Episodes

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! This podcast episode is a heartfelt and intense reflection on the challenges and dangers that holidays can bring, especially for those in abusive relationships. Tressa shares personal experiences of abuse during holidays, highlighting how increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence. The...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! Kelly Wilkinson knew she was in danger. She had a code phrase ready—"I'm considering moving back to Ohio"—to signal to her family that her life was at risk. But before she could use it, her worst fears came true. This episode delves into a story of domestic abuse, systemic negligence, and a preventable tragedy. We explore how societal...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! Judge DaSean Jones had a chance to stop a violent man from causing more harm. Instead, his leniency led to tragedy—a mother of four, Jackelyn Wilson, was killed in front of her children by a man with a history of violence. Despite clear warnings and previous convictions, Jackelyn's pleas for protection were ignored. Her story is just ...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! John Needham was a decorated soldier, an artist, and a man battling demons after serving in the Iraq War. Despite surviving the horrors of war, his battle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury led to a tragic outcome—taking the life of the woman he loved, Jacqwelyn Villagomez. Their story reveals the devastating failur...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! The youngest of nine, Selena was a force of nature—a talented violinist, star athlete, and dedicated military intelligence analyst. But behind her achievements lay a dark secret: a troubled marriage marked by manipulation and control. Just weeks after advocating for victims of domestic violence, Selena became a victim herself. This d...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! What happens when the system designed to protect fails those who need it most? In this episode, I will share with you the tragic story of Meghan Santiago, a devoted mother and military spouse who endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of her husband, Joseph Santiago, a Special Forces soldier. Through detailed court records, personal...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! How does the intersection of military law and state family law impact the rights and protections available to military spouses? And do you lose your TRICARE after divorce? I invited attorney Amanda J. Hill to cut through the confusion and reveal the hidden complexities of military divorces. She exposes little-known facts about on-base...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! How can financial therapy change your view on money and relationships? Dr. Megan McCoy, the nation’s first financial therapist and a licensed marriage and family therapist, talks about how financial therapy can help when dealing with financial abuse in domestic violence cases, especially in military families. With her expertise in bo...

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message! Is the traditional wife trend merely a nostalgic fantasy, or does it conceal a sinister reality? In this episode, I peel back the layers of the picture-perfect stay-at-home housewife image to expose the insidious nature of economic abuse. Sharing my own story and advice, I show how this seemingly innocent 1950s lifestyle can trap vict...

Today we are joined by Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a clinician and coach specializing in the traumatic experiences of adult and child victims of coercive control. With expertise that goes beyond individual cases, Christine focuses on the broader impact of coercive control on children and the importance of education in preventing generational trauma from this insidious form of abuse. Listen in as she discusses the dangerous misconception that abuse must be physical to be harmful, highlighting the...

What are the signs of emotional abuse in relationships? In this episode, I'll be sharing the often hidden world of emotional abuse and its impact. I'll describe my personal journey of recognizing and surviving emotional abuse and why it can be as dangerous as physical abuse. From coercive control tactics to the cycle of abuse, I'll explain the manipulation techniques used by abusers to maintain power and control. Listen in as we explore the behaviors indicative of a coercively controlling partne...

What does post-traumatic stress injury truly entail? And how does it manifest within personal relationships and family dynamics? Dr. Shauna 'Doc' Springer, a renowned psychologist and expert in psychological trauma, sheds light on these questions and more as she explains the complexities of PTSI. Drawing from her extensive experience working with military warfighters and first responders, Dr. Springer offers insights into the impact of trauma on individuals and their loved ones, emphasizing the ...

Welcome to The Wounds That Do Not Heal. I’m your host, Tressa Brady, and in this deeply personal podcast, I will share my firsthand experience with partner abuse in military families and shed light on a topic often shrouded in silence. Through candid interviews with experts and survivors, we’ll dive into the intricate dynamics and systemic challenges faced by military households. Together, we will confront the harsh realities of domestic violence within this community, aiming to dismantle stigma...