In this short episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn shares space to process the collective heaviness following the recent tragedy in our country. Violence—no matter where it happens—leaves behind shock, grief, and trauma. Autumn offers reminders for coping in difficult times: unplugging from social media, stepping back from the 24/7 news cycle, grounding in the present moment, and leaning on community for support.

This episode is a reminder that we were never meant to carry trauma alone. Healing begins when we pause, breathe, and care for ourselves and each other.

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores how creative outlets can become powerful tools for healing after trauma and abuse. From art and journaling to faith, movement, volunteering, and trying new experiences, Autumn shares both research and personal stories of how creativity can help survivors rediscover their voice, purpose, and joy.

You’ll hear about:

• Art as therapy: how expression through color, shape, or collage can give emotions a safe outlet.

• Journaling: prompts and practices to untangle thoughts and track healing progress.

• Faith and spirituality: grounding practices that offer hope and connection.

• New experiences: how classes like singing, cooking, or photography can unlock joy.

• Exercise and movement: the research-backed benefits of biking, yoga, and other forms of physical activity for trauma recovery.

• Volunteering and purpose: how giving back, speaking out, and creating Almost Oblivious became transformative parts of Autumn’s own healing journey.

This episode encourages survivors to explore creative paths that fit their lives, reminding each listener that healing is not about perfection — it’s about rediscovery.

Abuse doesn’t end when the relationship does. Its impact lingers—sometimes for years—reshaping the way survivors see themselves, others, and the world around them. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the long-term effects of abuse on mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the invisible wounds survivors carry long after leaving.

Autumn also shares exciting personal news—she and her husband Zack are expecting their first baby! With pregnancy and managing narcolepsy, the episode schedule may shift, but her passion for sharing survivor-centered conversations remains stronger than ever.

Abuse is surrounded by harmful myths — ideas like “if it was really that bad, they would just leave” or “abuse only happens in certain kinds of relationships.” These misconceptions silence survivors, excuse abusers, and keep too many people stuck in unsafe situations.

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn unpacks some of the most common myths about abuse and replaces them with the reality survivors live every day. From the dangers of leaving, to abuse beyond the physical, to the stigma male victims face, this conversation is all about truth, awareness, and breaking down barriers.

If you’ve ever heard these myths — or maybe even believed them yourself — this episode will help you see the bigger picture.

Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest — and most dangerous — steps a survivor can take. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, I share some of my personal journey of leaving, blending my own story with the emotional realities, safety concerns, and aftermath that so many victims face.

From the quiet moments before the decision, to the day I walked out, to the unexpected emotional crash afterward — this is a raw, honest look at what leaving really feels like from the inside.

Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to understand, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone, and there is life and healing on the other side.

Have we been trained to overlook the signs that someone isn’t safe or manipulative? Or worse—what if we’ve never been taught what healthy love and relationships actually look like?

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the differences between red flags and green flags—not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family dynamics, and everyday connections.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify red flag behaviors like control, love bombing, and guilt-tripping

• Understand the psychological reasons why red flags can feel “normal”

• Recognize green flag qualities like emotional safety, consistency, and respect

• Compare real-life examples of toxic vs. healthy dynamics

• Rebuild your internal radar for healthy relationships—even if you’ve never seen them before

Whether you're just starting to heal or you're trying to unlearn old patterns, this episode will help you redefine what safe, healthy, and mutual love actually looks like.

Because peace isn’t boring—it’s just unfamiliar.

A question many survivors wrestle with — especially after betrayal, emotional harm, or abuse. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker dives deep into what science, psychology, and personal experience say about real change.

We explore the difference between remorse and reform, the neuroscience of behavior, and why real transformation requires more than just words. Autumn also speaks directly to critical issues like physical abuse, infidelity, and narcissistic traits — offering grounded, trauma-informed guidance to anyone stuck between hope and reality.

Some things are forgivable. Some are survivable. But not everything deserves a second chance.

If you’ve ever asked, “Should I stay?” or “Can they really change?” — this episode is for you.

In this survivor story, we hear from Tracey, who grew up under the control of a narcissistic and emotionally abusive mother — a kind of abuse that’s often hidden behind smiles, church functions, and perfect family photos. From subtle manipulation to overt guilt-tripping, this story explores how emotional abuse from a parent can shape your self-worth, relationships, and sense of reality.

