lovelustfear

Former judge and veteran divorce attorney Michele Locke pulls back the curtain on the world of family law. From messy divorces to high-stakes custody battles and domestic violence cases, Michele brings her courtroom experience to the mic—sharing personal stories, legal insights, and real-world advice. Whether you’re facing family court or just curious about how it all works, this episode delivers a powerful, no-nonsense introduction to the emotional and legal terrain of family law.
lovelustlaw premieres July 1st!
**DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as prof...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, hosts Jake Deptula and Michele Locke, alongside producer Haley Gray, are joined by Heather Ashley of Big Mad True Crime and Kyle Ashley from Critical Incidents to discuss the tragic story of Emma Compton. They explore the harsh realities of domestic violence, delving into the emotional and legal hurdles survivors face as well as the systemic obstacles that often block justice. The discussion highlights investigative issues in Emma’s case and emphasizes the need for improved communication between law enforcement and victims’ families. Heather shares her expertise in criminal intelligence and violent crime reduction, while Kyle...

As Lisa rises to fame in the modeling world, her ambition takes her around the globe. What starts as a dream life quickly unravels when she becomes the target of a dangerous sexual predator. Exploited by those in power, she refuses to stay silent, putting herself at risk to uncover the truth and protect others from the same fate.

chapters
(00:00) listen with caution
(00:16) next on lovelustfear
(01:44) about lisa
(02:40) lisa’s story
(36:16) questions & answers
(44:39) closing thoughts
(46:12) charity & organizations
(46:42) submit your story
(46:53) disclaimer
** This episode contains explicit content, including descriptions of...

Brittani Ard, host of You Probably Think This Story's About You, joins Jake and Michele on lovelustfridays for a raw and thoughtful conversation about trauma, relationships, and the emotional weight of storytelling. She opens up about her transition from a career in architecture to podcasting, and the lessons she's learned along the way. The discussion dives into the complexities of dating in midlife—particularly for strong, independent women—touching on breakups, emotional boundaries, and the process of unintentionally emasculating men. Brit also reflects on how independence can sometimes hinder connection, and why taking small, intentional steps back into the dating worl...

Introducing: Critical Incidents — the podcast hosted by law enforcement veteran Kyle Ashley, featuring candid conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, exploring the pivotal moments that have shaped their lives. From triumphs to challenges, these unfiltered stories offer listeners an authentic glimpse into the human experience.
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-incidents/id1793167009
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1XheQUBCO4U9gAekwkgdYQ
Amazon Music
https://www.audible.com/podcast/Critical-Incidents/B0DVFYFSHF
For More Information:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIsJUDVJiq6/
If you have a compelling story to share, we...

Jenna Brister is a comedian, actor, and screenwriter behind the feel-good Hallmark movies adored by millions. She bravely opened up about her harrowing experience of being trapped in an abusive marriage with a volatile chef in episode 6 of lovelustfear, titled “No One Gets Out This Early,” Now, she joins Jake Deptula to reflect on the red flags she faced, the healing power of comedy, and how her real-life romance with her new partner—who she’s traveled the world with—mirrors the kind of love she now brings to life in her scripts. Jenna shares her journey of surviving trauma, finding he...

Introducing: Ice Cold Case — In 2002, Madison McGhee’s father, John McGhee, was shot and killed in his own home in Belmont County, Ohio. Driven by her desire to find justice she began conducting her own investigation into his murder that remains unsolved to this day. The police investigation did not yield any significant leads, leaving Madison and her family with more questions than answers - until now. Join her not only on a quest for justice, for closure, for answers and she stops at nothing to answer this question: Who Killed J.C. McGhee? It doesn’t get more personal than t...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, hosts Jake Deptula and Michele Locke are joined by Heather, who previously shared her emotional journey in episode 18 of lovelustfear, titled "I Did Not Want to Lose This Man." Heather opens up about her battles with self-worth, controlling relationships, and emotional and psychological abuse, revealing how she found the courage to break free and rebuild her life. Heather and Michele also discuss their unique rivalry-turned-friendship, shedding light on the complexities of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. The conversation delves into Heather's experiences navigating the worlds of fitness competitions and the legal community, highlighting how predatory...

