DeepSummary
The transcript is a conversation with Bree, her mom, and Bree's friend Emily about Bree's former online relationship with 'Brody' who turned out to be her friend Jess catfishing her. Bree's mom explains how she noticed changes in Bree's behavior and demeanor when talking to 'Brody' and tried to warn her it was an abusive relationship. Emily discusses how their friendship suffered as Bree became more consumed by 'Brody'.
Lauren then shares her experience being catfished by 'Brody' who was also Jess. She details the intense emotional manipulation and mind games Jess put her through, standing her up repeatedly, and threatening suicide. Lauren moved in with Jess under the pretense of a fresh start but Jess continued to controlling and isolate her.
Both Bree and Lauren express the trauma and confusion they endured at the hands of Jess' deception. They are bewildered how their close friend could do this to them and struggle to process the betrayal.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Jess created an elaborate fake online persona named 'Brody' to manipulate and control her close friends Bree and Lauren.
- Jess engaged in persistent emotional abuse, gaslighting, isolating behaviors, and threats of self-harm to trap Bree and Lauren.
- The psychological torment and mind games inflicted severe trauma on Bree and Lauren, damaging their mental health.
- Bree and Lauren's family and friends witnessed their personalities change and raised concerns about the unhealthy relationship with 'Brody'.
- Jess violated boundaries and made Bree and Lauren feel obligated to obey her demands after moving in together.
- Bree and Lauren struggled with betrayal by someone so close to them and confusion over 'Brody' never being a real person.
- The experience left Bree and Lauren questioning reality and their perceptions due to the gaslighting and manipulation.
- The impacts of psychological abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse, leaving invisible but long-lasting scars.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “She was glued to her phone constantly, not in the moment anymore. And it was really hard to watch towards the end there before we found out that it was Jess. It was harder and harder to see her. We had one last vacation where we had gone to Turks and Caicos, obviously one of the most beautiful places on the face of planet Earth. And it felt like the entire time, it was being taken away from her through a phone.“ by Emily
- “She didn't respect boundaries. She would make me feel bad if I didn't go to the movies with her or go to dinner with her, she would literally get mad at me for it. So I felt like every time she asked me to do something, I felt like I had to do it or else it would cause tension in the house.“ by Lauren
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Episode Information
Something Was Wrong
Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
5/1/24
*Content Warning: cyberstalking, stalking, catfishing, fraud, psychological violence, death, medical trauma, suicide, suicidal ideation, threats of self harm, emotional abuse, harassment, sexual abuse.
This season, our theme Song U Think U, by Glad Rags, is covered by Palehound.
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