{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/673d85a7ed940338805562f5/6993486f989966fe089e1c81?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"(Re-Release) Bethany Joy Lenz on Cults, Control, and Finding Herself Again","description":"<p><em>This episode originally aired on April 15, 2025.</em></p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit </em></strong><a href=\"https://open.acast.com/networks/673be90079980662a98b0b55/shows/673d85a7ed940338805562f5/episodes/www.thehotline.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>www.thehotline.org</em></strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>-----</p><p><br></p><p><strong>This week on <em>Bitch Is a Bad Word</em>, actress, singer, author, and podcaster Bethany Joy Lenz joins us for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation about surviving a cult — all while starring on one of TV’s most iconic teen dramas, <em>One Tree Hill</em>.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Bethany opens up about her upcoming memoir, her journey of breaking free from <strong>coercive control</strong>, and how reclaiming her faith helped her heal from <strong>spiritual abuse</strong> and <strong>toxic relationships</strong>. She shares how being in the public eye shaped her recovery and how she's using her platform to empower others.</p><p><br></p><p>🎙️ <em>In this episode:</em></p><ul><li>What it was like to be in a <strong>cult while starring on a cult-favorite TV show</strong></li><li>Escaping <strong>spiritual manipulation</strong> and finding her own truth</li><li>Understanding the difference between <strong>intuition and trauma responses</strong></li><li>Healing from <strong>abusive relationships and psychological control</strong></li><li>Why storytelling and visibility matter in recovery</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Whether you're a lifelong <em>One Tree Hill</em> fan, a survivor of spiritual or emotional abuse, or someone seeking truth and healing, Bethany’s story will resonate deeply.</p><p>#BethanyJoyLenz #SurvivingACult #CoerciveControl #SpiritualAbuse #OneTreeHill #TraumaHealing #ToxicRelationships #Memoir2025 #BitchIsABadWordPodcast</p><p><br></p><p>If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233</p><p><br></p><p>Visit Joy's <a href=\"https://open.acast.com/networks/673be90079980662a98b0b55/shows/673d85a7ed940338805562f5/episodes/linktr.ee/bethanyjoylenz\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">linktr.ee/bethanyjoylenz</a> to PURCHASE:</p><p>- Joy's book <em>Dinner For Vampires: Life On A Cult TV Show (While In An Actual Cult)</em></p><p>- Listen to Joy on the ONE TREE HILL podcast <em>Dramaqueens</em></p><p>- Subscribe to Joy's print magazine MODERN VINTAGE</p><p>- And so much more!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>***Give yourself the ultimate in sleep comfort with a <u>40% Discount</u> from Cozy Earth</strong></p><p>Visit <a href=\"https://cozyearth.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">CozyEarth.com</a> and use my exclusive code <strong><u>BESTIES</u></strong> for <strong><u>40% off</u></strong> best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and</p><p>more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.</p><p>-------</p>","author_name":"Lindsay Abernathy | Domestic Violence Survivor"}