This week on The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel are joined by domestic violence advocate Tracey for an important and deeply personal conversation about coercive control, domestic and family violence, and the signs that can be incredibly difficult to recognise when you’re living inside them.

Tracey shares her own lived experience and talks candidly about the slow erosion of independence, isolation from friends and family, financial control, walking on eggshells, and the cycle that can keep someone trapped in an unsafe relationship.

We also talk about why domestic violence doesn’t always look like physical violence, why leaving can be such a vulnerable time, the importance of seeking specialist support, and how Tracy has turned her own experience into advocacy for other women.

It’s a heavier conversation than usual, but an important one, because sometimes the first step is simply recognising that something isn’t right.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, coercive control, psychological and financial abuse, stalking and experiences of leaving an abusive relationship.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, specialist support is available.

1800RESPECT — Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24/7.
Call: 1800 737 732
Text: 0458 737 732
https://1800respect.org.au/

Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) — Micah Projects — Specialist support for women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence in Brisbane.
Call: (07) 3217 2544
https://www.micahprojects.org.au/support-services/domestic-family-violence-services/protecting-women-children-and-families

Women’s Legal Service Queensland — Free legal assistance for Queensland women experiencing domestic and family violence, family separation, parenting and related legal issues.
Helpline: 1800 957 957
https://wlsq.org.au/

Women’s Health & Equality Queensland — Counselling, therapeutic programs and support for women, including specialist domestic, family and sexual violence counselling.
1800 4 WOMEN: 1800 496 636
https://wheq.org.au/

DVConnect Womensline — Queensland’s 24-hour domestic violence helpline, including crisis counselling, safety planning and emergency accommodation support.
Call: 1800 811 811
https://www.dvconnect.org/womensline/

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

After a whirlwind few weeks of international travel, parenting logistics and general life chaos, Oriel and Marissa are back, and this time, it’s just the two of them.

They celebrate a huge milestone as Shiloh tackles her first trail ride, complete with shaky hands, a surprise koala and a lesson in being anxious about feeling anxious. Then they head into the wonderfully messy realities of family life: mum guilt, dinner-table meltdowns, childhood anxiety, ADHD medication, teenage attitude, group chats, smartphones and the ever-growing mental load.

They may not solve it all, but we’re talking honestly about learning to trust ourselves, asking for help and finding the small wins, both in and out of the saddle.

It’s been a big few weeks for the hosts of The Mounting Block. Marissa shares the emotional story of finally bringing home her dream horse, a beautiful grey Gypsy Cob named Shiloh, including the anxiety-filled journey through the Toowoomba Range and their first rides together. Oriel also celebrates a milestone of her own after completing her first equestrian event, tackling dressage, show jumping and cross-country with the support of her trusted horse and an enthusiastic cheer squad.

The conversation then turns to narcissism as the hosts welcome back Fiona Spence. Fiona explains what narcissistic behaviour can look like, why the term is often misunderstood and how manipulation may be driven by a need for control, admiration or validation. She describes five common narcissistic types, from the charismatic charmer and emotionally draining vampire to the helpless victim, behind-the-scenes puppeteer and domineering king or queen.

Together, they explore the warning signs of an unhealthy dynamic, including walking on eggshells, people-pleasing, second-guessing yourself and feeling as though you’ve lost your confidence or former identity. Most importantly, Fiona offers a hopeful path forward: recognise the patterns, establish firm boundaries, work on your own responses and decide whether a relationship can be managed, or whether walking away is the healthiest choice.