I Was a Psych Student, Then I Was Stuck in an Ab*sive Relationship

What happens when the very things you swore you'd never become are the things that slowly take over your life?

In this episode of the Rollercoaster Podcast, I sit down with Natalie Stavola, a recovery coach, filmmaker, and survivor whose life was shaped by childhood trauma, abusive relationships, addiction, and years of self-destruction.

Natalie shares the harrowing moments that changed her forever, including having a gun held to her head by a man she loved, battling alcoholism and cocaine addiction, and finding herself trapped in cycles of abuse she never thought she would tolerate. Despite studying psychology and criminology, she discovered firsthand that understanding trauma and escaping it are two very different things.

Together, we explore how childhood wounds can shape our adult relationships, why addiction is often rooted in pain, and what it really takes to heal after years of running from yourself. Natalie also opens up about the spiritual awakening that helped her get sober and the work she now does helping others find hope in their darkest moments.

If you've ever struggled with addiction, experienced abuse, battled your inner demons, or wondered whether healing is possible after trauma, this conversation will stay with you.

In this episode:
• Growing up in a home marked by emotional abuse
• The relationship that ended with a gun to her head
• Alcohol, cocaine addiction, and hitting rock bottom
• Why trauma keeps us returning to toxic people
• The moment she knew she needed help
• Sobriety, healing, and rebuilding her life
• Finding meaning in the pain she survive
• How she now helps others heal from trauma and addiction

Key Moments:
00:00 The Moment He Put a Gun to My Head
05:05 When I Became My Own Worst Enemy
08:12 Why I Never Fit In Anywhere
12:15 Looking for Good in a Broken World
15:06 Why Pain Can Become Your Purpose
18:07 The First Drink That Changed Everything
24:06 The Dangerous People We Choose
26:49 Why Some People Never Ask for Help
31:32 Can You Save Someone From Addiction?
35:04 The Relationships That Nearly Destroyed Me
37:20 He Put a Gun to My Head
40:13 Why I Went Back to Him Anyway
45:01 The Day My Healing Finally Began
47:44 The Protest That Broke Me Open
50:10 When I Could No Longer Hide My Trauma

Connect with Me:
Instagram: instagram.com/tyler.hall

Connect with Natalie Stavola:
Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/nataliestavola/⁠ (instagram.com/nataliestavola)