The Wounds That Do Not Heal

Tressa B

In "The Wounds That Do Not Heal," host Tressa Brady opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence in military families, shedding light on an often-hidden issue. Through her raw and vulnerable storytelling, she shares the struggles, pain, and resilience she has witnessed and endured while seeking to provide help and support to those who desperately need it.

Tressa also interviews experts in the field of domestic violence, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and survivors, who uncover the harsh realities and systemic challenges faced by military families. Together, they explore the unique dynamics and complexities surrounding domestic violence within this community, breaking down stigmas and fostering a crucial conversation that goes beyond the surface.

"The Wounds That Do Not Heal" aims to create a safe space for listeners to reflect, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact domestic violence has on military families. This podcast strives to make a positive change and inspire action by offering valuable resources, guidance, and empowerment.

Join Tressa on this emotional journey as she advocates for change and supports those in need.

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Top 10 The Wounds That Do Not Heal Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Wounds That Do Not Heal episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Wounds That Do Not Heal for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Wounds That Do Not Heal episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Episode 15: Crisis on Hawaii's Military Bases: Holding Leadership Accountable for Domestic Violence and the diabolical plan to murder Catherine Walker

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

12/12/24 • 30 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Dive into the unsettling realities of Hawaii's military bases, where a pattern of domestic violence and unexplained murders have gone alarmingly without major systemic changes. This episode unravels a chilling case that underscores the systemic failures of military leadership in safeguarding dependents, particularly women and children.

As the story unfolds, listeners are guided through a series of shocking revelations involving deceptive schemes. By the end of the episode, like all the true stories on the TWTDNH podcast, we are left questioning the military's culpability and underscoring the urgent need for accountability.

Join us as we uncover the depth of this crisis and demand action, exploring a story that will leave you questioning the very structures meant to protect those most vulnerable. Stay tuned for a series of episodes spotlighting these harrowing challenges that dependents on Hawaiin military instillations are facing.
Resources:
Michael Walker: Child Sex Predator Sentenced for Wife's Murder
Former Army medic sentenced to 35 years for his wife’s murder
Ex-Army medic pleads guilty in Hawaii love triangle murder | AP News
Catherine Walker: Wife told husband’s mistress she forgave her during stabbing | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

Episode 7: All Things Love and War… and Legal Advice: An Interview with Expert Attorney Amanda J. Hill

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

07/09/24 • 47 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

How does the intersection of military law and state family law impact the rights and protections available to military spouses? And do you lose your TRICARE after divorce?

I invited attorney Amanda J. Hill to cut through the confusion and reveal the hidden complexities of military divorces. She exposes little-known facts about on-base housing rights, custody during deployments, and a potential TRICARE loophole that could save you thousands.

Amanda doesn't shy away from tough topics and addresses domestic violence in military families and the career-altering impact of protective orders. Learn why your social media could make or break your case, and discover the surprising document that could protect you if you give your marriage another shot.

What You’ll Learn:

How military law and state family law work together.
Legal and financial protections for military spouses in abusive relationships.
How to get protective orders.
Why keeping records of coercive control and non-physical abuse is important.
Legal options for child safety and custody in volatile situations.
What a postnuptial agreement should include to protect your interests.
Strategies for accessing legal resources and support with limited financial means.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“It is codified under the family code that if you allow your child to witness abuse, that in and of itself is child abuse.” - Amanda J. Hill
“In the state of California, you have an absolute right to remain in the marital home until the divorce is final.” - Amanda J. Hill
"I highly recommend that both sides have their own counsel representing them reviewing the document before it gets executed and making sure that both sides are being protected and it really is something that they agree with." - Amanda J. Hill

Resources:

Navigating Divorce Ebook
Website: Khosroabadi & Hill
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (858) 434-1020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kandhlawgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandhlawgroup/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/khosroabadi-hill-apc/
California Courts
Family Code 271 | Attorneys Fees, Sanctions - for protection against over-litigation
Family Code 2030 and Attorney's Fees Orders in a Divorce - regarding attorney's fees in divorce cases
Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act | OCC
Tricare

Episode 10: Moral Injury, Mistreatment, and Murder: The Tragic Story of Private John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

10/08/24 • 36 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

John Needham was a decorated soldier, an artist, and a man battling demons after serving in the Iraq War.