As the survivor begins to set boundaries and ultimately go no contact, the manipulation escalates — but so does their decision. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the grief of choosing peace over family and the courage it takes to break free from generational cycles.

If you've ever been made to feel small, guilty, or like you're “too sensitive” by a family member, this episode is for you.

⚠️ Trigger warning: emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, parent-child estrangement.

You are not alone. You are not crazy. And you are worthy of peace.

In this honest episode, Autumn shares her personal experience with an abusive partner who twisted the truth and claimed to be the victim. She breaks down the manipulation tactic known as DARVO, highlights the damage it causes, and provides practical tools for those navigating similar experiences.

This episode is a reminder that your story matters—even when someone else tries to steal it.

DARVO:

• Deny the behavior

• Attack the victim’s credibility

• Reverse the Victim and Offender

In this special episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker is joined by licensed professional counselor Isaiah from Therapy Today to dive into the mental health side of healing after abuse. Together, they explore the emotional toll of toxic environments, how survivors can begin to rebuild their self-worth, and why therapy—whether trauma-focused or not—can be an essential part of the journey.

Isaiah offers practical advice on setting healthy boundaries, breaking unhealthy relationship patterns, and supporting loved ones who have left abusive situations. Whether you're in the process of healing or supporting someone who is, this episode offers guidance, validation, and hope.

Guest Info: Isaiah, LPC, is the voice behind Therapy Today, where he brings professional insight to everyday mental health struggles.

Follow Therapy Today Here:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Therapy2Day⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/therapy.2day⁠

Healing after abuse is not a straight road — and if you’ve ever felt like you were “going backward,” this episode is for you.

In this honest and vulnerable solo episode, Autumn opens up about why she missed last week’s show and shares her ongoing struggle with severe back pain, medical frustration, and the very real truth that healing—whether physical or emotional—is rarely neat or predictable.

She dives into her journey, including moments of PTSD, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts that still creep in years after escaping an abusive relationship. This episode is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not erase progress and that healing happens in layers.

Whether you're still in a situation, freshly out, or years into your healing journey, you’ll find comfort, validation, and truth in this week’s message: You are not behind. You are healing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

When we talk about domestic violence, we often leave someone out of the conversation—men.

In this eye-opening episode of Almost Oblivious, we confront the stigma, silence, and stereotypes that keep so many male victims from speaking out. Abuse doesn’t discriminate—and yet, male victims are often met with disbelief, shame, or mockery when they try to seek help.

💔 1 in 4 men experience physical violence from a partner. 💬 Many never say a word. 📉 Limited resources. Deep-rooted stigma. Real pain.

It’s time we stop asking why they stayed—and start asking how we can support them.

This episode includes: 🔹 Eye-opening statistics 🔹 Common forms of abuse men face 🔹 Barriers to seeking help 🔹 A call for better resources & compassion for ALL survivors

Living with someone who has narcissistic traits — whether it's a partner, a parent, or someone else close to you — can feel like constant emotional warfare. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker shares practical, solution-based strategies to help reduce conflict and protect your mental and emotional peace when leaving isn’t yet an option.

Drawing from recent training with Stepping Stones of Life and personal experience, this episode offers clear communication tools, boundary-setting techniques, and calming responses that can help you survive day to day — and remind you that you are not alone.

⚠️ Please note: These strategies are meant to help mitigate, not eliminate, the effects of narcissistic abuse. If your safety is at risk or you feel overwhelmed, you do not have to navigate this alone.

🛠️ In This Episode:

• Understanding narcissistic behavior and common patterns

• Ground rules for emotional protection

• Real-life examples of communication shifts to reduce conflict

• The Grey Rock Method

• Why these tools won’t always work — and why that’s not your fault

• A reminder: You deserve peace, and help is available

REWIND Listen! This is episode 5 & 6 from the beginning of Almost Oblivious!

In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create powerful emotional dependencies. Join me as we navigate the stages of this bond, unraveling why it's so hard to break free and how understanding these patterns can be the first step toward healing. In part 2, we dive deeper into the emotional and psychological complexities that keep survivors tied to abusive relationships. We unpack the intricate cycle of manipulation, the devastating effects of gaslighting, and the layered impact of repeated love bombing. This episode provides insights into breaking free from the toxic bonds and offers hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or someone wanting to learn more, this episode sheds light on one of the most challenging aspects of abuse.

