Jill StoddardEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

What happens when you risk everything to tell the truth? In this powerful episode of We the Sunlight, Jill Stoddard speaks with Dr. John A. King, an author, poet, longtime activist, and founder of the Give Them A Voice Foundation. John shares his story of surviving prolonged childhood sexual abuse and exploitation—and the complicated, often painful journey of speaking publicly about what happened to him. Separated from his Indigenous birth family as a child in Australia, John grew up in circumstances that left him questioning his identity, his safety, and his understanding of relationships and sexuality. He was sexually abused beginning in early childhood and later exploited in pornography and trafficking. For decades, he carried the consequences largely in silence. John also speaks candidly about an experience that is still rarely discussed: male sexual abuse and the unique shame, confusion, and social expectations that can make it difficult for men to recognize, disclose, and recover from sexual trauma. He describes being denied access to rape-support resources because he was a man and confronting cultural assumptions that men cannot be victims of sexual violence or that women cannot be perpetrators. Eventually, John began talking about his experiences publicly, appearing in the documentaries Stopping Traffic and Light in the Darkness and writing about his recovery. But speaking out came with significant costs—including lost friendships, the loss of his church community, professional consequences, and the emotional toll of repeatedly revisiting traumatic memories. His story also offers a nuanced perspective on trauma recovery, post-traumatic growth, and the decision to tell one's story. John cautions survivors against assuming that publicly sharing their trauma is automatically healing. Instead, he emphasizes starting small, building a trusted support system, choosing the right platform, and considering whether telling the story is moving toward a desired future or keeping someone anchored in the past. John and Jill also discuss: The complex trauma associated with prolonged childhood sexual abuseWhy male survivors may experience unique barriers to disclosure and supportThe relationship between trauma, shame, masculinity, and self-blameHow sexual trauma can affect intimacy and relationships in adulthoodPTSD and the challenges of trauma recallThe difference between structured trauma treatment and repeatedly retelling traumatic experiencesThe importance of self-advocacy in medical and professional settingsAutism, masking, and learning to communicate one's needsThe role of supportive relationships in recoveryTurning shame into something meaningfulSpeaking out despite social, professional, and personal consequencesHow survivors can decide when, where, and with whom to share their storiesThe possibility of transforming painful experiences into advocacy and meaningful actionJohn's message isn't that every survivor should tell their story publicly. Quite the opposite. His advice is to start with a safe person, a journal, or a therapist—and to understand that once your story is public, you can't take it back. Ultimately, this episode is about more than surviving trauma. It's about deciding what you want your story to mean—and whether the past will define you or refine you.

