Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer This raw, true survivor story contains explicit details of heavy drug use, narcissistic abuse, physical violence, and attempted murder. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this powerful episode of When Dating Hurts, we interview Abe, now 20 years old. Before diving in, we strongly recommend listening to episodes 310 and 311 where Abe’s mother, Heather, shares her own harrowing story of serial narcissistic abuse, near-fatal domestic violence, and survival at the hands of her ex-husband Rick. Abe was also repeatedly emotionally and physically abused by Rick during those years.

Abe bravely opens up about his experience starting at age seven and lasting until he was thirteen. He paints a vivid picture of daily abuse in a home where a child feels powerless — and reveals how his own actions played a key role in helping his mother survive.

Heather and Rick were both deep in active addiction throughout this nightmare. While many assume drugs caused the abuse, Heather has always been clear: drugs do not cause narcissistic abuse or domestic violence — they make it far more dangerous and deadly. This episode drives that truth home through a child’s eyes.

In this episode you’ll hear: • What it’s really like growing up with narcissistic parents and early childhood trauma • A string of emotionally and physically abusive acts from a violent stepfather • How a young boy became an unlikely hero in his mother’s fight to survive attempted murder • The brutal reality of drug addiction combined with intimate partner violence • A child’s perspective on living in constant fear with no escape

It is nothing short of a miracle that both Heather and Abe are alive today.

If you or someone you love is trapped in narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, or addiction-fueled trauma, this story delivers raw hope, validation, and proof that recovery and freedom are possible.

Perfect for anyone searching: • Narcissistic abuse recovery stories • Domestic violence survivor interviews • Child survivors of narcissistic abuse • Escaping abusive relationships with children • Healing from narcissistic parents • Drug addiction and intimate partner violence • Real stories of surviving attempted murder

💬 Share this episode with any survivor, friend, or family member who needs to hear they are not alone and it’s never too late to rebuild.

Don’t miss this unforgettable journey from rock bottom to redemption.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. U

312. Abe - Growing Up Surrounded by Abuse, Violence & Attempted Murder

This is part two, the final part of a two-part story with Heather.

This survivor's story comes with disclaimers having to do with heavy drug usage, narcissism, physical violence, and attempted murder.

Heather has selflessly brought her story to us. It would be a mistake to think what happened to her was due to drug usage. Drugs do not cause abuse; they make abuse worse. And Heather knows all about this.

You'll hear about her narcissistic parents, abusive boyfriends, and her abusive ex-husband. It is practically a miracle that she is still alive today.

Heather somehow managed to find the good person she was always meant to be. She can thank herself and her son, Abe, for saving her life. Together, they kept her alive and today are both flourishing.

Be sure to share the story with someone who needs to hear it.



Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

311. Heather - Pt 2 of 2 Pts - One Woman's Escape from Her Nightmare

This is part one of a two-part story with Heather.

This survivor's story comes with disclaimers having to do with heavy drug usage, narcissism, physical violence, and attempted murder.

Heather has selflessly brought her story to us. It would be a mistake to think what happened to her was due to drug usage. Drugs do not cause abuse; they make abuse worse. And Heather knows all about this.

You'll hear about her narcissistic parents, abusive boyfriends, and her abusive ex-husband. It is practically a miracle that she is still alive today.

Heather somehow managed to find the good person she was always meant to be. She can thank herself and her son, Abe, for saving her life. Together, they kept her alive and today are both flourishing.

Be sure to share the story with someone who needs to hear it.



Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

310. Heather - Pt 1 of 2 Pts - One Woman's Escape from Her Nightmare

Dr. Diane Mueller has dual doctorates in naturopathic as well as acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

She is a best-selling author, a speaker, and the founder of a sexuality education center entitled, MyLibidoDoc.com [https://mylibidodoc.com/].

She hosts The Libido Lounge podcast [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4AUgfK9dWz47YpDRl9pQPD?si=dce0565e42214fd0] with over 33,000 followers. It is specifically curated for couples in long-term relationships.

This is a good episode about moving on after an abusive relationship appears to be over. Trying out a new relationship with a caring partner is discussed here.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.









Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

309. Dr. Diane Mueller - Ways to Heal from Trauma

Hello, it's Bill Mitchell, your host of WHEN DATING HURTS.

Here's what I'd like for you to do:

I am inviting you, our WHEN DATING HURTS listeners, to contribute a 2-3 minute audio recording of your survivor story (or your thoughts about dating abuse or domestic violence) to be included in a future episode.

This initiative is specifically for those of you who may not want to do a full interview, but wish to share your dating abuse or domestic violence experiences.

Who can participate? You! What should you share?:

• Survivors: Whether you are currently free from abuse or in the midst of working your way out, we want to hear your story.

