This episode originally aired on April 15, 2025.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org

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This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, 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, One Tree Hill.

Bethany opens up about her upcoming memoir, her journey of breaking free from coercive control, and how reclaiming her faith helped her heal from spiritual abuse and toxic relationships. She shares how being in the public eye shaped her recovery and how she's using her platform to empower others.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What it was like to be in a cult while starring on a cult-favorite TV show
• Escaping spiritual manipulation and finding her own truth
• Understanding the difference between intuition and trauma responses
• Healing from abusive relationships and psychological control
• Why storytelling and visibility matter in recovery

Whether you're a lifelong One Tree Hill fan, a survivor of spiritual or emotional abuse, or someone seeking truth and healing, Bethany’s story will resonate deeply.

#BethanyJoyLenz #SurvivingACult #CoerciveControl #SpiritualAbuse #OneTreeHill #TraumaHealing #ToxicRelationships #Memoir2025 #BitchIsABadWordPodcast

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

Visit Joy's linktr.ee/bethanyjoylenz to PURCHASE:

- Joy's book Dinner For Vampires: Life On A Cult TV Show (While In An Actual Cult)

- Listen to Joy on the ONE TREE HILL podcast Dramaqueens

- Subscribe to Joy's print magazine MODERN VINTAGE

- And so much more!

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