Before there was romance, there was friendship—the kind built on late-night talks, inside jokes, and unconditional support. In this special episode, Autumn Baker and her husband Zack sit down to share how their marriage grew from years of best-friendship, trust, and shared adventures.

From goofy moments over Goldfish crackers to an ice cream shop proposal at Bruster’s, their story is full of love, laughter, and healing. Tune in as they reflect on how building a solid friendship first laid the foundation for the safe, healthy love they share today. 🍦❤️

In this episode, host Autumn Baker explores one of the most invisible and damaging aspects of abuse: shame. From how abusers weaponize shame to how it silences survivors, Autumn breaks down the emotional barriers that keep victims stuck — and explains what it takes to break free.

You’ll hear why shame lingers long after the abuse ends, how it affects healing, and what we can do — individually and as a community — to dismantle it. This episode is for survivors, supporters, and anyone seeking to understand the deeper psychological wounds of abuse.

We’re also excited to announce the launch of the Almost Oblivious Facebook Community Group — a safe, judgment-free space to connect, learn, and heal. 🎉

Today on Almost Oblivious, we’re tackling one of the most subtle — and most damaging — forms of emotional abuse: gaslighting. Gaslighting is a targeted form of psychological manipulation that causes you to doubt your memories, emotions, and sanity. But knowledge is power, and we’re shining a bright light on these dark tactics in this episode.

We’ll break down:

• What gaslighting is (and what it isn’t)

• How it shows up in relationships, workplaces, families, and more

• The psychological effects of gaslighting on survivors

• Real-life examples you might recognize

• How to recognize the signs and begin trusting yourself again

• Practical steps for protecting yourself and healing

You are not crazy. You are not broken. You are not alone.

What happens when the person who was supposed to love and protect you… is the one who hurt you most?

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the often-unspoken reality of parental abuse and its lasting effects on adult children. We unpack the emotional, psychological, and even physical toll of growing up in a toxic or abusive household and the complex grief that comes with realizing your parent was your abuser.

This episode validates the pain of survivors while offering hope, healing, and the reminder: You were never the problem.

You’ll learn:

• What parental abuse can look like (even without physical violence)

• Why emotional wounds often go unrecognized

• How parentification, gaslighting, and control impact adult survivors

• Why setting boundaries with family can be so difficult—and so necessary

• Resources and tools to help you reclaim your voice and begin healing

Whether you're estranged from a parent or just beginning to question your upbringing, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we hear from a survivor, Alice, who opens up about navigating domestic abuse while living with a disability—a topic too often left out of the conversation. From growing up in an abusive home to enduring emotional manipulation and isolation in her first adult relationship, her story sheds light on the unique challenges disabled survivors face, and the resilience it takes to reclaim your life after trauma.

She shares how people often labeled her “brave” just for existing in public, how abusers weaponized her disability to gain praise from others, and how grieving the loss of a loved one became the turning point that led her toward freedom. With honesty, heart, and strength, she invites us into a deeply personal journey of loss, survival, healing, and the unexpected joy of discovering what true safety and love can feel like.

This episode is a reminder that survival looks different for everyone—but hope, healing, and independence are possible for everyone. Whether you’re a survivor, supporter, or advocate, this story is one you’ll never forget.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, ableism, depression, and grief.

“If we want to break the cycle of domestic violence, it starts with education. It starts with bold conversations. It starts with us.”

Teen dating violence is happening far more often than most people realize—and the silence surrounding it is costing lives. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker confronts the harsh reality that 1 in 12 U.S. high school students report being physically hurt by someone they’re dating, and 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence before they become adults—and those are just the ones who speak up. Only 33% of teens ever told anyone about the abuse.

We explore the warning signs, the psychological toll, and the often-overlooked world of digital abuse—from social media stalking to pressure for explicit photos. Autumn shares her reflection on how a lack of education in her teen years kept her vulnerable to abuse later in life.

“Even if it feels awkward, talking openly shows teens they can trust you and turn to you without fear of judgment.”

Whether you're a parent, a teen, or someone who works with youth, this episode arms you with knowledge and resources to open up conversations that could truly save lives.

What they don’t know can hurt them. But what we teach today? That could save their tomorrow.

“Silence can lead to Ignorance, and Ignorance can be dangerous”.