surviving a cult of control to teaching TRUE self-defense May 08, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the very place meant to empower you becomes a site of control and abuse? Today, we step into the martial arts world, a space built on honor and discipline, yet often hiding a darker reality of manipulation and exploitation.

Lisa welcomes Elicia Ybarra, a lifelong martial artist and dedicated women’s self-defense instructor, who transformed her own experience of abuse within the industry into a mission to uplift others. Elicia shares how martial arts became her escape from a chaotic, abusive childhood, only to later confront betrayal and harm by those in positions of power. Together, Lisa and Elicia expose how the martial arts community’s strict hierarchies and culture of silence protect abusers and isolate survivors, leaving many trapped in cycles of shame and disbelief.

This episode is about more than exposing a broken system; it’s about reclaiming martial arts as a tool for true empowerment. Elicia’s story is one of resilience, teaching that real self-defense starts with permission: to trust your instincts, set boundaries, and speak out. Lisa and Elicia call for a new vision of martial arts, one that builds women up, not breaks them down, and urge listeners to support survivors with empathy and action, not judgment or blame.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn survival into strength or how to make martial arts a place of real empowerment, this conversation is for you.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of grooming, coercion, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and predatory behavior. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

21 Days to Unbreakable is a 21-day women’s self-defense confidence training with video lessons, a guided workbook, practice drills, and community support. Enrollment opens March 2. Use code FromNowOnPod2026 for $50 off here: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/unbreakable

About Elicia Ybarra:

Elicia is a lifelong martial artist with over two decades of martial arts experience, including a 4th dan black belt in Taekwondo and a 1st dan black belt in Hapkido.

As the founder of Pretty Hands, Hard Punches, Elicia uses her own experiences overcoming abuse and exploitation within the martial arts industry to teach women practical self-defense techniques, boundary-setting, and how to recognize and stand against abuse. Her unique approach combines technical skill, emotional intelligence, and empowerment to help women build physical and mental strength.

Follow Elicia @prettyhandshardpunches on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. To learn more about her services and classes go to prettyhandshardpunches.com.

Elicia is offering to guides for From Now On audience.

Boundaries & Bravery: Self-Defense Strategies for Women Everywhere Guide - use Promocode: FromNowOn to access it for free.
Creating the Ideal You Guide - use Promocode: IdealYou to access it for free.

Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE PRODUCER: Inside the mind games of coercive control May 01, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the person you love and trust with your dreams turns out to be a master manipulator? How do you escape when your abuser is not only charming and powerful, but also an award-winning reality tv producer who knows how to shape narratives both on and off the screen?

In this gripping episode, Lisa Phillips welcomes Jane Doe, a devoted mother and accomplished professional, who bravely shares her harrowing journey through the labyrinth of coercive control. Jane reveals how her abuser, a celebrated producer with accolades and industry connections, used his expertise in storytelling, image management, and influence to isolate her, erode her self-worth, and ultimately weaponize the legal system against her.

Jane’s story exposes the chilling reality of psychological abuse that leaves no visible scars but inflicts deep wounds. She recounts how her partner’s charm quickly turned to control: love-bombing, social isolation, financial dependence, and relentless gaslighting. But the abuse didn’t end at home. When Jane tried to break free, her ex leveraged his resources and reputation to manipulate the courts, painting her as unstable and unfit, and orchestrating a campaign that ultimately separated her from her children.

Lisa and Jane discuss the urgent need for legal reforms to recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence, and the devastating impact when abusers exploit their power and the justice system to continue their reign of control. Jane’s resilience and determination to end the cycle of trauma for her family are a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere.

This episode is a call to action: to support survivors, challenge the systems that enable abusers, and demand accountability, no matter how powerful the perpetrator.

“From now on…we are the light, the beacon of warmth, of clarity, to help anyone to navigate this battlefield.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as family separation. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Jane Doe:

Jane Doe is, foremost, a devoted mother committed to ending intergenerational trauma in her family. She is also an award-winning academic, athlete, and artist with a passion for outdoor adventure, meditation, and prayer. A Digital Producer and Designer by professional trade. A recovering codependent and domestic violence survivor. Her recent experience within the criminal and legal system have been a rollercoaster of disappointment and victory. Driven by a desire to empower others, Jane is deeply committed to raising awareness about the insidious nature of coercive control abuse, advocating for accountability, justice and supporting survivors on their healing journey.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.

THE SEX COACH: How to Handle Kinks, Triggers & Red Flags Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

What does it really mean to date after surviving abuse? How do you navigate intimacy, desire, and vulnerability when your past trauma still echoes in the present?

In this candid episode, Lisa welcomes a certified sex and dating coach, Myisha Battle, who specializes in helping survivors reclaim their sexuality and confidence. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of dating after trauma—exploring how kinks, triggers, and red flags can show up in new relationships.

The conversation unpacks the unique challenges survivors face: learning to communicate boundaries, recognizing and managing triggers, and distinguishing between healthy exploration and harmful dynamics. Myisha shares practical tools for building trust, handling difficult conversations about consent and pleasure, and spotting red flags before they become patterns.