Despite surviving the horrors of war, his battle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury led to a tragic outcome—taking the life of the woman he loved, Jacqwelyn Villagomez. Their story reveals the devastating failures in the military’s mental health care system.

This episode talks about the long-lasting impact of untreated mental health issues and the moral injuries that soldiers like John endure.

How did someone so full of potential end up in such a dark place? Could better mental health care have saved both John and Jackqwelyn?
What You’ll Learn:

Who are John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez?
John’s military career and deployment to Baghdad.
The mental health decline that led to tragedy.
The concept of moral injury and how it affects soldiers.
The tragic incident involving Jacqwelyn.
How military failures contributed to John's fate.
The ripple effects of trauma, both in John's life and for those around him.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“The military makes these combat warfighters weapons. They make them weapons and they don't care when they are broken because, quite frankly, it doesn't always affect their ability to be good in combat.” - Tressa Brady
“What happens when these men don't get the help they need and the men stop compartmentalizing, and they come home and they can't turn off the war? Women die.” - Tressa Brady
“Many warfighters experience moral injury when they're in combat, when they're involved in events that just go against their moral code while they're deployed.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

Podcast source:

"48 Hours" Presents: Private Needham's War - CBS News

Articles referenced:

For Social Media Platforms/contact :

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthewounded13
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@healthewounded13
Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@tressa.brady
Email: [email protected]

Episode 5: Keep Rising (Part A)

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

06/06/24 • 48 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Is the traditional wife trend merely a nostalgic fantasy, or does it conceal a sinister reality? In this episode, I peel back the layers of the picture-perfect stay-at-home housewife image to expose the insidious nature of economic abuse. Sharing my own story and advice, I show how this seemingly innocent 1950s lifestyle can trap victims in a cycle of control and dependence.

Join me as I reveal the truth about the “trad-wife” trend and explore the crucial importance of financial independence. You’ll learn about the real struggles, the need for personal strength, and the power of never giving up. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand and fight against the many forms of abuse.

What You’ll Learn:

The challenges of being a stay-at-home mom.
Why the "traditional wife" trend can be dangerous.
What economic abuse entails.
The impact of military life on career development and education of women.
How abusers confuse their victims.
Why realizing you’re in an abusive relationship is hard.
Why it's never too late to pursue your goals.
How to recognize the early signs of economic abuse.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“If you want to be a traditional wife, I truly commend you. But I also implore you to hear me out when I tell you how this lifestyle is lending itself to dangerous forms of economic abuse.” - Tressa Brady
“You aren't where you want to be right now, but just keep rising. One foot in front of the other, you're going to chip away at your goals, and little by little, you will get there.” - Tressa Brady
“If moms were cars, we'd all have our check engine lights on.” - Tressa Brady

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 22: (Part 1) What's Done in the Dark Will Always Come to Light: Exposing Jordan Henning

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

05/21/25 • 26 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

In part one of this gripping episode, we unravel the shocking case of Jordan Henning, who murdered his wife, Ashley Henning. Tressa uncovers how an anonymous source handed her explosive evidence that the trial and media did not expose—revealing Jordan’s dark secrets and double life.

Ashley, a devoted mother and beloved woman, endured years of deception and abuse at the hands of her husband. But on June 26, 2023—her 37th birthday celebration—everything came to a devastating end. As Jordan’s aggression escalated, Ashley desperately tried to calm him and protect her children. Instead, his need for control led to her brutal murder, captured on the family's Nest camera system.

