Almost Oblivious
Almost Oblivious is a podcast breaking the silence on domestic violence. Hosted by advocate and survivor Autumn Baker, we dive into the realities of abuse with personal/survivor stories, expert insights, education/psychology, and a little bit of dark humor along the way. Each episode offers support, awareness, and a sense of community for those affected. Join us to listen, learn, and take a stand. Episodes are released every Tuesday! All music for A/O is created by C.J Brewer.
Episodes
Episode 41: The Long-Term Effects of Abuse on Mental Health
Abuse doesn’t end when the relationship does. Its impact lingers—sometimes for years—reshaping the way survivors see themselves, others, and the world around them. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the long-ter…
Episode 40: Myths VS Reality
Abuse is surrounded by harmful myths — ideas like “if it was really that bad, they would just leave” or “abuse only happens in certain kinds of relationships.” These misconceptions silence survivors, excuse abusers, and keep too many people…
Episode 39: Leaving the Abuse: A Survivor's View
Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest — and most dangerous — steps a survivor can take. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, I share some of my personal journey of leaving, blending my own story with the emotional realities,…
Episode 38: Red Flags VS Green Flags
Have we been trained to overlook the signs that someone isn’t safe or manipulative? Or worse—what if we’ve never been taught what healthy love and relationships actually look like?In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the differen…
Episode 37: Do People Change?
A question many survivors wrestle with — especially after betrayal, emotional harm, or abuse. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker dives deep into what science, psychology, and personal experience say about real change.We explo…
Episode 36: Survivor Story #4
In this survivor story, we hear from Tracey, who grew up under the control of a narcissistic and emotionally abusive mother — a kind of abuse that’s often hidden behind smiles, church functions, and perfect family photos. From subtle manipu…
Episode 22: Survivor Story #2
Episode had been re-drafted at the survivor's request. The episode is now able to be re-released.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, including physical violence, gun violence, rape, kidnapping, and emotiona…
Episode 35: When Abusers Play the Victim
In this honest episode, Autumn shares her personal experience with an abusive partner who twisted the truth and claimed to be the victim. She breaks down the manipulation tactic known as DARVO, highlights the damage it causes, and provides …
Episode 34: Guest: Isaiah, LPC, Therapy Today
In this special episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker is joined by licensed professional counselor Isaiah from Therapy Today to dive into the mental health side of healing after abuse. Together, they explore the emotional toll of toxic …
Episode 33: Healing Isn't Linear
Healing after abuse is not a straight road — and if you’ve ever felt like you were “going backward,” this episode is for you.In this honest and vulnerable solo episode, Autumn opens up about why she missed last week’s show and shares her on…
Episode 32: Male Victims of Domestic Violence
When we talk about domestic violence, we often leave someone out of the conversation—men.In this eye-opening episode of Almost Oblivious, we confront the stigma, silence, and stereotypes that keep so many male victims from speaking out. Abu…
Episode 31: Mitigating Life with a Narcissist – Tools for Surviving, Not Just Coping
Living with someone who has narcissistic traits — whether it's a partner, a parent, or someone else close to you — can feel like constant emotional warfare. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker shares practical, solution-based …
REWIND: Trauma Bonding: Episode 05 & 06
REWIND Listen! This is episode 5 & 6 from the beginning of Almost Oblivious!In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create …
Episode 30: A+Z Our Story
Before there was romance, there was friendship—the kind built on late-night talks, inside jokes, and unconditional support. In this special episode, Autumn Baker and her husband Zack sit down to share how their marriage grew from years of b…
Episode 29: The Role of Shame in Abuse
In this episode, host Autumn Baker explores one of the most invisible and damaging aspects of abuse: shame. From how abusers weaponize shame to how it silences survivors, Autumn breaks down the emotional barriers that keep victims stuck — a…
Episode 28: Gaslighting: The Invisible Weapon
Today on Almost Oblivious, we’re tackling one of the most subtle — and most damaging — forms of emotional abuse: gaslighting.Gaslighting is a targeted form of psychological manipulation that causes you to doubt your memories, emotions, and …
Episode 27: When the Abuser Is a Parent
What happens when the person who was supposed to love and protect you… is the one who hurt you most?In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the often-unspoken reality of parental abuse and its lasting effects on adul…
Episode 26: Survivor Story #3
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we hear from a survivor, Alice, who opens up about navigating domestic abuse while living with a disability—a topic too often left out of the conversation. From growing up in an abusive home to enduring …
Episode 25: Domestic Violence Among Teens
"If we want to break the cycle of domestic violence, it starts with education. It starts with bold conversations. It starts with us.”Teen dating violence is happening far more often than most people realize—and the silence surrounding it is…
REWIND: Episode 08: Red Flags