Lisa and Myisha emphasize that survivors deserve safe, fulfilling relationships and that healing is possible. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, community support, and seeking guidance from trauma-informed professionals.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating dating after abuse or supporting a loved one through their healing journey. It’s about empowering survivors to reclaim their sexuality on their own terms—and reminding everyone that pleasure and safety can coexist.

“From now on… I will listen to myself and my innate feelings about people.”

*Please note that the “S” in FRIES is for “specific,” not “safe/sane” as it was stated in the episode.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, abuse through exploitation of kink and BDSM, and relationships after abuse. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Myisha Battle:

Myisha Battle is a certified sex and dating coach, educator and author. She is the host of KCRW’s How’s Your Sex Life? podcast and writes the Real Love column for TIME. Her book, This Is Supposed To Be Fun: How To Find Joy in Hooking Up, Settling Down, and Everything In Between is available now wherever you like to buy books.

Follow Myisha @MyishaBattle on Instagram and X. To learn more about her services, go to myishabattle.com.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

If you are interested in joining an online survivor group, check out the SASS website.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE POSTPARTUM NIGHTMARE: He changed the SECOND I gave birth! Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

"I thought having a baby would bring us closer…instead, it unleashed a MONSTER."

In today's raw and emotional episode, Lisa sits down with Taylor Windmon, a survivor whose seemingly perfect relationship took a dark and terrifying turn immediately after childbirth. Taylor shares the shocking reality of her postpartum experience—how the man she loved transformed into an abusive figure, using her vulnerability against her.

Taylor reveals how her partner weaponized her postpartum depression, using it to gaslight and isolate her, and threatening to take her child away. She recounts the reckless anger, the physical altercations, and the chilling moments when she realized she was trapped in a cycle of abuse. She also discusses the red flags she had missed, such as the violent language and anger directed toward other drivers, which are indicators of a potentially abusive personality.

This episode isn't just about Taylor's survival; it's a crucial discussion about postpartum abuse and the ways abusers exploit the unique vulnerabilities of new mothers. It's a vital resource for anyone who suspects something is wrong in their relationship, or who wants to support loved ones navigating the challenges of new parenthood. It also highlights the power of community – Taylor’s family and friends rallied alongside her to help her create a safe and loving home for her and her kids.

“From now on…I am going to put myself and my children first, and I'm gonna love correctly, and I'm going to be loved correctly.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of intimate partner violence, physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as postpartum depression and suicidal ideation. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Taylor Windmon

Taylor is a passionate advocate for breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Having survived two abusive relationships spanning mental, emotional, financial and physical abuse, she draws from her experience to help others recognize the signs of abuse, find support and reclaim their self worth, inspired by her own upbringing with a young mother who also endured violence, Taylor Windmon is determined to change the narrative for future generations through her growing Tiktok platform, she offers education, empowerment and hope to those seeking a path to freedom.

Follow Taylor @Tatortotztayy on Instagram and @tatortotztay on TikTok.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE NEIGHBOR: A family’s silence and a child’s suffering Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the person you trust most—your own mother—becomes the architect of unimaginable harm? Today, we delve into the harrowing story of Cindy Lê, a survivor of familial sex trafficking who, starting at 8 years old, endured years of abuse facilitated by her own mother.

Cindy shares her journey of survival, beginning with her family's financial struggles that led her mother to make a devastating "deal" with a neighbor across the street. Cindy recounts how her mother essentially traded her to this predator, who masked his exploitation as love and trust. For years, Cindy was groomed and sexually assaulted while her mother turned a blind eye in exchange for money. When Cindy did tell her siblings the police got involved. Yet her mother actively encouraged her to “let it go” and not pursue prosecution. Her story sheds light on the systemic failures and personal betrayals that allowed this abuse to persist.

Lisa welcomed Cindy to discuss not only her survival but her path to healing and the complex emotions she grapples with, including her feelings toward her mother. Together, they confront the dark realities of grooming, the devastating impact of a parent’s choices, and the cultural silence surrounding abuse. Cindy’s resilience is a testament to the human spirit, and her advocacy aims to help others find their way out of dark times to prevent the heartache she once endured.

This episode is a call to action: to break the silence, support survivors, and ensure no child has to endure what Cindy did. It’s about exposing predators hiding in plain sight and empowering survivors to reclaim their stories.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Cindy Lê

Cindy Lê is a thriving business owner, a loving wife, a caring friend, and a devoted mother. Cindy’s journey does not end with her survival. She has taken it upon herself to shine a light on the dark reality of familial sex trafficking, a subject that is often surrounded by silence.

Follow Cindy @Ms_CindyLe on Instagram. You can check out her skincare line at beautybymrscindy.com.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE ONLINE GROOMER: The secret lives of gay teens being targeted on dating apps Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Where are the safe spaces for young gay teens to connect when community is non-existent at school? Why not the internet? Why not a dating app?

Today, we’re highlighting the fact that predators search for minors on dating apps to exploit, coerce, and groom, especially in the gay community. These teens are often blackmailed to remain silent and live these secret lives of pain. The systems that are supposed to protect often don’t take these predators seriously or sweep this exploitation under the rug. In the end, the survivor is further harmed and silenced.