After enduring sexual harassment in her early teens, Lynn turns to older men for comfort as she enters adulthood. She becomes pregnant by an abusive partner, faces the heart-wrenching decision of abortion, and suffers further assault. Despite her longing to heal, she becomes caught in toxic cycles, growing increasingly isolated and trapped. Driven by the need to end the cycle of abuse, she fights to break free.
chapters
(00:00) listen with caution
(00:24) next on lovelustfear
(02:23) about lynn
(03:18) lynn’s story
(46:04) questions & answers
(58:59) closing thoughts
(01:00:08) charity & organizations
(01:00:38) submit your story
(01:00:50) disclaimer
** Th...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, hosts Jake Deptula and Michele Locke explore the intersection of spirituality, relationships, and personal transformation with guest Amber Rasmussen, host of Next Realm and Ex-Wives Undercover. Jake opens up about his intense connection with a karmic soulmate, while Michele shares her deep-seated fear of visiting a psychic. The conversation unpacks the role of psychics, spiritual mediums, and the often-misused concept of twin flames, exploring cosmic and karmic connections. Amber shares how the death of her nephew ignited her spiritual curiosity, leading her to uncover signs and experiences that shaped her beliefs. The discussion also highlights...

After escaping a series of turbulent relationships, Heather finds hope in a charismatic and attractive bodybuilder. However, she soon becomes ensnared in a web of drug addiction, sex, pornography, and psychological manipulation. The relentless abuse drives her to multiple suicide attempts, leaving Heather's life hanging in the balance.
chapters
(00:00) listen with caution
(00:24) next on lovelustfear
(02:23) about heather
(03:18) heather’s story
(01:13:08) questions & answers
(01:18:37) closing thoughts
(01:19:39) charity & organizations
(01:20:10) submit your story
(01:20:22) disclaimer
**This episode contains explicit content including descriptions of sexual assault, physical abuse, image-based abuse, pornography, drug abuse, child sexual ab...

Next Realm: Beyond the Veil: A Grandmother’s Last Goodbye and Life Lessons
From his grandmother’s unwavering support during his childhood to the vivid dream that coincided with her final goodbye, Jake reflects on love, loss, and the mysterious signs that transcend this realm.

Next Realm
Submit Your Story
NextRealmPodcast@Gmail.com
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-realm-beautiful-stories-from-beyond/id1768386038
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/3tRhWVtSSdDfhqeGqMyo4T
Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2272e97b-c58c-48c7-9570-d03a27e430fe/next-realm-beautiful-stories-from-beyond
Webs...

Jake, Michele, and Haley team up with Lauryn (lovelustfear) for an epic battle between Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, sharing awkward dating experiences that have shaped their views on the holiday. They dive into the communication struggles between men and women, the decisions behind regifting, and how their understanding of love languages has changed over the years. Their conversation also touches on classic Valentine’s Day topics—proposals, gifts like chocolates and stuffed animals, and the pressure to make the day unforgettable. To wrap it up, they get playful with games like ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘Love it or Leave it...

In this episode, Jake and Michele are joined by Gina and Amber from the Weird True Crime podcast to discuss the tragic story of Judy Malinowski, a mother of two who was set on fire by her abuser, Michael Slager, and bravely fought for 696 days to survive—ultimately making legal history by testifying against him.

The discussion delves into the devastating impact of domestic violence, the legal significance of Judy’s case, her brave testimony, and the historic role she played in speaking out against her abuser. The panel also explores the warning signs of abusive relationships, the diff...

Introducing: You Probably Think This Story’s About You — This isn’t your typical true crime story. Brittani Ard steps back into the shadowy labyrinth of memories, scars, and fragile ties that bind us to our past. Where wounds still ache and the bonds of connection blur between salvation and entrapment. After revealing her own story in the first 8 chapters, she’s pulling at the threads of the past—threads so delicate they threaten to unravel everything. This time, it’s not just her story. It’s the stories of others whose lives intertwine with hers in ways no one could have pre...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, host Jake Deptula and producer Haley Gray discuss the importance of National Stalking Awareness Month. They discuss the legacy of Peggy Klinke, whose tragic murder led to the establishment of National Stalking Awareness Month, and discuss the significant work done by advocates like her sister, Debbie Riddle, and organizations such as SPARC. They delve into the often-overlooked crime of stalking, its relationship with domestic violence, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Haley shares her personal experience with stalking, highlighting the realization and challenges faced by victims. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, better legal support...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, hosts Jake Deptula and Michelle Locke sit down with retired FBI agent and profiler Julia Cowley, who reflects on her 22-year career investigating serial killings, sex offenses, and other violent crimes. Julia discusses the realities of working as an FBI profiler, sharing her insights into high-profile cases, including those involving intimate partner violence. They cover the heartbreaking case of Vashti Forrest, a mother of two killed in 2011 after filing for divorce from her abusive husband, Brett Seacat, a police officer. Julia sheds light on the warning signs of domestic violence, the psychology of offenders, and...

