Nobody Should Believe Me

In today's bonus episode, Andrea talks to family law attorney Leah McGowan about family and juvenile court and all of the many complications within those systems that create barriers for helping victims of medical child abuse. Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos:@andreadunlop Buy Andrea’sbooks here. To support the show, subscribe onApple Podcasts or go toPatreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMewhere you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visitMunchausenSupport.com Download theAPSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months! *Brilliant Earth Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Who Killed Mia (Relatable) Get Who Killed Mia for your next game night, and get 20% off with promo code BELIEVE at Relatable.com/whokilledmia. Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Andrea’s full conversation with law professor and nurse Bea Yorker, they discuss the complexities of medical child abuse, their work with survivors, and debunk some of the most common misconceptions about Munchausen by proxy/ medical child abuse. Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos:@andreadunlop Buy Andrea’sbooks here. To support the show, subscribe onApple Podcasts or go toPatreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMewhere you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visitMunchausenSupport.com Download theAPSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months! *Brilliant Earth Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Who Killed Mia (Relatable) Get Who Killed Mia for your next game night, and get 20% off with promo code BELIEVE at Relatable.com/whokilledmia. Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Andrea’s full conversation with renowned child abuse pediatrician, Dr.CaroleJennythey discuss Dr.Jenny’s fascinating history in the field, the intricacies of medical child abuse cases, and Dr.Jenny’s testimony and report in the state’s case against Andrea’s sister, Megan. Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the finale of Season 2, we finally hear from the person at the center of our story: Alyssa Waybourn. Despite the immense challenges she has faced, Alyssa shines as a beacon of intelligence, strength, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. During a visit to Fort Worth, we meet Alyssa: a smart, happy, athletic teenager who is starting her new after-school job later that day. Alyssa has found solace and normalcy after enduring so much at such a young age. Her determination to move forward and create a brighter future is truly inspiring. Alyssa shares her memories of the abuse she endured, the experience of testifying against her biological mother, and the profound impact it had on her life. Despite the pain, she remains steadfast in her commitment to fight for those who are voiceless, even testifying before the Texas State Legislature in support of a bill that bears her name. Alyssa opens up about her hopes and dreams for the future, revealing the strength and resilience she has found in her family. We also get an update on Brittany as Andrea shares some final thoughts for the season. Produced by Larj Media *** Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos:@andreadunlop Buy Andrea’sbooks here. To support the show, subscribe onApple Podcasts or go toPatreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMewhere you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visitMunchausenSupport.com Download theAPSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go toHelloFresh.com/believe50and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching account of Jordyn Hope, another survivor of medical child abuse. Taking a brief departure from Alyssa's story, we shine a spotlight on a far more common outcome for MBP survivors in which they are never successfully protected from their abuser.   From a young age, Jordyn was led to believe they were a chronically ill child by their mother. Life-threatening asthma, organ removal attempts, and countless hospital visits became their horrific norm.   But everything changed in 2018 when Jordyn stumbled upon the concept of Munchausen by Proxy during a community college class. Suddenly, the veil of deception was lifted, and the true extent of their mother's abusive behavior came into sharp focus.  As we explore Jordyn's journey, we uncover the painful aftermath of confronting their mother's manipulation and the ongoing trauma they continue to navigate. Jordyn illuminates how the deep bond between victims and their parents often shapes their very perception of reality, leading to a harrowing and profoundly destabilizing road to recovery.   Tragically, Jordyn's story exemplifies the most likely outcome of a medical child abuse case: one in which a perpetrator is never brought to justice despite the concerns and reports of numerous family members and medical professionals.   Jordyn shines a light on the terrifying reality of Munchausen by Proxy and shows us a way forward for survivors both in their lived example and their own work to help others.   ***  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.   For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychologists Off the Clock Podcast Interview Munchausen by Proxy with Andrea Dunlop and Marc Feldman Psychologists Off the Clock is a psychology podcast hosted by three clinical psychologists. POTC recently featured Andrea Dunlop and Dr. Marc Feldman in an interview with Dr. Debbie Sorensen about Munchausen by Proxy.  Through personal experiences, real-life cases, and scientific research, Andrea and Dr. Feldman offer listeners their expertise on the topic of Munchausen by proxy. They define terms like factitious disorder and Munchausen, and explore the complex psychology behind this perplexing behavior pattern. They consider warning signs, whether rehabilitation is ever possible, and how we all (family, friends, teachers, medical professionals, and more) can help to protect children from medical child abuse. To learn more about Psychologists Off the Clock, visit their website at www.offtheclockpsych.com, and check out some of their other interviews.  You can also follow Psychologists Off the Clock on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/offtheclockpsych  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We return to Alyssa's story - In the aftermath of Brittany Philips' conviction, Alyssa faces a daunting new reality: the path to recovery. The long-term physical and psychological effects of Munchausen by Proxy abuse cast a long shadow for survivors, and bringing Brittany to justice is just the beginning of the healing process.  In this episode, we delve into Alyssa's journey and witness her remarkable growth as she embraces her new life. Bravely refusing to let her past define her, Alyssa emerges as an inspiring overcomer, as aptly described by her adopted mother, Laura Waybourn. As a family, the Waybourns navigate the challenges with unwavering determination and resilience. ***  Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop   Buy Andrea’s books here.    To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of obtaining shocking public records about her sister’s case, host Andrea Dunlop decides to divulge the details of the second investigation into her sister, Megan Carter. Seated alongside Detective Mike Webber, Andrea delves into the extensive documentation, and together the two unpack the devastating information about what reportedly happened to her niece. Despite video evidence, a successful separation test, and expert testimony from one of the most well-respected experts in the country, the juvenile court judge who reviewed the case returned custody of Megan’s two children. Andrea remains deeply concerned that her niece and nephew are victims of a flawed system incapable of addressing the horrifying reality of medical child abuse and makes public the evidence against her sister as a last resort to protect them.  During their discussion, Andrea and Mike also examine an irresponsible and misleading article about Megan’s case published by NBC in collaboration with King 5, a local Seattle news outlet. In what has become a distressing pattern in media coverage of medical child abuse cases, this article attacks the doctor who reported the abuse and neglects to mention the evidence that made her do so.  Meanwhile the judge’s order that returned custody of the two children—and on which the media’s reporting appears to have relied—contains shocking mistakes and untruths. Andrea talks to someone close to the case to set the record straight. The reporting in this episode is based on information in the public record. We have collected the relevant documents at the link below:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AGfJiX-nZ39knECXhafzZ_TOItMmjXoD?usp=drive_link Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop   To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the undeniable evidence against Brittany, the verdict takes a shocking turn. Dawn Ferguson, the prosecutor on the case elucidates the challenges of convincing a jury that a mother could engage in such abuse against her own child. After six months of review and preparation, the legal team enters the courtroom armed with reams of eyewitness accounts and, most damningly, Brittany’s grisly search history.  Detective Mike Webber walks us through the complications of the trial and unpacks why the judicial system is not equipped to handle this form of abuse. Throughout the trial, the Waybourns strive to protect Alyssa but ultimately, the now seven-year-old girl has to take the stand to testify against her mother.   Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We gather top experts Bea Yorker, Dr. Mary Sanders, Detective Mike Weber, and MBP survivor Jordyn Hope to discuss the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya” and the complicated case it covers.  Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com The full APSAC guidelines for professionals can be accessed here.  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices