Ever found yourself questioning if what you’re experiencing in a relationship is love or something much, much darker? Maybe you’re stuck in that endless cycle—feeling cherished one moment, then manipulated, trapped, and isolated the next—wondering if the confusion, anxiety, and even shame are somehow your fault? Well homie, it’s time we tear that damn illusion to pieces. In this episode, we’re shining the brightest spotlight into the shadows with legendary criminal profiling expert Dr. Ann Burgess. As the Diddy trial takes an incredibly dark turn, Dr. Ann is back to break down the cycle of abuse heard in jaw-dropping detail through Jane’s testimony—so NO woman ever has to fall prey to these toxic patterns again. There’s a blueprint to how abusers operate, and it DOESN’T always show up as bruises. The cycle is sneaky: devotion turns to obsession, “love” is weaponized for control, and you’re left doubting your reality. But fam, we are DONE letting shame or manipulation keep us silent. We dig deep into: - The hidden signs of the cycle of abuse and how they can masquerade as love, devotion, or even gifts - Confidence-shattering tactics used by abusers—including humiliation, degrading “tests,” gaslighting, and manipulation - How financial control and dependency become another weapon to keep you trapped - Why those weird gut feelings and “something isn’t right” moments are your most powerful warning signals - What to do if you recognize yourself in Jane’s (or Cassie’s, or Mia’s) story—from crisis centers to finding your voice and support system - Crucial advice for breaking free: how to test back, regain leverage, and build the courage to leave AND, we’re joined by PopCrimeTV’s Lauren Conlin, host of Pop Crime TV—who’s been planted in the courtroom EVERY SINGLE DAY of the Diddy trial, witnessing history unfold. Lauren brings you the unfiltered, inside scoop on everything: - What it’s really like inside the packed federal courtroom (yes, paparazzi and Kanye West drama included!) - Exclusive updates and reactions straight from the courthouse—no sugarcoating, no spin, just truth - Her raw observations of Cassie, Mia, and Jane as they give their testimonies, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways Diddy responds to each survivor - The complex, emotional undercurrents affecting the jury—and what’s really happening when celebrity power comes face-to-face with justice for women If you or someone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence, help is available. Please call the DV Hotline at (800) 978-3600 for support and resources. Check out Dr. Ann Burgess’ books: Pre-order her upcoming book: Expert Witness: https://a.co/d/2BzlPIl Order her book that’s out now, A Killer by Design: https://a.co/d/doInYVB Follow Lauren Conlin: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopCrimeTV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenemilyconlin/ Website: https://popcrime.tv/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/laurenconlin Follow Me, Lisa Bilyeu: Website: https://www.lisabilyeu.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabilyeu CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out.  BIOptimizers: Head to https://bioptimizers.com/impact and use code IMPACT for 10% off.  OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices