Betrayal: Weekly – Season 3 Bonus Episode 1: An Update from Stacey and Tyler Rutherford

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Context

In this compelling bonus episode of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning revisits the harrowing story of Stacey Rutherford and her son Tyler from Season 3. The episode delves into the ongoing aftermath of Stacey's separation from her ex-husband, Dr. Justin Rutherford, who was convicted of sexually abusing Tyler and attempting to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot to silence him.

Update on Justin's Appeal

Andrea begins by informing listeners about new developments in Justin Rutherford's legal battle. Stacey shares, “[...] the appeal was happening. What is he appealing exactly?” at [05:12]. Justin is challenging both the length of his sentence and the court’s decision to indefinitely prohibit him from contacting his children, even after they reach adulthood.

Stacey reveals her anticipation of Justin’s moves, stating at [04:38], “Oh, I absolutely knew he was gonna appeal. There's no way he wasn't gonna find some kind of loophole.” Her foresight underscores the prolonged legal struggle she faces in seeking closure and justice.

Stacey's Emotional Journey

The episode poignantly explores Stacey's emotional turmoil as she grapples with Justin's persistent legal maneuvers. At [06:07], Stacey expresses her resolute stance on Justin’s access to their children:

“I don't care if his rights get given back to him to talk to them. It still has to go through me. And I don't have any desire for him to speak to my children.”

Stacey discusses her coping mechanisms, including writing letters to Justin as a form of emotional release. However, these letters often remain unsent, with Stacey confiding at [07:30], “I've done it a few times in the last few months and never mailed anything.”

Her anger surfaces when addressing Justin's minimal contributions despite his financial capacity. At [10:01], she laments:

“I think I was more just like, what? What the fuck? Like, this is what we're worried about, like, him making sure that the kids have a gift from him.”

Stacey also touches upon her struggles with isolation and mental health, admitting at [18:03]:

“I have been not the greatest lately... I kind of let myself get in a rut.”

Financial Struggles and Frustrations

With Justin no longer the family’s breadwinner, Stacey details the financial strains she endures. In her letter to Justin, Stacey writes:

“Nanny asked me the other day if you could have the kids signed up for a charity that provides toys for children of incarcerated parents. And I can't help but think the last thing we need is more toys.”

This sentiment highlights her frustrations with Justin’s inability to support the family financially, juxtaposed with his focus on symbolic gestures that do little to alleviate their day-to-day struggles.

Tyler's Advocacy and Personal Growth

Tyler Rutherford emerges as a beacon of resilience and advocacy in this episode. He shares his commitment to supporting male survivors of trauma through platforms like TikTok, aiming to build a community that fosters healing and solidarity. At [24:38], Tyler passionately states:

“I want to reach out to men and make a change in the men's space. Let's push this. Let's build an awesome community together, guys. Let's do this.”

Receiving overwhelming positive feedback, Tyler reflects on the impact of his openness, saying at [25:31]:

“It’s heartwarming to read. I know that I achieved what I wanted to with the podcast. When I get something like that just to help someone else for so long.”

Despite contemplating military service, Tyler’s dedication to fitness remains a cornerstone of his identity and healing process. He expresses his aspirations to become a personal trainer, viewing the gym as his sanctuary:

“The gym is my safe space and where I go to feel safe.” ([27:47])

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, both Stacey and Tyler offer profound reflections on their journeys. Stacey acknowledges the non-linear nature of healing, recognizing moments of progress amid lingering anger and pain:

“I can see change and I can see that I have happy moments and that I enjoy life and things like that.” ([19:53])

Tyler underscores his ongoing battle with trauma, emphasizing the importance of continual personal development and the pursuit of happiness:

“If you are not at the end of your road. I'm still probably not even 75% of the way down. Probably around the middle.” ([31:05])

Their stories collectively highlight themes of resilience, the enduring impact of betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of healing despite the shadows of the past.

Notable Quotes

• Stacey Rutherford [05:25]: “I don't care if his rights get given back to him to talk to them. It still has to go through me. And I don't have any desire for him to speak to my children.”

• Stacey Rutherford [10:01]: “I think I was more just like, what? What the fuck? Like, this is what we're worried about, like, him making sure that the kids have a gift from him.”

• Tyler Rutherford [24:38]: “I want to reach out to men and make a change in the men's space. Let's push this. Let's build an awesome community together, guys. Let's do this.”

• Tyler Rutherford [25:31]: “It’s heartwarming to read. I know that I achieved what I wanted to with the podcast.”

• Stacey Rutherford [18:03]: “I have been not the greatest lately... I kind of let myself get in a rut.”

• Tyler Rutherford [31:05]: “If you are not at the end of your road. I'm still probably not even 75% of the way down. Probably around the middle.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Betrayal: Weekly offers an intimate glimpse into the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Stacey and Tyler Rutherford. Their unwavering strength and commitment to overcoming betrayal serve as inspiring narratives of resilience and hope for listeners navigating their own challenges.

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Betrayal: Weekly is a production of Glass Podcasts, a division of Glass Entertainment Group, in partnership with iHeart Podcasts. Special thanks to Stacey Rutherford, Tyler, and their friends and family for their courage and openness in sharing their stories.