Emotional Abuse, Red Flags & Toxic Love in College - Hope's Story
Release Date: 12/22/2024
7 On Sundays™
Harrison Haynes shares his journey from social media addiction to digital minimalism—discover tools to reclaim presence, mental health, and connection. Are we more connected—or more isolated—because of our phones? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Harrison Haynes to explore the realities of social media addiction, digital dependency, and the urgent need for digital minimalism. Harrison shares his raw and honest experiences navigating screen addiction, online pressures, and post-COVID loneliness, and how switching to a...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Hope shares her story of coerced sex, hookup culture, and porn’s influence on teen relationships — and how she found healing and resilience. First crush, hookup culture, coerced sex, and the impact of porn on teen relationships — these are the themes explored in today’s 7 On Sundays™ episode. Our guest Hope shares her story of what should have been an innocent first crush at age 15, but quickly turned into a jarring experience filled with sexual expectations she wasn’t ready for. Like too many teens, Hope was left confused, scared, and shaped by the silence of cultural, family, and...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Lexi shares her journey with vaginismus, hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and intimacy struggles. A raw story of sexual health, hookup culture, and healing. Sexual health struggles are more common than most people realize — but rarely talked about openly. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye (sex educator) and Dr. Chez Leeby (licensed marriage and family therapist) sit down with Lexi, who bravely shares her personal journey through hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and the emotional challenges of intimacy. Lexi opens up about the physical pain, shame, and...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Levi shares how hustle culture impacts mental health, balance, and purpose. A candid look at Gen Z, achievement pressure, and authentic living. Hustle culture is everywhere — from college campuses to social media — but what is it really costing young people? In this episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Levi, a 20-year-old college student, who shares his personal journey navigating the overwhelming pressures of achievement, success, and societal expectations. Levi opens up about the toll hustle culture takes on mental health, relationships, and...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Betsy Stephenson shares her son Charlie’s story, hidden signs of depression in young men, and the grief, stigma, and hope after suicide loss. Depression, suicide loss, and parental grief are at the heart of this powerful continuation of our conversation with Betsy Stephenson, author of Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide. In Part 2 of this 7 On Sundays™ series, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye dive deeper into the misunderstood signs of depression — particularly in young men — through the story of Betsy’s late son, Charlie. This episode...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Betsy Stephenson shares her journey of child loss, grief, and healing after suicide. A heartfelt story of resilience, hope, and love after tragedy. Suicide loss, grief, and healing after the death of a child are among the most painful human experiences. In this episode of 7 On Sundays™, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with writer and advocate Betsy Stephenson, author of Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide. With raw honesty and strength, Betsy shares her heartbreaking journey of losing her child to suicide and the ongoing process of...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Parker continues her story of pornography addiction, shame, and recovery. A candid look at healing, self-esteem, and reclaiming self-worth. Pornography addiction, shame, and conservative culture take center stage in Part 2 of Parker’s powerful story on 7 On Sundays. Hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby continue their candid conversation with Parker, who bravely explores how porn shaped her mental health, relationships, and sense of self. In this episode, Parker reflects on her sheltered upbringing, the destructive influence of pornography on self-esteem, and the long road to...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Pornography addiction, shame, and conservative cultural expectations collide in this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays. Hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby sit down with Parker, who bravely shares her journey of growing up in a conservative household while secretly struggling with porn addiction and questions of self-worth. Parker reflects on how early media exposure, rigid values, and silence around sexuality shaped her sexual development and emotional health. From the shame of hidden habits to the courage of speaking out, Parker’s story sheds light on the struggles many young people...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Haley shares her story of abuse, purity culture, and religious trauma—and how she reclaimed her voice, boundaries, and self-worth through healing. What happens when purity culture, restrictive religious teachings, and toxic relationships collide? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Haley, a courageous young woman who bravely shares her deeply personal journey of growing up in a fundamentalist environment, enduring abuse, and ultimately reclaiming her voice and self-worth. Haley’s story sheds light on how purity culture abuse...
info_outline7 On Sundays™
Sophie shares her raw story of OnlyFans, desire, manipulation & self-worth—and how she reclaimed her voice and identity. What really happens behind the screen on OnlyFans? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby sit down with Sophie, who courageously shares her personal journey with OnlyFans, desire, and self-worth. Sophie opens up about how a trusted relationship pulled her into creating content—and how quickly the promise of validation shifted into manipulation, emotional struggle, and self-doubt. Together, the conversation explores the...
info_outlineHope shares her story of toxic college relationships, emotional abuse, and red flags. Learn how to spot warning signs and build healthier love.
Red flag relationships in college can be confusing, manipulative, and emotionally draining. In this episode of the 7 On Sundays™ podcast, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Hope, who bravely shares her story of two emotionally abusive early relationships. From intense dependency and gaslighting to subtle manipulation and coercion, Hope reveals the warning signs that many young adults miss.
This powerful conversation explores:
-
The red flags of toxic college relationships
-
How to trust your intuition and set boundaries
-
Why emotional abuse is often overlooked in young love
-
The role of therapy and support in healing and resilience
Whether you are in college, a parent, or simply navigating the complexities of modern relationships, this episode offers life-saving insights into recognizing unhealthy dynamics before they escalate. Hope’s courage, combined with Dr. Chez and Stephanie’s expertise, provides listeners with tools to protect their mental health, foster self-awareness, and create stronger, healthier relationships.
RESOURCES
If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship, please call your local police or
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224
The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474
*988 The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Trigger Warning & Introduction
01:32 Hope's Story: Early Relationships and Emotional Manipulation
06:35 A Second Relationship: Casual to Toxic
11:20 Hope's Reflections and Lessons Learned
17isCatching Red Flags
19:50 Breaking Patterns From Your Upbringing
25:07 Relationships Shouldn’t be a Burden
30:04 Hope's Advice for Young Listeners
37:25 Therapist's Analysis and Final Thoughts