What happens when the person you believe is the love of your life turns out to be a professional con artist? In this episode of We the Sunlight, Jill Stoddard talks with Heather Rovet., a successful real estate agent and designer whose relationship with Jace Perretti unraveled into a shocking story of romance fraud, deception, identity fraud, financial abuse, and betrayal. Heather thought she had finally met “the one.” But as their relationship progressed, small inconsistencies began to surface: stories about his education and career that didn't quite add up, unexplained financial problems, a dating profile that appeared while they were living together, and increasingly elaborate explanations for why things weren't what they seemed. Eventually, Heather discovered that Jace Perretti wasn't even his real name. His true identity was Jason Porter, a convicted fraudster who had previously served time in federal prison for defrauding women he met online. What followed was a painstaking investigation into the man Heather thought she knew—including fake identities, dating profiles, stolen property, financial deception, fabricated stories about his family and career, and connections to other victims. But this episode isn't only about romance scams and online dating fraud. It's also about what happens psychologically when someone you love systematically deceives you—and the complicated decision to speak publicly when shame, fear, career consequences, and safety are all on the line. After Heather went public with her story, other victims began reaching out. Her experience ultimately became the subject of the documentary Rom Con and helped connect her with other women who had experienced similar forms of betrayal. Heather shares what she learned about red flags in abusive relationships, trusting your instincts, betrayal trauma, victim shame, finding your voice, and reclaiming your power after deception. She also explains why she has no regrets about telling her story—and why she believes that bringing darkness into the light can help protect others. In this episode, we talk about: How romance scammers build trust and emotional intimacyThe warning signs Heather initially overlookedHow manipulation can make seemingly obvious red flags difficult to recognizeThe connection between romance fraud and financial abuseWhat happened when Heather discovered her partner's secret dating profilesThe shocking discovery of Jace Perretti's true identity as Jason PorterHow Heather uncovered evidence of years of deceptionWhy victims of scams and abuse often experience shame and self-blameWhat happened when Heather went to the policeThe importance of safety when deciding whether to speak upHow connecting with other victims helped Heather healWhy telling her story helped Heather reclaim her voice and powerThe documentary Rom Con and what happened after Heather went publicWhat Heather would say to someone who is afraid to speak their truthWhy “standing in your light” can be an act of resistanceHeather's story is a powerful reminder that being deceived does not mean you're stupid, gullible, or to blame. Manipulation works precisely because it is designed to exploit trust, connection, and our desire to believe the people we love. And sometimes, bringing the truth into the light isn't just about telling your own story. It can be about giving someone else the information they need to recognize theirs. Content note: This episode discusses romance fraud, financial abuse, deception, sexual and emotional manipulation, stalking/intimidation, and the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Learn more about Heather and her story at heatherrovet.com, and watch Rom Con on Prime Video. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a romance scam, remember: you are not alone, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. We the Sunlight is hosted by Jill Stoddard, a clinical psychologist, author, and truth teller exploring what happens when ordinary people decide to speak up about extraordinary circumstances. Truth illuminates. Stories heal. Want to share your story? Email wethesunlight@gmail.com.

What if the self-doubt you've been trying to fix is actually proof you care? And what if the harder you work to outrun it, the worse it gets? In this episode, Frank sits down with Dr. Jill Stoddard — clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, ACT trainer, and author of Be Mighty and Brace No More — to unpack why imposter syndrome is misnamed, misunderstood, and why the conventional advice to "just build your confidence" tends to backfire for most people. Dr. Stoddard makes the case that psychological flexibility — not confidence — is the real antidote to self-doubt, fear, and avoidance. Topics covered: Why "imposter syndrome" is a flawed term — and what the research actually says The gap trap: why waiting until you feel ready keeps you stuck How acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) builds resilience without toxic positivity Pain reprocessing therapy — how the brain creates chronic pain and how to rewire it Speaking truth to power: Jill's personal story and her upcoming podcast We the Sunlight Why discomfort practiced in small ways builds capacity for the big moments 🎙️ This is Episode53 of the Mindform Podcast, hosted by Frank Lawton. 🔗 Find Dr. Jill Stoddard: Website: www.jillstoddard.com New Podcast (Sept 2025): We the Sunlight Books: https://jillstoddard.com/books Be Mighty Imposter No More The Big Book of ACT Metaphors Mindform is an exclusive membership platform that gives you access to an ever-expanding toolkit for mental mastery and a community of passionate psychitects. Apply to join Mindform or get the free Psychitect's Toolkit at https://mindform.io/podcast

Dr. Ann Kelley is joined by Dr. Jill Stoddard as they unpack the complexities of imposter syndrome—why it shows up, who it impacts most, and how to move through it. Drawing on her expertise in psychological flexibility and values-based living, Dr. Stoddard shares strategies to navigate self-doubt, marginalization, and internalized insecurity. Learn how to reframe discomfort, build a healthier relationship with vulnerability, and use these moments as powerful opportunities for connection and growth. Join our exclusive online community at TherapistUncensored.com/Join

