# Trust Your Gut: How to Spot Manipulation Early with Bethany Joy Lenz

An episode of [The Tamsen Show](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1799976761), 26 Oct 2026, 45 min.

Audio: https://pdrl.fm/79eff3/prefix.up.audio/s/tracking.swap.fm/track/JhoQDAATtO1l0y8tdKNa/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL4329561935.mp3

Bethany Joy Lenz, star of One Tree Hill and author of the new novel The Betrayal of Cora Wexford, spent years on TV every week while secretly living inside a cult. She opens up about why becoming a mother gave her the reason to leave, why the leaving was survival and the real healing came after, and how being on set kept her grounded through it all. Tamsen and Joy talk about why so many capable women end up doubting themselves, why psychological abuse behind closed doors is so rarely taken seriously, and how her new novel, set in 1888, mirrors so much of her real life. In this episode, you'll learn: - How a good thing can slowly turn into control - Her rule now: "If you feel like something's weird, it's weird" - The 1 question that reveals how someone really treats you, and the response to watch for - How to trust your gut again after years of second-guessing yourself - What her late ADHD diagnosis taught her about how hyperactivity shows up in women If you liked this episode, listen to: The Narcissist Decoder: How Smart Women Get Trapped in Emotional Abuse If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out this form Stay connected with Tamsen: Get Tamsen's newsletter filled with free tools to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, How To Menopause Free Resources from Tamsen Watch all the episodes on YouTube Follow Tamsen on Instagram The Tamsen Show on Instagram Follow Tamsen on TikTok Follow Joy on Instagram Visit Joy's website Get Joy's debut novel, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford Sponsors: If you have an iPhone, head to https://ladder.fit/TAMSEN and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. Use my link and get a free 7-day trial with NO credit card, and $10 off your first month if you join Start your free trial of Perplexity Computer today at https://www.PPLX.ai/tamsen and experience the next phase of AI. #ad Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them.