• Friends and Family: Those who have witnessed the journey of a survivor. Or, maybe you want to share your point of view. Your words can save someone listening to what you share.

• Podcast Listeners: If you have been helped by WHEN DATING HURTS, and you wish to share their thoughts, we would love to hear from you.

There are no strict categories; you can share a story, a current situation, or just whatever is on your mind.

The submission process is very easy:

1. Record: Simply use the voice memo app on your phone and record your thoughts.

2. If you make mistakes: Don't worry. We all make mistakes. Simply take a pause and restart your thoughts. I will be happy to edit and bring out the best version of your story. Your willingness to join is what is most important.

3. Anonymity: To ensure your privacy and safety, all stories need to remain anonymous. If you mention names, please create those names.

4. Send: Use the "share" button in your voice memo app to email the file to BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com. I will take it from there.

Our goal:

We want to encourage listeners who live in unhealthy relationships to find safe ways to break free. You can help!

We want to remind listeners, worldwide, they are not alone. Speaking together, we can make life better for thousands.

By sharing your perspective, you could be providing the motivation another listener needs to work to save their own life. Your words are powerful.

Thank you

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Now you can be part of our growing community by telling the world the truth about dating abuse and domestic violence.

Bill Mitchell



NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]<

308. Keep Sending Us Your Stories (It's Easy)

This is an interview about stalking with Michele Locke.

Michele is a Texas divorce lawyer, and she was formerly an Associate Judge in Texas.

The interview was for an Instagram Live show she conducts every Friday evening (4pm Texas time). The subject of our interview was stalking, but we picked up on other areas related to domestic violence as well.

Michele was interviewed on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast twice in 2025. I suggest you listen to those interviews when you have time. Those two interviews focus on divorce – especially divorce from an abusive marriage.

Special thanks to Michele Locke for my interview with her. I am sure she will be back on with us very soon.

If you're interested in watching Michele Locke's Friday Instagram Live feed, just head to her Instagram page: @attorneymichelelocke

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

307. Bill Mitchell - Interview on Stalking - Michele Locke's Instagram Live

Hello, it's Bill Mitchell, your host of WHEN DATING HURTS.

Here's what I'd like for you to do:

I am inviting you, our WHEN DATING HURTS listeners, to contribute a 2-3 minute audio recording of your survivor story (or your thoughts about dating abuse or domestic violence) to be included in a future episode.

This initiative is specifically for those of you who may not want to do a full interview, but wish to share your dating abuse or domestic violence experiences.

Who can participate? You! What should you share?:

• Survivors: Whether you are currently free from abuse or in the midst of working your way out, we want to hear your story.

• Friends and Family: Those who have witnessed the journey of a survivor. Or, maybe you want to share your point of view. Your words can save someone listening to what you share.

• Podcast Listeners: If you have been helped by WHEN DATING HURTS, and you wish to share their thoughts, we would love to hear from you.

There are no strict categories; you can share a story, a current situation, or just whatever is on your mind.

The submission process is very easy:

1. Record: Simply use the voice memo app on your phone and record your thoughts.

2. If you make mistakes: Don't worry. We all make mistakes. Simply take a pause and restart your thoughts. I will be happy to edit and bring out the best version of your story. Your willingness to join is what is most important.

3. Anonymity: To ensure your privacy and safety, all stories need to remain anonymous. If you mention names, please create those names.

4. Send: Use the "share" button in your voice memo app to email the file to BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com. I will take it from there.

Our goal:

We want to encourage listeners who live in unhealthy relationships to find safe ways to break free. You can help!

We want to remind listeners, worldwide, they are not alone. Speaking together, we can make life better for thousands.

By sharing your perspective, you could be providing the motivation another listener needs to work to save their own life. Your words are powerful.

Thank you

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Now you can be part of our growing community by telling the world the truth about dating abuse and domestic violence.

Bill Mitchell



NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]


<

306. Bring Your Stories and Insights to WHEN DATING HURTS

This is part two of a two-part interview with Nichole Schmidt, the Mother of Gabby Petito.

Most of you remember the Gabby Petito story as it unfolded on national news across this country.

When the reports said this young woman, traveling in a van out west with her boyfriend, had not been heard from for days, I admit I thought he probably killed her. Unfortunately, my intuition was correct.

I wanted to speak with Gabby's parents right away, but guessed it would never happen. But now it did.

In two episodes, I speak with Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast.

QUICK NOTES:

• You will hear us mention a documentary in our chat. It is the 2025 Gabby Petito documentary you can see on Netflix. It is worth your time.

• Also, Gabby's parents were divorced when she was very young, but they stayed in close touch in an amicable fashion. Gabby's mother and father married others, and all four parents are involved in the Gabby Petito Foundation.