REWIND Episode 08: Red Flags!Enjoy this rewind episode and I'll see you all next week for a new episode! Remember to like, share and leave a review! In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we shine a light on the subtle and overt warning signs…
Episode 24: Life After Abuse: Healing, Hope & Moving Forward
Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new one. But what happens after? How do you heal when trauma lingers? How do you rebuild a life that was once controlled by someone else?In this episode of A…
Episode 23: Reclaiming Your Self-Worth
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we dive into the topic of self-worth—what it is, how abuse tears it down, and most importantly, how to rebuild it. If you’ve ever felt "not enough," this episode is for you.We discuss:What self-worth tru…
Episode 21: Domestic Abuse Shelters
Domestic abuse shelters can be a lifeline for survivors, but misconceptions and fear often keep people from seeking help. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know—what shelters are really like, how to prepare if you’re thi…
Episode 20: When Abuse Turns Deadly
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore one of the most dangerous realities of domestic abuse—when it escalates to homicide. Abuse doesn’t always start with physical violence, but when it does, the warning signs are often there. We …
Episode 19: Stalking: The Silent Threat
This episode is just a brief introduction to stalking. Stalking is a complex and multifaceted crime, and while we cover key points, there is always more to learn. Listen in with Autumn Baker, as she touches the various types of stalking and…
Episode 18: Why Don't They Just Leave?
In this episode ofAlmost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker tackles one of the most misunderstood questions surrounding domestic abuse:"Why didn't they just leave?" Leaving an abusive relationship is far more complex than it seems, with psycholog…
Episode 17: Survivor Story #1
In this powerful episode of Almost Oblivious, we share the courageous journey of a domestic violence survivor who found the strength to break free and rebuild her life. From the early warning signs to the heartbreaking realities of abuse, s…
Episode 16: Community & Storytelling
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the transformative power of community and the courage it takes to share your story. Host Autumn Baker opens up about her own experience speaking at a domestic violence conference in October 20…
Episode 15: Understanding Narcissism
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we dive into the complexities of narcissism, exploring the difference between narcissistic tendencies and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). We discuss how narcissism can play a role in abusive rel…
Episode 14: Financial Abuse and Independence
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we break the silence on a form of control that often goes unseen—financial abuse. This pervasive yet often overlooked aspect of domestic violence affects victims in ways that can keep them trapped in unh…
Episode 13: Setting Boundaries: Protect Your Peace
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we dive into the transformative power of setting boundaries. Boundaries are essential to self-care, but knowing when and how to set them isn’t always easy. Join host Autumn Baker as she explains how to r…
Episode 12: A New Year, A New Hope
As we ring in the New Year, this special episode focuses on hope, resilience, and transformation. Join host Autumn Baker as she shares strategies to prepare for a brighter future and shift from a victim mindset to a survivor’s perspective. …
Episode 11: Self Care & Education
This Christmas Eve, join me for a more uplifting episode dedicated to those seeking hope and freedom this holiday season. Host Autumn Baker discusses the critical role of self-care and education in preparing to leave an abusive relationship…
Episode 10: Military Series 1
In this first installment of our new series, we shine a light on the challenges surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault in the military. My husband, Zack, a five-year Army veteran, joins me as they delve into the unique obstacles s…
Episode 09: How the Holidays Affect Domestic Violence
The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, but for many survivors of domestic violence, it can be a season of increased stress, isolation, and danger. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore why domestic violence often escal…
Episode 08: Red Flags
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we shine a light on the subtle and overt warning signs of domestic abuse. From patterns of control and manipulation to the dangers of love bombing and isolation, we uncover the behaviors that often go un…
Episode 07: Reactive Abuse
In Episode 7, we dive into the often unknown concept of reactive abuse. This episode explores what it is, why it happens, and how abusers manipulate these situations to deflect blame onto their victims. Join us as we shed light on the emoti…
Episode 06: Trauma Bonding: Part 2
In the conclusion of our two-part exploration of trauma bonding, we dive deeper into the emotional and psychological complexities that keep survivors tied to abusive relationships. We unpack the intricate cycle of manipulation, the devastat…
Episode 05: Trauma Bonding: Part 1
In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create powerful emotional dependencies. Join me as we navigate the stages of this b…
Episode 04: A Bestfriend's View
In this episode, Autumn Baker sits down with her best friend and sister of 15 years, Addie, to explore the impact of her abusive relationship from an outside perspective. Together, they discuss how Autumn changed throughout the experience—f…