Episode Archive - Spill The Tea Unfiltered

The Tale of Two Stories: The Slow Escalation of Abuse

Spill The Tea Unfiltered

The Tale of Two Stories: The Slow Escalation of Abuse

00:00 / 00:41:20

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber welcome back Licensed Professional Counselor Suzanne Fortnum for an insightful discussion comparing two previously shared podcast stories. Although the stories may seem very different on the surface, Suzanne reveals that they share the same underlying core themes, seven in total.

This highly informative episode offers a deeper look at how a licensed therapist interprets and connects these experiences, providing listeners with meaningful insight and a fresh perspective on past episodes.

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He Peed in the Corner of the Room

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Spill The Tea Unfiltered

He Peed in the Corner of the Room

00:00 / 00:37:16

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber discuss a viral reel featuring a woman distancing herself from feminism before quickly backpedaling, sparking a deeper conversation about societal expectations placed on women. The episode then shifts into Lauren’s personal story as she opens up about her first long-term relationship with her high school sweetheart — a seven-year relationship marked by infidelity, emotional manipulation, physical and emotional abuse, and addiction.

Lauren shares how religious trauma and beliefs surrounding purity and virginity convinced her she had to stay in the relationship despite the toxicity. She also reflects honestly on how the unhealthy dynamic impacted her own behavior and emotional responses during that time. Through years of therapy and healing, Lauren was able to process the trauma and better understand how those early experiences shaped future relationships, including her marriage and the challenges that followed.

Tune in for a vulnerable and honest conversation about toxic first loves, trauma bonds, healing, and why real-life relationships often look very different from the romanticized versions we see in movies.

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Gallows Humor as a Coping Mechanism

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Gallows Humor as a Coping Mechanism

00:00 / 00:35:31

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber sit down with Tess of the *Half Serious Podcast* to discuss her motivation for creating a platform where individuals can use gallows humor to navigate and process difficult topics. Drawing from her background in law enforcement, Tess shares firsthand insights into the traumatic experiences she encountered and explains how gallows humor can serve as a protective coping mechanism for those exposed to intense situations.

The conversation also explores domestic violence from a law enforcement perspective, including practical considerations for personal safety. Throughout the episode, Tess shares compelling and often shocking stories that highlight the realities behind her experiences, while also demonstrating how humor can coexist with heavy subject matter.

**Trigger Warning:** This episode includes discussions of abuse and traumatic events. Please consider your mental and emotional well-being before listening.

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Why Not Being Chosen Feels So Personal

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Why Not Being Chosen Feels So Personal

00:00 / 00:33:16

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor Suzanne Fortnum to explore why not being chosen can feel so deeply personal. Together, they unpack the internal shift toward self-blame and how we often interpret someone else’s inconsistency as a reflection of our own worth. The conversation dives into how being chosen can feel like validation rather than genuine connection—and how that mindset can lead us into unhealthy relationships. Suzanne also highlights the trap of “earning” love, explaining that the moment you begin striving for someone’s consistency or affection, you may already be abandoning yourself. Tune in for an insightful and eye-opening discussion you won’t want to miss.

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Absolutely Not

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Absolutely Not

00:00 / 00:37:03

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber discuss a cheating scandal that recently went viral in their community, highlighting the emotional toll of discovering a partner’s infidelity through social media—an experience Lauren speaks on from personal understanding. They also share a powerful story submitted by a TikTok follower who is taking her first courageous step toward healing.

Her story sheds light on betrayal and emotional abuse, detailing how she was manipulated and deceived by a partner who, when confronted, responded with gaslighting and attempts to undermine her self-worth. Lauren and Amber emphasize an important message: no one deserves to be treated this way. This episode serves as a reminder that healing is possible, you are not alone, and there is strength in speaking your truth.

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Smoke and Mirrors

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Smoke and Mirrors

00:00 / 00:31:47

In this week’s episode, Lauren reflects on her recent trip to New York City and looks ahead to future travel plans with Amber. The conversation then shifts to a powerful listener-submitted story, sent in by a TikTok follower, detailing personal experiences with gaslighting, abuse, and narcissistic behavior. Lauren highlights the unfortunate reality that such experiences have become increasingly common, prompting a broader discussion about modern relationship dynamics.

Lauren and Amber explore how shifting societal norms—particularly women’s financial independence—have influenced dating expectations. They discuss how many women are now prioritizing emotional compatibility, character, and mutual value in relationships, contributing to changing patterns in partnership and an ongoing conversation around male loneliness.

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Collateral Damage

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Collateral Damage

00:00 / 00:29:45

This week’s episode opens with Lauren walking Amber through a series of dating profiles from Memphis—an exercise that quickly highlights a broader reality: disappointing dating prospects aren’t limited to one city.

The conversation then shifts to a powerful listener story about the unraveling of a long-term relationship. After discovering her husband’s affair with a coworker—who was also his employee and significantly younger—she was faced with both betrayal and denial, even in the presence of clear evidence. Although she initially considered working through the relationship, repeated infidelity ultimately led her to move on.

Today, she is thriving and fully embracing a new chapter. Tune in to hear a story of resilience, growth, and reclaiming one’s life after heartbreak.

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Love Can Kill Unsolved Mystery

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Love Can Kill Unsolved Mystery

00:00 / 00:30:51

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber return with another entertaining update on Dick, as karma finally seems to be catching up with him. They also dive into a gripping story about a toxic relationship that ends in murder—one that remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

Packed with shocking twists and questionable investigative decisions, this episode will leave you wondering how such a case could go unresolved. At its core, it’s a chilling reminder that love can have dangerous consequences.

Who do you think is responsible?

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Abuse is Not Always Visible

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Abuse is Not Always Visible

00:00 / 00:36:09

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber share a powerful story submitted by a listener who hopes to remind women that they are not alone when facing domestic violence, even if it takes time to leave. She explains that abuse is not always visible, and when it isn’t, it can be especially difficult to seek help because others may not recognize that abuse is happening.

The listener emphasizes that emotional and verbal abuse are valid and serious forms of domestic violence, and that no one should feel they have to wait until the situation escalates to physical harm before leaving. In her experience, her former partner frequently handled firearms in a threatening way, leaving her fearful for her safety. Despite the danger, fear kept her from leaving for a long time.

Now free from that relationship, she is sharing her story to raise awareness and to encourage others who may be in similar situations to recognize the signs of abuse and know that support and a way out are possible.

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He Needs an Exorcism

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He Needs an Exorcism

00:00 / 00:29:46

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber recap the past week and dive into a conversation about some of the more surprising and unusual dating profiles they’ve come across.

Please note that this episode includes a listener-submitted story involving sensitive and potentially distressing topics. Listener discretion is advised.

The story comes from a woman who connected online with someone living overseas. As their conversations progressed, he began sharing deeply troubling details about his past, including being removed from family homes due to concerning behavior he attributed to personal struggles. As more information came to light, the situation became increasingly alarming.

The key takeaway from this episode is a reminder to exercise caution when engaging with people on dating apps. Be mindful of the personal information you share, and prioritize your safety when forming connections online.

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