In this episode of lovelustfridays, hosts Jake Deptula and Michele Locke are joined by Debra, who shared her harrowing story in lovelustfear Episode 12, “I’ve Always Seemed To Attract The Crazy Type.”

Debra talks about her journey to get sober after a tough first marriage and dealing with toxic relationships. They dive into the challenges of staying sober, how addiction can impact relationships, and how important it is to have self-worth and resilience in recovery. Michele and Jake also share their own experiences with alcohol and dating and the pressure to drink at social events. They also discuss online...

In this lovelustfridays 2024 Year-End Wrap-Up, Hosts Jake, Michele and Producer Haley engage in a candid conversation about relationships, personal growth, and the valuable lessons they've learned throughout 2024.

Jake opens up about his three dating rules—and why they still keep getting broken. Michelle reveals her essential dating hygiene must-haves, while Haley reflects on her people-pleasing tendencies and where they stem from. In addition, they delve into the application of AI—specifically ChatGPT—to analyze their personalities and uncover surprising insights. The conversation wraps up with an exciting announcement: a brand new podcast series for 2025, aimed at demystifying the legal...

Hosts Natalie and Paige use straightforward storytelling to spotlight cold cases, missing persons, and suspicious deaths— often incorporating original audio from the victim’s friends and family. The podcast also includes monthly interviews about the true crime genre as a whole, whether that’s discussions on ethics, survivors sharing their stories, or other relevant topics.

Connect with them at themurderdiariespodcast.com or on socials @themurderdiariespod

Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/55kyDPfEhaYMsEuTjChWE4?si=646fb6c4b8c24fc2

Listen on Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-murder-diaries/id1475609603

Affairs are prevalent but rarely talked about relationships. The podcast, Cheating: When Love Lies, is a deep dive into the complex emotions surrounding these secret unions.

Creator and host, Jillian Hamilton, delves into this taboo topic and asks the hard questions about affairs: how common are they, who's having them, and why? These questions illicit unexpected answers that reveal both men and women as people actively seeking something - validation, escape, understanding, vengeance, thrill, love, sex, and romance - outside of marriage or committed partnerships. Cheating: When Love Lies resists the condemnation of affairs as uniquely wrong or...

Host Jake Deptula and family law attorney Michelle Locke are joined by Lauryn from Episode 17 of lovelustfear, titled “You Have to Learn to Trust Me.” 

Lauryn reflects on her first toxic relationship, sharing the emotional toll of repeated breakups and reconciliations that led her to question her self-worth. She describes how these painful cycles pushed her to emotional extremes and behaviors she didn’t recognize in herself. Lauryn also opens up about her struggles with body image, self-confidence, and how societal pressures influenced her perception of beauty. The conversation delves into the challenges women face today, the journey to self...

Lauryn’s romance with her movie theater coworker spirals into a toxic cycle of heartbreak, doubt, and obsession, leaving her emotionally crushed but driven to prove her instincts right.

chapters
(00:00) listen with caution
(00:16) next on lovelustfear
(02:08) about lauryn
(03:14) lauryn’s story
(31:26) questions & answers
(38:49) closing thoughts
(39:53) charity & organizations
(40:23) submit your story
(40:34) disclaimer

quotes

"...in middle school when girls and boys were starting to pay more attention to each other. And I had crushes, but they were not reciprocated..." - Lauryn

“At the time, I was ju...

Host Jake Deptula and family law attorney Michele Locke are joined by Lori Morrison, a retired private investigator, speaker, author, podcaster, and church safety coach. 

Lori shares her insights into spiritual abuse, the role of women within religious communities, and offers advice for those seeking guidance in handling church-related disputes. The episode also covers Lori’s journey into private investigation and her continued dedication to helping victims through her podcast, The Unlovely Truth. The conversation emphasizes the gender-based power dynamics prevalent in many faiths and how women need to challenge such oppressive structures respectfully but firmly, highlighting the par...