The Gabby Petito Foundation is driving real change in the fight against domestic violence and missing persons. Inspired by Gabby's legacy, their mission is to take action on the front lines, partnering with organizations and equipping communities and first responders with the tools, training, and support they need to prevent and respond collectively to violence, and to protect those at risk.

Gabby Petito Foundation [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/]

Gabby's Blog [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/blog]

Get Involved with Gabby Petito Foundation [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/blog]



Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

305. Nichole Schmidt - Pt 2 of 2 Pts - The Mother of Gabby Petito

This is part one of a two-part interview with Nichole Schmidt , the Mother of Gabby Petito.

Most of you remember the Gabby Petito story as it unfolded on national news across this country.

When the reports said this young woman, traveling in a van out west with her boyfriend, had not been heard from for days, I admit I thought he probably killed her. Unfortunately, my intuition was correct.

I wanted to speak with Gabby's parents right away, but guessed it would never happen. But now it did.

In two episodes, I speak with Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast.

QUICK NOTES:

• You will hear us mention a documentary in our chat. It is the 2025 Gabby Petito documentary you can see on Netflix. It is worth your time.

• Also, Gabby's parents were divorced when she was very young, but they stayed in close touch in an amicable fashion. Gabby's mother and father married others, and all four parents are involved in the Gabby Petito Foundation.

The Gabby Petito Foundation is driving real change in the fight against domestic violence and missing persons. Inspired by Gabby's legacy, their mission is to take action on the front lines, partnering with organizations and equipping communities and first responders with the tools, training, and support they need to prevent and respond collectively to violence, and to protect those at risk.

⁠Gabby Petito Foundation⁠ [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/]

⁠Gabby's Blog⁠ [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/blog]

⁠Get Involved with Gabby Petito Foundation⁠ [https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/blog]



Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

304. Nichole Schmidt - Pt 1 of 2 Pts - The Mother of Gabby Petito

We are bringing back one of our most educational episodes. It was recorded a few years back soon after we met Nurse Laura Clary at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Listen to Ms.Clary and see domestic violence from her point of view as a professional.

Few have as many credentials added to their names as this amazing woman. Allow me to introduce you to Laura Clary, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A. There is much to be learned from someone who has accumulated such a vast amount of knowledge.

Laura has been a registered nurse for 11 years. In 2010, she completed her Forensic Nursing training at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and joined the GBMC team as a Forensic Nurse Examiner. She has been the Clinical Program Manager of the GBMC SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) & Domestic Violence Program since 2014.

Laura is certified to care for patients who have been victims of sexual assault, rape, child abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Laura obtained her National professional certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner from the International Association of Forensic Nurses in 2013.

Laura is a Board of Nursing approved Forensic Nurse Examiner Instructor and an active member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, as well as the Maryland Child Abuse Medical Providers (CHAMP), and is Chair of the Baltimore County Sexual Assault Response team.

In May of 2017, she was nationally recognized when she was awarded the title of “America’s Most Amazing Nurse” by Prevention Magazine and additionally awarded Baltimore County, Maryland’s Woman of the Year in 2018.

She sees the worst that can happen. That's when she brings her best.

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast.

Bill Mitchell

⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠ [https://www.whendatinghurts.com/]



NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠ [BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com]

The ⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734253703/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1] (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.



HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠The Hotline.org ⁠ [https://www.thehotline.org/]– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠LoveIsRespect⁠ [https://www.loveisrespect.org/] – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠RAINN.org⁠ [https://rainn.org/] – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988



DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

298. Re-released - Nurse Laura Clary, BSN, RN - Revisiting a Most-Informative Episode

A "must-listen-to" podcast on dating and domestic violence from Bill Mitchell, author of the memoir, WHEN DATING HURTS, which is about his daughter's murder by her ex-boyfriend.

Bill and his wife lost Kristin to dating violence when she was brutally killed in June 2005.  It was 20 days after her college graduation.

FACT:
1 in 3 WOMEN suffer serious physical violence at the hands of intimate partners during their lifetimes. Typically, it happens between 16-24 years of age.  But can happen at any age. And it doesn't need to happen.  

Bill interviews experts with keen insights into dating and domestic violence:
• "DV" agency counselors
• Law enforcement professionals
• Parents of children who were either lost to, or somehow survived, dating violence
• Actual survivors of domestic violence

After you listen to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, share it with those who need to hear it... Remember the 1 in 3 women statistic.

WHEN DATING HURTS

Bill Mitchell's Show

We offer lifesaving information about dating and domestic violence. 

WHEN DATING HURTS. Bill Mitchell interviews experts (including survivors) on dating & domestic violence.







Bill Mitchell

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