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/ Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/ In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Jill Stoddard about Imposter Syndrome. Jill is a Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Psychologist, and Coach on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Hear what Imposter Syndrome looks like in couples, how to help your clients embrace their authentic emotions, what to do when a client feels insecure, the 5 personas under the Imposter Syndrome umbrella, and the power of relationships. To learn more about Dr. Jill Stoddard, her books, her podcast, and her Substack, visit: JillStoddard.com Dr. Jill Stoddard on LinkedIn   You can also listen to Jill on Episode 247 of The Couples Therapist Couch

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/ Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/ In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Jill Stoddard about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Jill is a Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Psychologist, and Coach on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Hear what ACT is, how to help your clients be their authentic selves, how to practice being uncomfortable, how to give your clients clarity on their thoughts, and how to focus on your message & serving others. To learn more about Dr. Jill Stoddard, her books, her podcast, and her Substack, visit: JillStoddard.com Dr. Jill Stoddard on LinkedIn  

It might sound odd but the weather can have a significant impact on your purchase decisions. Some things you are likely to buy on a warm sunny day you wouldn't even think of buying on a cloudy and dreary day. This episode begins with an explanation of how this works. https://lifehacker.com/how-the-weather-can-influence-our-car-and-house-buying-5933701 Have you ever felt like an imposter? It’s that feeling of self-doubt that you are in over your head and that other people overestimate your competence and ability. It doesn’t feel very good but it could just be an indication that you are on the right track, according to my guest Dr. Jill Stoddard. She is a mental health care provider and author of the book, Imposter No More : Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career (https://amzn.to/3QeIRSj). Listen and discover why feeling like an imposter may just mean you are exactly where you should be No one ever said love was easy. Or maybe they did – but they were wrong. Successful relationships take work. But the work doesn’t have to be all that difficult according to Alexandra Solomon. She is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University. She is also author of a book called Love Every Day  (https://amzn.to/3FxMX30)  Can someone actually die from being frightened? People often use the phrase, “Scared to death” but is it really possible? Listen and find out. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/its-true-we-can-be-scared-to-death/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Indeed is the hiring platform where you can Attract, Interview, and Hire all in one place! Start hiring NOW with a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING Offer good for a limited time. U.S. Cellular knows how important your kid’s relationship with technology is. That’s why they’ve partnered with Screen Sanity, a non-profit dedicated to helping kids navigate the digital landscape. For a smarter start to the school year, U.S. Cellular is offering a free basic phone on new eligible lines, providing an alternative to a smartphone for children. Visit https://USCellular.com/BuiltForUS ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest “Fresh Take” episode, we're talking to Dr. Jill Stoddard, author of BE MIGHTY: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry & Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance. Jill's mission is to share cutting edge, evidence-based tools based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people find meaning and vitality in their lives even as they struggle with anxiety. We talk about why anxiety is a particular concern for women, especially right now– and how we an change our relationship to our anxiety and stress by becoming more flexible around it, rather than trying to shut it down. If you'd like to find out more about Jill's book and the tools of ACT, you can sign up for a 4-week Virtual Book Club about Be Mighty, including Live Q&A sessions with Jill, here: https://www.jillstoddard.com/pages/virtual-book-club. Jill Stoddard is a clinical psychologist and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management. She is the author of two books: Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance and The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Stoddard is an award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Psychologist and writer Dr. Jill Stoddard talks about different types of anxiety, how to recognize and unpack your triggers, and how mindfulness is key when it comes to working through difficult moments. More about Dr. Stoddard: https://www.jillstoddard.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jillstoddardphd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillstoddardphd/ https://www.instagram.com/jillastoddard/ https://twitter.com/jill_stoddard Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18.  For those under 18 you will be redirected to or can go directly to TeenCounseling at  www.teencounseling.com    Other Links Mentioned   WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2 ————————————————————————— Spread the word via social media.   It costs nothing. Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod  -------------------------------------------------------- Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod    Become a one-time or monthly donor via Paypal  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services ---------------------------------------------------   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.