Jordan fled the scene, weaving a web of lies to conceal the truth. At trial, his defense team pushed outrageous claims while the prosecution struggled, failing to secure the justice Ashley deserved. This raises a troubling question: Was this merely a failure of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or was something more insidious—like an underlying bias—at play?

Sources for today's episode:

Court TV – Covers the trial, sentencing, and key evidence, including Nest camera footage and witness testimony.
Daily Mail – Details Jordan’s defense, his claims of abuse, and the shocking security footage capturing the murder.

Book discussed:

Bancroft, L. (2002). Why does he do that? Inside the minds of angry and controlling men. Berkley Books. Available on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.

Episode 18 (Part 1): Warriors' Wounds: From Combat to Conspiracy, the story of Matthew Livelsberger

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

01/10/25 • 35 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

This podcast episode delves into the tragic events surrounding Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Special Operations Soldier, who committed suicide and detonated a vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) outside Trump Tower on New Year's Day. The episode addresses Livelsberger's struggle with PTSD and perhaps traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and explores the military's handling of mental health issues among its service members. Tressa discusses Livelsberger's background, the conspiracy theories that have emerged following his death, and the psychological toll of war on veterans.

Tressa also examines the broader issue of veterans' vulnerability to radicalization and extremist groups. She highlights the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, their susceptibility to moral injuries, and the role of social media in fostering extremist ideologies. The episode emphasizes the need for mandatory mental health treatment for service members and calls for a reevaluation of the military's approach to mental health care to prevent further tragedies. The discussion is both a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and a call to action for better support for veterans and their families.
Sources from this episode:
UN Report find alleged drug facilities were not lawful targets - airtrikes caused significant civilian casualties | OHCHR Matthew Livelsberger—More Messages Allegedly From Cybertruck Suspect Shared
Vegas cybertruck explosion outside Trump Tower. What we know so far.

Episode 9: Selena Roth: The Advocate

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

08/21/24 • 26 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

The youngest of nine, Selena was a force of nature—a talented violinist, star athlete, and dedicated military intelligence analyst.

But behind her achievements lay a dark secret: a troubled marriage marked by manipulation and control. Just weeks after advocating for victims of domestic violence, Selena became a victim herself.
This disturbing look at domestic violence in the military makes you think: How did a woman so full of life fall prey to such a tragic fate?
This episode paints a full picture of Selena—not just as a victim, but as a cherished sister, friend, and mother whose life was tragically cut short.
What You’ll Learn:

Who is Selena Roth?
Selena's military career and family.
Her relationship with Raul Hernandez Perez.
Why coercive control is the top predictor of an abuser killing their victim.
Patterns leading up to Selena’s death.
The aftermath and advocacy.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“If you're looking for signs of abuse in a marriage, very often the abuser is so talented at hiding their instability and abusive side that you have to look more at the spouse to see changes in them.” - Tressa Brady
“Statistically, physical violence is not the top predictor of whether or not an abuser will kill their victim, but rather, being coercively controlling is the top predictor.” - Tressa Brady
"When you’re dealing with the repercussions of any disagreements with an abuser, you bend and compromise yourself to keep them from getting angry.” Tressa Brady

Resources
Podcast: “True Crime Date Night”

Hosted by: Married couple KC Witzens (audio engineer) and wife Nicole Friday (True Crime Expert).
Guest Expert: Erin Roth (Selena’s older sister)

Facebook Memorial Page:

Media Article:

Hawaii-based soldier gets 62 years in prison for bludgeoning wife to death | Stars and Stripes by WYATT OLSON STARS AND STRIPES • September 15, 2021

For Social Media Platforms/contact:

Episode 13: Holiday Heartbreak: Military Failure Leads to the Death of Three. The Preventable Murder of Sarah Lewis and Her Beloved Baby Girl

