EPISODE 2: When Love Is a Setup – Crimes the System Missed & Why I Chose True Crime

04/16/25 • 21 min

1 Listener

This wasn’t a breakup. It was a setup.

In this episode, Stella Pierson reveals why The Lovebombed is framed as a true crime podcast—and not relationship content. When love is used as a weapon and the system refuses to name it, survivors are left holding both the truth and the trauma.

Because coercive control is a pattern. A strategy. A crime.

Even when the courts won’t call it one.

IN THIS EPISODE:

•[00:00] The setup behind the illusion

•[05:00] What true crime really means

•[09:00] Lovebombing as psychological warfare

•[15:00] Crimes the system continues to miss

•[21:00] Why this podcast had to be more than healing

•[26:00] The rise of the Bombshells—and the reclaiming of truth

For support: thehotline.org | 800-799-SAFE (7233)

CONNECT WITH STELLA:

Instagram: @thelovebombed

TikTok: @thelovebombed

Website: www.thelovebombed.com

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

•Share it with someone still stuck in the fog

•Subscribe & leave a review

•Follow the podcast for more survivor-led truth-telling

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational, advocacy, and awareness purposes only. It reflects the lived experiences, research, and personal views of the host and is not intended to replace professional mental health, legal, or medical advice. While this podcast may discuss real systems, tactics, and survivor stories, no specific individuals or legal cases are named or referenced directly. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact a licensed professional or support service.

Because what happened to you was real.
It was wrong.
And you are not beyond repair.
You’re a Bombshell now.
And we rise together.

The LovebombedTM | Idealized, Devalued and Discarded by a NarcissistTM

It wasn’t true love. It was TRUE CRIME.TM

This wasn’t a breakup. It was a setup.

Because coercive control is a pattern. A strategy. A crime.

Even when the courts won’t call it one.

IN THIS EPISODE:

•[00:00] The setup behind the illusion

•[05:00] What true crime really means

•[09:00] Lovebombing as psychological warfare

•[15:00] Crimes the system continues to miss

•[21:00] Why this podcast had to be more than healing

•[26:00] The rise of the Bombshells—and the reclaiming of truth

For support: thehotline.org | 800-799-SAFE (7233)

CONNECT WITH STELLA:

Instagram: @thelovebombed

TikTok: @thelovebombed

Website: www.thelovebombed.com

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

•Share it with someone still stuck in the fog

•Subscribe & leave a review

•Follow the podcast for more survivor-led truth-telling

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact a licensed professional or support service.

Because what happened to you was real.
It was wrong.
And you are not beyond repair.
You’re a Bombshell now.
And we rise together.

The LovebombedTM | Idealized, Devalued and Discarded by a NarcissistTM

It wasn’t true love. It was TRUE CRIME.TM

Previous Episode

1 - The Crime Was Coercion - The Setup Behind the Lovebomb

1 Recommendations

He didn’t raise a fist.

But he raised doubt.

In this debut episode, host Stella Pierson unpacks how narcissistic abuse starts—not with violence, but with adoration. What feels like a fairytale is actually a setup: a psychological crime scene carefully disguised as love.

Stella takes listeners through her own story of lovebombing, gaslighting, financial control, and post-separation abuse—illustrating how coercive control operates in plain sight and why the justice system often fails to see it as a crime.

If you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt invisible bruises, or been told “it’s not abuse if he didn’t hit you”—this episode is for you.

Because some crimes don’t start with violence.

They start with love.

xx Stlz

Brand & IP Notice:

The LovebombedTM and all associated taglines, designs, and content—including “It wasn’t true love. It was TRUE CRIME.” and “Idealized, Devalued & Discarded by a Narcissist.”—are trademarks and intellectual property of Stella Pierson. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is strictly prohibited.

The LovebombedTM | Idealized, Devalued and Discarded by a NarcissistTM

It wasn’t true love. It was TRUE CRIME.TM

Next Episode

EPISODE 3: When Love is the Alibi

What if the greatest con was love itself?

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the early stages of narcissistic abuse—the lovebomb, the pedestal, the promises. But this isn’t a story about romance. It’s about grooming. The Setup is where they disarm you with affection, lure you into dependency, then vanish when you need them most. We break down how love becomes the perfect alibi for psychological crimes, and how the discard phase isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of post-separation abuse, smear campaigns, and silence by design.

If you’ve ever been told “It wasn’t that bad,” or questioned your own memories just to make peace, this episode is your proof: it wasn’t love. It was a setup.

Podcast Disclaimer – The Lovebombed: True Crime Edition

The content of this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health support, legal advice, or medical guidance.

Some episodes may include descriptions of psychological abuse, coercive control, trauma, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

While the stories shared here are rooted in lived experience, names and identifying details may be changed or omitted to protect privacy and safety.

If you are in danger or need immediate support, please contact a licensed professional or reach out to a crisis line in your area.

The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations. This podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, or advise—only to name what others tried to erase.

The LovebombedTM | Idealized, Devalued and Discarded by a NarcissistTM

It wasn’t true love. It was TRUE CRIME.TM