Episode Four: The dark night of the soul

Ok so, let's talk about Tom Hardy...

June and July blur into chaos as Jesse’s relationship with Danni spins deeper into cycles of love, rage and pseudo-repair. What begins with suspicion over dating apps and “rental ads” turns into legal threats, psychological warfare and emotional collapse. Between therapy sessions, friends trying to help, and moments of deceptive calm, Jesse clings to the hope that the man she fell for is still real.

Caught between love, guilt, despair, and a life-saving insurance policy, Jesse faces the unthinkable and begins to understand just how deeply coercive control can unravel a person’s sense of self.

This episode explores the devastating psychological toll of coercive control and how survival can come down to a single, unexpected moment of clarity.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, suicide, and self-harm.

If you are impacted by any of the themes discussed in this episode, help is available:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support & suicide prevention.

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 – Free, 24/7 counselling for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 – Free professional 24/7 telephone, online and video counselling for people at risk of suicide, or those bereaved or concerned.

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 – Support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

If someone’s life is in immediate danger or you believe there is imminent risk call 000.

Beyond Curious shares lived experiences of coercive control, emotional abuse, and professional misconduct. All events discussed are drawn from documented evidence, contemporaneous messages, or firsthand accounts. Identifying details have been changed or withheld to protect privacy and safety.

All references to documents, images, or communications are based on material that was voluntarily shared with the host at the time of the events. Any opinions expressed are clearly identified as personal reflections, and care has been taken to avoid publishing private medical or identifying information.

The aim of this podcast is to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support recovery, not to defame or harm. Every statement has been made in good faith and supported by credible material.