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

12/01/24 • 26 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

This podcast episode is a heartfelt and intense reflection on the challenges and dangers that holidays can bring, especially for those in abusive relationships. Tressa shares personal experiences of abuse during holidays, highlighting how increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence. The episode also discusses how events like football games and other sporting events can trigger abusive behavior.
Tressa shares a poignant story about Keith Lewis, a soldier who sustained a traumatic brain injury during his military service. Despite his injuries, he continued to serve and later married Sarah Stewart Whitaker, a former military service member and paramedic. Tressa explores the potential connection between the domestic violence and Keith's military service, examining if his trauma and experiences in the military contributed to his abusive behavior. The story highlights the severe impact of untreated mental health issues and the importance of support for those affected.
The episode underscores the importance of safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also calls into question the military's handling of soldiers with PTSD and brain injuries, highlighting the need for better support and intervention.
Tressa's message is clear: while holidays can bring joy and togetherness, they can also be a time of increased danger and stress for some. It's crucial to prioritize safety and seek help if needed.
What You'll Learn:
1. **Domestic Violence During Holidays**: The episode emphasizes that holidays can be especially difficult for those in abusive relationships. Increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence, and sporting events can be significant triggers for abusers.
2. **The Impact of Untreated PTSD and Brain Injuries**: The story of Keith Lewis highlights the severe consequences of untreated PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It underscores the need for better mental health support and intervention for soldiers returning from combat.
3. **The Role of the Military in Supporting Veterans**: The episode criticizes the military's handling of mental health issues and brain injuries among soldiers. It calls for greater responsibility and better care for those who have served.
4. **The Importance of Safety and Support**: The episode highlights the critical need for safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also encourages awareness and vigilance in recognizing and addressing signs of abuse.
Overall, the episode is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experiences during the holidays and the importance of empathy, support, and mental health care.
Resources:

Family says Army ignored unseen wounds of a former Sarasota man
Army combat medic and pregnant wife die in apparent murder-suicide
Ugly side of the beautiful game: the football world cup and domestic violence | The BMJ
Find Domestic Violence and Abuse Help, Information and Stats
SGB, Spravato, TMS & Ketamine Infusion | Treatment by Stella

Episode 21: Misplaced Honor: Exposing a False Idol and Celebrating the Real Hero, Madalyn Coulter

The Wounds That Do Not Heal

03/11/25 • 58 min

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

In this deeply emotional and thought-provoking episode, Tressa returns after an unplanned hiatus to tackle an array of systemic issues. From navigating the complexities of domestic violence, military accountability, and the enduring trauma of war, this episode serves as a powerful blend of storytelling, advocacy, and education.

The host shares updates on the tragic cases of Dana Alotaibi, Mischa Johnson, Ruby Alcantar, and Madalyn Coulter—stories that expose systemic failures in protecting female individuals within military communities. Through these narratives, the host highlights the resilience of victims' families and the legislative progress inspired by their efforts, including the introduction of "Mischa’s Law." Special attention is given to the heartbreaking story of Madalyn Coulter, a veteran and mother whose life was cut short by an act of premeditated violence. Her legacy is honored, and her story is a call to action against the enabling of abusive behavior and the glorification of perpetrators under the guise of mental health struggles.

The episode also delves into the hidden costs of war, challenging the glorification of military service and exposing the long-lasting impact of war on service members and their families.

Whether you are a true crime enthusiast, an advocate for domestic violence awareness, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of military culture and its ripple effects, this episode offers a compelling mix of education, advocacy, and inspiration. Tune in to honor the victims, challenge societal norms, and join the fight for justice and systemic change.

Sources for this episode:

https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/crime/2022/07/19/former-nine-line-apparel-employees-dead-apparent-murder-suicide-savannah-georgia/10096188002/

https://www.wjcl.com/article/nine-line-savannah-murder-suicide/40654716

Interview excerpt with fiancé Blake taken from: Joe Pags Show

Interview excerpt of close friend/brother Josh discussing Zachary Scalf video taken from an interview with WTF NATION RADIO