Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

What happens when unexpected friendship and love turns out to be a fraud?

Today, Lisa shares the story of a relationship that sent her fleeing across the United States for safety. This relationship is one of the reasons why From Now On exists. He was a copycat, and Lisa was his prey.

Lisa welcomes Kate Ranta, a survivor of intimate partner and gun violence. In 2012, after leaving her abusive marriage, her ex-husband stalked Kate to her apartment, where he shot her and her father in front of their 4-year-old son – miraculously, everyone survived the attack. 

In this episode, Lisa and Kate unpack the layers of abuse Kate experienced with her ex. They also explore the ways systems failed Kate time and time again. 

Kate has been an advocate and activist for many years since this traumatic event, appearing in documentaries, tv series episodes, podcasts and other outlets including Rolling Stone and New York Magazine’s The Cut, testifying before Congress, participating in expert panels, and more. Kate is the co-author of “Killing Kate: A Story of Turning Abuse and Tragedy into Transformation and Triumph,” available on Amazon.

This episode is all about seeing the nuanced ways abusers function in an intimate relationship and the ways the system protects abusers rather than survivors. BUT survivorship still prevails.

You can follow Kate @supportkateranta on Facebook and @kateranta on TikTok. To learn more about Kate’s advocacy work and order her book, go to kateranta.com.

Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at fromnowonpod@gmail.com. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

• If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
• If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
• PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
• Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.