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Ep.3 Beneath the Mask: Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Break That Cycle

Release Date: 07/01/2025

Ep.7 Breaking Barriers with Freddy Barton: From the Streets to Solutions show art Ep.7 Breaking Barriers with Freddy Barton: From the Streets to Solutions

Break That Cycle

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Chief Dookie sits down with Freddy Barton, Executive Director of Safe & Sound Hillsborough, to talk about what it really takes to make our communities safer and stronger. Freddy’s been on the front lines of youth violence prevention, reentry, and community engagement — turning hard truths into actionable change. Together, they dive into the realities of youth gun violence, the importance of community leadership and mentorship, and how early intervention can stop the next generation from repeating the same destructive cycles. Freddy shares...

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Ep.6 Reintegration After Incarceration: Ebenie Gordon’s Redemption Story show art Ep.6 Reintegration After Incarceration: Ebenie Gordon’s Redemption Story

Break That Cycle

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Ebenie Gordon, who walked out of jail less than a year ago after more than a decade of charges ranging from theft to assault. With a rap sheet that could have defined her forever, Ebenie chose instead to use her last stint behind bars as a turning point. While incarcerated, she earned her diploma, completed a welding program, and secured certifications in OSHA10, forklift operation, and scissor lift use. Since her release in October 2024, she’s found steady work, bought a car, and is relying on her faith to keep moving...

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Ep.5 Surviving the Struggle: Breaking Cycles and Building Community show art Ep.5 Surviving the Struggle: Breaking Cycles and Building Community

Break That Cycle

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Earlishia Oates, founder of the I-Supplies Foundation, to talk about what it truly means to survive—and then turn that survival into purpose. A mother of four and a fierce community advocate in Tampa, FL, Earlishia opens up about her journey, the moments that shaped her, and the fight she's been leading to create a better future for families in underserved communities. From navigating her own struggles to being featured in The New York Times for her bold housing advocacy, Earlishia doesn't just talk about change—she lives it....

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Ep.4 Learning Healthy Love: Emma’s Journey from Chaos to Connection show art Ep.4 Learning Healthy Love: Emma’s Journey from Chaos to Connection

Break That Cycle

This month on Break That Cycle, we sit down with Emma Martin, founder of Full Range Foundation, to talk about what it really takes to build a healthy relationship—even after years of toxic patterns and broken trust. Emma opens up about her rough childhood, the mistakes she made as a toxic partner, and the affair that rocked her relationship before marriage. Together, we break down the lessons learned, boundaries set, and tools they now use to keep their marriage strong. 💬 If you've ever questioned what a healthy relationship looks like—or how to repair a broken one—this episode is for...

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Ep.3 Beneath the Mask: Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Rebuilding from the Ground Up show art Ep.3 Beneath the Mask: Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Break That Cycle

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Cheryl Hickman joins us to talk about the kind of abuse that often goes unseen: narcissistic manipulation behind closed doors. Raised in a home ruled by control and emotional chaos, Cheryl carried trauma into her adult relationships—marrying a man who continued the cycle of abuse, this time cloaked in charm and public perfection. Cheryl opens up about what it’s like to question your own reality, to be dismissed by family, and to wrestle with addiction just to make it through the day. But her story doesn’t end there. She fought her way out,...

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Ep.2 Christy’s Story: Surviving Sexual Assault, Spousal Rape, and Reclaiming Her Voice show art Ep.2 Christy’s Story: Surviving Sexual Assault, Spousal Rape, and Reclaiming Her Voice

Break That Cycle

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Christy shares her deeply personal journey from trauma to triumph. A survivor of sexual assault and spousal rape, Christy opens up about the darkness she faced, her battle with alcohol, and the strength it took to fight her way forward. Today, she’s a licensed mental health counselor and founder of V.O.I.C.E.S Against Sexual Assault, a nonprofit helping survivors heal through a structured, compassionate 10-week program. This episode is a raw, honest, and inspiring look at what it means not just to survive—but to rise and lead others out of the...

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Ep.1 Surviving the Darkness: A Hero's Journey Through Trauma and Suicide show art Ep.1 Surviving the Darkness: A Hero's Journey Through Trauma and Suicide

Break That Cycle

In the debut episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Heath—a man whose story is as raw as it is redemptive. After surviving childhood sexual abuse, years of trauma in the military and law enforcement, and multiple suicide attempts—including a misfired gun that should’ve ended it all—Heath made a choice: to live, and to lead others away from the edge. This conversation dives into the silent struggles that so many carry, the signs we often miss, and what it truly takes to keep going when life feels unbearable. Heath now dedicates his life to being a lifeline for others battling...

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Break That Cycle - Teaser show art Break That Cycle - Teaser

Break That Cycle

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In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Cheryl Hickman joins us to talk about the kind of abuse that often goes unseen: narcissistic manipulation behind closed doors. Raised in a home ruled by control and emotional chaos, Cheryl carried trauma into her adult relationships—marrying a man who continued the cycle of abuse, this time cloaked in charm and public perfection. Cheryl opens up about what it’s like to question your own reality, to be dismissed by family, and to wrestle with addiction just to make it through the day. But her story doesn’t end there. She fought her way out, cut ties with toxic family dynamics, and found peace on her own terms. Today, she runs Hope For Her, a nonprofit organization that supports women escaping domestic violence—often with nothing but the clothes on their back and the will to survive. This episode is about more than narcissism—it’s about naming your pain, owning your truth, and building something that helps others heal too.

Biblical Perspective:

https://applygodsword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-narcissism-16-signs/  https://applygodsword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-forgiveness-and-reconciliation/  https://grace-being.com/love-relationships/self-healing-from-narcissistic-abuse/

Dealing with Narcissistic Mothers:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/daughters-of-narcissistic-mothers.html  https://www.choosingtherapy.com/symptoms-of-daughters-of-narcissistic-mothers/#:~:text=Narcissistic%20mothers%20see%20their%20children,them%20to%20get%20their%20compliance.

Facts about Narcissist:

https://barendspsychology.com/narcissism-facts/

https://grace-being.com/love-relationships/narcissistic-personality-disorder-statistics/