Lisa welcomes Albert Flores a survivor, advocate, and storyteller passionate about creating safer spaces for vulnerable communities. Albert shares how they joined a dating app geared toward the LGBTQ community at 14 in the hopes of connecting with other local gay teens. Unfortunately, he found that local adult men sought him out instead. He was groomed by multiple men, even the older brother of a famous influencer family that created content geared toward children.

When incidents of exploitation were made public, Albert’s school administration, local police force, friends, and even the app safety protocols woefully mishandled these situations. Albert has been on a journey processing the effects of their trauma and PTSD. Now, Albert uses his voice to raise awareness about online safety, survivor support, and mental health.

What happened to Albert should have never been possible. We’re grateful for their courage to tell their story.

This episode is all about education, prevention, and a call to action to hold these institutions and companies accountable so that teens can connect safely on the internet.

"From now on, we will speak up for ourselves and say no. "

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, nonconsensual distribution of child sexual abuse materials, grooming and eating disorders due to PTSD. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

Follow Albert @albertflrz on Instagram.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.

Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE IMPOSTER: A wolf in sheep’s clothing – betraying native heritage Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

What happens when someone claiming to be part of your community isn’t who they say they are? When they use culture as a mask, trust as a weapon, and deception as a means of control?

Today, we’re confronting the historical cycle of submission, manipulation, and control—a cycle that predators exploit to their advantage. For generations, Indigenous communities have endured forced assimilation, systemic oppression, and silencing, conditioning many to submit to authority, to ignore red flags, and to stay silent in the face of abuse. But what happens when someone who claims to be a part of your community turns out to be a fraud?

Lisa welcomes Chiffon Lark, an artist, advocate, and Indigenous woman who survived a calculated campaign of deception, coercion, and emotional abuse. What started as a promising connection quickly unraveled into something far more sinister. Chiffon was targeted by a man who fabricated his identity, infiltrated her community, and used trust as a weapon. From love bombing to gaslighting to financial control, his manipulation was relentless—but so was Chiffon’s resilience.

This episode is about breaking free from cycles of submission, reclaiming power, and exposing imposters who hide behind culture, trust, and false promises.

From now on… “I will execute my right to honor myself first so that I can honor my community.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of coercion, sexual assault, stalking, and predatory behavior. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Chiffon Lark

Chiffon Lark (b.1989) is a full time Artist/Illustrator in San Diego, CA. Her father is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe (b.1965 Texas) and her mother (b.1968 Arizona) is Mescalero Apache and Coahuiltecan descent.

She is an Indigenous advocate for environmental sovereignty for all Native People and Wildlife. Chiffon has worked with both non-indigenous and native-led organizations throughout the US that are dedicated to cultural conservation and climate preservation.

Follow @chiffonlark on Instagram. To purchase and view her artwork, go to www.chiffonlark.com. To learn more about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, go to NativeHope.org and BIA.org.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE TRAUMA BOND: The Dark Triad, abuse of power, and gaslighting Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Why is it so hard to leave an abusive relationship? Why do survivors stay, even when the red flags are undeniable? The answer lies in one of the most powerful psychological traps—the trauma bond.

Today, we’re diving deep into the dark triad—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—and how these personality traits drive manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive control. Abusers don’t just use physical violence; they weaponize charm, isolation, and intermittent reinforcement to keep victims emotionally tethered. And they don’t act alone—there’s an entire system of enablers ensuring their power remains intact.

Lisa welcomes Dr. Nadine Macaluso, former model, therapist, and author of Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds. Known to many as “Dr. Nae,” she is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort’s character in The Wolf of Wall Street. After surviving an eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort, marked by abuse, greed, and trauma, Dr. Nae turned her trauma into a mission—educating others on how to break free from toxic cycles and reclaim their power.

In this episode, Lisa and Dr. Nae uncover the warning signs of trauma bonds, the psychological tricks abusers use to maintain control, and how survivors can break free. Survivors deserve more than just an escape—they deserve healing, empowerment, and the ability to write a new story on their own terms.

This episode is about understanding, empowerment, and reclaiming your life.

From Now On… don't self-abandon, don't self-sacrifice in the name of love.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of intimate partner violence, predatory behavior, and coercive control. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Dr. Nadine Macaluso:

Her journey of trauma and healing inspired her to return to school at age 39, where she earned her Master's in counseling and a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy. She further specialized with a two-year postdoctoral training in the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM).

As a therapist, Dr. Macaluso combines her education and personal experiences to help others heal from trauma. Her practice focuses on assisting patients in connecting with their authentic selves, fostering confidence, resilience, and agency. Dr. Macaluso firmly believes in the potential for post-traumatic growth, instilling hope in her patients and guiding them to reach their potential in life and love.

Follow Dr. Nadine Macaluso @therealdrnadine on Instagram, X and Youtube. @drnaelmft on TikTok and Facebook. To learn more about Dr. Nae’s work go to drnae.com. Join her SURTHRIVER Community here.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

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