Content Warning: This episode includes personal accounts of coercive control, emotional abuse, intimidation, and fear within a relationship.

Understand coercive control relationships and the quiet patterns of emotional abuse hiding in plain sight. This episode explores some of the hidden patterns of emotional and psychological abuse, why they’re so hard to recognize, and how awareness can become a path back to safety.

Self-defense instructor Lisa sits down with Karin, a survivor of a long-term coercive control relationship, for a deeply honest, illuminating conversation. Together, they unpack how control took root, how it escalated over time, and how Karin ultimately found her way out.

This is not a sensational story. It’s a listening story — one meant to give language to experiences many people feel but struggle to name.

Whether you’re questioning a relationship, supporting someone you love, or seeking to understand the quieter forms of abuse that often go unseen, this episode offers insight, validation, and a reminder: control is not love — and safety is possible.

Self Defense Resources

• Diamond Defense
  https://diamonddefense.com/resources
• Domestic Violence Hotline (in the United States)
  1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
  thehotline.org
• Relationships Australia Victoria RAV — What is Coercive Control? (Article)
  https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/news/what-is-coercive-control/

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/

💎Have a story you want to share on the podcast? Email us at DiamondDefensePodcast@gmail.com

💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden, Karin

Music

Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Artist: Christy Panchal Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal (ASCAP: 1020882000) 50%, Carrozza Gregory Joseph (BMI: 00528390441) 50%
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: A Change in the Weather Artist: Cookie Cartel Composers: Ancheta Mary Beth (SOCAN: 263187068) 50%, Kearley Dan William (SOCAN: 441100030) 50%
https://melod.ie/track-details/2443-a-change-in-the-weather

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Think self-defense is only for the strong or the fearless? Think again. In this episode, Lisa breaks down reality-based training, martial arts options, and the truth about awareness, boundaries, and using your voice as your first weapon. Perfect for anyone ready to feel safer, more grounded, and more confident — no matter your size, age, or starting point.

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

What do a race car driver, a wolf man, and a maybe–sex-cult recruiter have in common? They each taught a hard-earned lesson in intuition, boundaries, and the courage to walk away. Co-host Kellie turns three wild dating tales — Race Car Driver Man, Wolf Man, and Possible Sex Cult Recruiter Guy — into modern parables on red flags, boundaries, and self-trust. With co-host Lisa, they explore how paying attention and setting boundaries can help keep you safe — with humor, vulnerability, and a little courage thrown in.

NSFW: sexually explicit content, profanity

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music

Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime


Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: Sneaking Around Composer: Andy Scott
https://melod.ie/track-details/1115-sneaking-around

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/