Jake Deptula, host of lovelustfear and cohost of Strictly Stalking, sits down with Terra Newell to discuss his journey and the inspiration behind his podcasts. Jake opens up about his own experiences with toxic relationships and how they shaped lovelustfear, which delves into the darker side of dating. Terra and Jake discuss the importance of providing survivors with a platform, creating safe spaces for sharing, and the challenges of covering such sensitive topics. Their conversation also touches on self-discovery, setting boundaries, and the impact of generational trauma. 

Terra Newell - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/terranewell/
O...

Host Jake Deptula is joined by family law attorney Michele Locke and Gabi Conti, an author, producer, and TV host known for her candid discussions on dating and relationships.

This episode explores the challenges of workplace romances, the impact of dating apps, and how to recognize and address emotional and physical abuse. Gabi, who previously shared her own toxic dating story in LoveLustFear Episode 4, "We Can’t Break Up," offers valuable insights on spotting red flags and empowering others through her work, including her book 20 Guys You Date in Your 20s and her podcast Bad Influencer. Michele reflects on...

Host Jake Deptula is joined by family law attorney Michele Locke and Allyn Amerongen, a survivor, advocate, and podcaster, featured in lovelustfear episode sixteen, "It’s A Lot Worse Than We Thought."

Allyn opens up about her traumatic experience in a long-distance relationship, the double-edged nature of vulnerability, and the challenges survivors face when navigating relationships after trauma. She also shares her personal journey while creating her podcast, “When Heaven Meets Hell”, and its global impact on listeners. The conversation emphasizes that survivors should never feel pressured to prove their trauma and be encouraged to embrace their truths. The ep...

Allyn meets a captivating man who swiftly declares his love, asks her to be his girlfriend, and proposes. But as their long-distance relationship deepens, she uncovers his lingering connection with an ex, leading her down a dark path of deception.

chapters
(00:00) listen with caution
(00:16) next on lovelustfear
(01:40) about allyn
(02:38) allyn’s story
(56:35) questions & answers
(01:01:54) closing thoughts
(01:02:40) charity & organizations
(01:03:10) submit your story
(01:03:21) disclaimer

quotes
“My criteria was something more serious and committed in hopes of finding my person in marriage and all the things that I had kind...

Host Jake Deptula is joined by family law attorney Michele Locke, along with Shaun and John from "Sins and Survivors: Las Vegas True Crime," to explore the heartbreaking case of Ashley and Dennis Prince, who were tragically killed by Ashley's ex-father-in-law, Joe Houston, during a deposition.

The discussion reflects on Ashley and Dennis's lives, the legal proceedings, and the emotional and legal complexities that culminated in their deaths. They examine the intense divorce proceedings and custody battle, highlighting how Ashley's attempts to escape an abusive relationship were overlooked by a justice system that missed vital warning signs. Michele...

Host Jake Deptula speaks with Desiree, who shares her dating misadventures, including cringe-worthy encounters with older men who misrepresent themselves.

Their conversation highlights issues like catfishing and the bait-and-switch phenomenon. Desiree reveals the aspects of old-school dating and the early days of AOL Online romances. She emphasizes critical criteria for partners, such as having a job, apartment, and car, and discusses the dangers she has faced, including awkward and potentially risky situations. She reflects on the importance of personal safety and learning from past mistakes while navigating the modern dating landscape. The episode also touches on sensitive topics...

Introducing: Next Realm - Have you ever felt a presence, heard a familiar voice, or received a sign that made you believe your loved ones were reaching out from beyond the veil? Next Realm is the podcast that explores the profound and heartwarming stories of individuals who have experienced messages from their departed loved ones. In each episode, we delve into personal accounts that transcend the boundaries of the physical world. From mysterious dreams and unexplained coincidences to undeniable signs, our guests share their extraordinary encounters that go beyond the realms of explanation. Host Amber Rasmussen guides you through these...

Host Jake Deptula speaks with Danielle, a caregiver and spiritual healing advocate, who shares her traumatic experiences with domestic violence in high school. 

Danielle details the verbal, physical, and sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her then-boyfriend, along with the stalking that ensued. Danielle highlights the critical support from her family, especially her mother, which helped her escape the abusive relationship and reveals the challenges of rebuilding her life in a new school, finding supportive friends, and learning to trust again. Inspired by her role as a caregiver for her mother, who is battling cancer, Danielle e...

