Listener Reviews

Regret
You mentioned that we teach children the mechanics of sex education but not about relationships. I've just remembered, as a community nurse I was given a sex education pack by Johnson and Johnson and told to give a sex education talk to 5th or 6th graders in Australia. There was no guideline provided about respectful relationships, abuse or anything like that. I failed the students in not talking about anything past respect and "you can say no". That was some 35 years ago. I hope the education in schools has changed.
Well worth listening to
I've just finished listening to your unpacking of the Gabby Petito case and interview with her incredible mother. It's always interesting and alarming to hear how police and detectives around the world fail in the execution of their duties. We find failures in all professions but when the results are a potentially preventable death, it's outrageous. I was a nurse and midwife for many years, I don't remember receiving any training on domestic abuse. Maybe there was some, but nothing that I remember. In the Gabby Petito case, it all seems to point to a lackbof training and a macho culture. I would think that if it had been a male officer with a female officer bouncing off ideas it may have been different but with a supervisor that is pushy, dominant and ignorant as in Gabby's case, maybe it wouldn't be any different. Thank you for your work and to Gabby's mum also.
Ep: 329
Congratulations to Samantha for expressing so simply of what I’ve personally struggled to. Sharing this with you (all) in the hope it helps: I suffered diarrhea for two years as my perp’s controlling behaviour increased. Once he’d left my house, my psychologist did EMDR therapy (tapping in my case), and within a week I was shocked to realise I was suddenly “doing solids!” Love to you all x
Clear and important information
Women need to hear and act on Laura’s insights. (I feel that the bodies of most women have learnt the lessons but our brains don’t hear them). And men need to learn and act too; they need to decide if they will be part of the solution or the problem.
Brilliant and a learning opportunity for women
One of my favourite podcasts. As a woman, I have learned so much. It’s important for girls and women to understand how unsafe the law, policies and society can be for women and in favour of men and/or the aggressor(s). A must learn to make much needed changes. Great work Lauren!
Brilliant and a learning opportunity for women
One of my favourite podcasts. As a woman, I have learned so much. It’s important for girls and women to understand how unsafe the law, policies and society can be for women and in favour of men and/or the aggressor(s). A must learn to make much needed changes. Great work Lauren!
laura is amazing
unequivocally the leading voice in coercive control. she is incredible
Sam
Thank you. Can we talk more to the beautiful, divine, living victims? Who have daughters. Or sons. Can we? This is an outstanding episode. The killing of the joy. …Within the living woman. Can we please please please please please talk about living victims more. This is where the true crime is ENORMOUS ….
Very Good
👍👍
A counter balance
A refreshing and intelligent conversation for all, uplifting to hear in this patriarchal world. Inclusive and insightful, really enjoyed this open discussion. Would highly recommend.
Cally Beaton
Brilliant episode amongst fabulous episodes.
Always learning
I've been listening to the podcast for nearly a year on and off. I've learned so much and I'm seeing the world through a different lens. I'm noticing things I wouldn't have previously, and while I'm not in the vocation of protection, I understand better the ways I can help by asking the right questions.
Always learning
I've been listening to the podcast for nearly a year on and off. I've learned so much and I'm seeing the world through a different lens. I'm noticing things I wouldn't have previously, and while I'm not in the vocation of protection, I understand better the ways I can help by asking the right questions.
The best !
Laura is simply the best in her field. Her podcast is not only about real crime, but about real life : that is what makes it so helpful. Thank you !
Listening for my daughters
Kia ora Laura, I’ve recently discovered your podcast and have started listening from the very beginning. I wanted to sincerely thank you for the work you do—putting into clear, accessible words the things all girls and women need to know to help keep themselves safe. I’m also grateful to the women and girls who have been lost, and to their loved ones, whose stories we unfortunately—but appreciatively—learn from. I truly enjoy listening to your podcast and sharing this new knowledge with my daughters, so they can be better equipped to navigate this disguised and ever‑changing world. Ngā mihi nui,
Incredible podcast
This is a fantastic podcast. Laura does incredible work and her analysis of these crimes is hugely enlightening and educational. A must listen.
wise and loving witness
I am especially strengthened by the interviews with the children survivors, and especially the brilliant young men children survivors. Please understand I am an elder, a survivor, and a mother of an astonishingly insightful adult son. Laura Richards has a keen understanding while not shying away from necessary questions. Throughout the world these stories are often silenced, stigmatized, or stolen with slight of hand. Or slight of language. Or slight of law. Yet Laura gently and compassionately interrogates the societal structures that leverage so many to death. She compassionately mirrors my lived experience and thus provides a sort of witness, a wise and loving witness that so many of us need for any hope of healing.
Educating the world
Listening to the incredible episode regarding Sally and David Challen and just realizing how much I’ve learned listening to Laura and her brave guests and realizing she has taught the world about coercive control and how to recognize it. I pray that many trapped women and children will be saved. I find her so inspiring and I’m so thankful that she is doing this and for all the guests standing up and sharing all that they have gone through and having the courage to speak out to help others is all so moving really beyond words. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The best pod out there
What I appreciate most is the depth and integrity. Laura doesn’t just retell cases. She breaks down patterns of behavior, coercion, and warning signs in a way that actually teaches you something. You walk away not just informed, but more aware. It’s also very victim-centered, which is rare in true crime. There’s a clear focus on accountability and prevention, not entertainment at someone else’s expense. Fair warning: it’s not “light listening.” Some episodes are intense, but that’s because it treats these cases with the seriousness they deserve. Her goal is preventing the abuse and murder of women and girls and she fights tirelessly for that mission. If you want true crime that’s intelligent, empowering, and rooted in real-world expertise, this one is worth your time.
The best pod out there
What I appreciate most is the depth and integrity. Laura doesn’t just retell cases. She breaks down patterns of behavior, coercion, and warning signs in a way that actually teaches you something. You walk away not just informed, but more aware. It’s also very victim-centered, which is rare in true crime. There’s a clear focus on accountability and prevention, not entertainment at someone else’s expense. Fair warning: it’s not “light listening.” Some episodes are intense, but that’s because it treats these cases with the seriousness they deserve. Her goal is preventing the abuse and murder of women and girls and she fights tirelessly for that mission. If you want true crime that’s intelligent, empowering, and rooted in real-world expertise, this one is worth your time.
The best pod out there
What I appreciate most is the depth and integrity. Laura doesn’t just retell cases. She breaks down patterns of behavior, coercion, and warning signs in a way that actually teaches you something. You walk away not just informed, but more aware. It’s also very victim-centered, which is rare in true crime. There’s a clear focus on accountability and prevention, not entertainment at someone else’s expense. Fair warning: it’s not “light listening.” Some episodes are intense, but that’s because it treats these cases with the seriousness they deserve. Her goal is preventing the abuse and murder of women and girls and she fights tirelessly for that mission. If you want true crime that’s intelligent, empowering, and rooted in real-world expertise, this one is worth your time.
Woman Saves Lives
Laura is an expert who deserves to be respected and heard. She is invaluable to ALL women. She. Saves. Lives. Keep going, Laura, and ignore the ignorant. We. Are. With. You!
So worth listening to.
I’m a regular listener and commend Laura for the work she is doing. The podcast is professional and compassionate, and delivered to afford victims of any form of abuse, the respect they deserve. Sadly I believe this is a man’s world - as it always has been - and I see little that is changing for the better.