Infidelity, Abuse & a Drunk Driver

In this episode of Trauma Candy Salad, Sammi, Ashley, and Kyle read three listener-submitted trauma stories that center around betrayal, domestic violence, grief, and the long-lasting impact of sudden loss.

Ashley reads a story from “Bitter,” who uprooted her life and moved from Iowa to California for a long-distance boyfriend — only to discover infidelity, humiliation, and an STI waiting for her instead of a future.

Sammi shares Soren’s story of growing up with a cruel and volatile father whose violence culminated in the devastating loss of a beloved family dog — and the complicated emotions that followed.

Kyle reads Nick Nack’s story about losing his mom and sister in a drunk driving accident on Christmas Eve, and how grief changes the way holidays feel forever.

These are stories about rage, heartbreak, trauma, abuse, and unimaginable grief — and the messy, human feelings that follow.

If you’ve ever dealt with:

• Moving for a partner and being betrayed

• Emotional or domestic abuse in your childhood home

• Losing loved ones to drunk driving

• Grief that resurfaces around the holidays

• STI diagnosis trauma connected to infidelity

You are not alone.

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💛 Resources Mentioned / Related Support

If today’s episode brought up anything for you, here are some resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call or text 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

24/7 support at 800-656-HOPE or rainn.org

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Victim support services at madd.org

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 (U.S.)

If you’re outside the U.S., you can find international crisis resources at findahelpline.com.

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Want to share your own story or be featured on the show?

Submit at https://www.traumacandysalad.com/submit-a-story

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@TraumaCandySaladPod

As always, no matter what you’re carrying — betrayal, grief, anger, or memories that still ring in your ears — there’s always room for a little sweetness.