Introducing: Morbidology –  a true crime podcast created and hosted by Emily G. Thompson, author of “Unsolved Child Murders,” “Cults Uncovered” and co-author of “Unsolved Murders: True Crime Cases Uncovered.” Morbidology was voted ‘Best International Podcast’ at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. Join Emily as she covers a new true crime case – solved and unsolved – released weekly. You can listen to Morbidology across all podcast platforms.
I’m going to play a preview of episode 277 on the murder of Lise Fredette, a 74-year-old woman who failed to show up for her shift in Walmart in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Her daughter drove over to her home, and whe...

Host Jake Deptula and former family court judge and family law attorney Michele Locke sit down with Terra Newell, a victim advocate, public figure, and survivor of multiple toxic relationships.

They explore the complexities of toxic relationships and the expectations placed on survivors who become public figures. They also confront misconceptions stemming from media portrayals that often oversimplify these experiences, particularly beyond the sensational headlines of “Dirty John.” Additionally, they discuss the responsibilities of true crime content creators, focusing on the glorification of serial killer culture and the ethical considerations that come with storytelling. Also, how advocating for a vi...

This October, lovelustfear returns along with brand new episodes of lovelustfridays!
We'll dive deep into compelling topics like cheating, catfishing, love bombing 101 stalking, and the FBI's approach to battling romance scams. I'll be speaking with new guests and guest speakers, including therapists, dating coaches, law enforcement professionals, private investigators, legal experts, celebrities, authors, and influencers. 
Additionally, I'm excited to announce I'll be participating in a True Crime Podcasting Ethics course with Terra Newell. You can find more information on her Instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/terranewell/

And if you'd like to share your dating a...

Host Jake Deptula and former associate family court judge and family law attorney Michele Locke sit down with Lorraine, a narcissistic abuse survivor from episode fifteen of lovelustfear, "You Have To Be Very Careful With Him.”

They delve into Lorraine's experience of escaping an abusive relationship with a partner diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder and her legal challenges co-parenting with him. They also examine the significant struggles she faced within the police and court systems, which may have displayed bias and racism, particularly in Family Court. Also, they discuss how the judicial system focuses on child protection and ho...

Host Jake Deptula and former associate family court judge and family law attorney Michele Locke sit down with Lena, an abusive marriage survivor from episode nine of lovelustfear, “He’s Your Problem Now.”

They discuss Lena's toxic marriage and the influence of cultural obligations in her Armenian community, the nuances of recognizing abuse, and how she found her voice and empowerment through her second husband's supportive and matrilineal Native American culture. The conversation also highlights the themes of coercive control, gaslighting, financial manipulation, and the emotional toll these experiences have on physical health, including the long-term effects of trauma...

Host Jake Deptula and former associate family court judge and family law attorney Michele Locke sit down with Mira, a survivor and parent, from episode five of lovelustfear, “A F**king Broken Mess.”

They discuss the challenges of co-parenting with a narcissistic ex-partner, the complications substance abuse brings to custody battles, and how custody laws can prioritize parental rights over child welfare. The discussion also touches on why therapists might be reluctant to testify in custody cases. Strategies for handling high-conflict situations include documenting interactions, careful planning, and setting boundaries. Additionally, they examine the appeal of toxic relationship patt...

Host Jake Deptula and former associate family court judge and family law attorney Michele Locke sit down with Kaitlyn, a domestic abuse survivor, from episode ten of lovelustfear, “We Didn’t Have Boundaries.” They discuss how trauma can disrupt memory, making it difficult for survivors to recall details and affecting their ability to seek justice effectively. They also explore how growing up in toxic environments can impair one's ability to trust gut feelings and make sound choices. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by romantic partners of abuse survivors, highlighting the importance of empathy, patience, and open communication. 

Host Jake Deptula and Family Law Attorney Michele Locke sit down with Justine, a former military wife and domestic abuse survivor, from episode three of lovelustfear, "You're Never Allowed to Leave Me." They discuss the challenges military spouses face in abusive relationships, the complexities of navigating the court system, and the biases that can impact legal outcomes. They also explore the journey of finding love and healing after trauma, the power dynamics within abusive relationships, and the vital importance of sharing survivor stories.

Topics: abusive relationships, power dynamics, military spouses, survivor stories, healing, love, toxic relationship, military, support...