Betrayal: Season 4, Episode 8 — Solace

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the gripping finale of Season 4 of Betrayal, host Andrea Gunning delves deep into the long-term impact of infidelity and betrayal with Karoline Barega, who has been grappling with her husband Joel's deceit for over three years. This episode, titled "Solace," explores the arduous journey of healing and resilience in the face of profound personal betrayal.

Caroline Barega’s Story

Karoline Borega, a devoted wife and mother, discovers her husband Joel’s extensive double life after more than two decades of marriage. Joel, a respected Colorado Springs Police officer, had been living a secret life, betraying both his professional oath and marital vows. The revelation left Karoline questioning everything she once believed about her partner.

Notable Quote:
Joel reflects on his deceit, stating, "[04:03]... I was not in my right mind."

The Emotional Fallout

Andrea Gunning introduces Caroline’s struggle to navigate daily life amidst the trauma of betrayal. Initially, the focus is merely survival—getting through each day, maintaining routine, and caring for her children. However, as time progresses, Caroline begins to confront and process her emotions more deeply.

Notable Quote:
Caroline shares her anxiety:
"[09:31]... I hate the drive. All I can do is think about, this is where he did this at... I will have my heat completely turned off. I'll need to crack the window, and the nausea starts and my brain just starts churning."

Seeking Professional Help

To aid in her recovery, Caroline connects with Kristin Snowden, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in betrayal trauma and infidelity. Kristin emphasizes the complexity of addiction, distinguishing between chemical and process addictions, and highlights the challenges in diagnosing behaviors like sex addiction.

Notable Quote:
Kristin Snowden explains her focus:
"[07:11]... Transformer in the last 10 years, her focus has shifted to helping betrayed partners."

Understanding Betrayal Trauma

The conversation highlights how betrayal trauma can mirror PTSD symptoms, despite not fitting the traditional definition of life-threatening events. Joel’s manipulation and the subsequent blame placed on Caroline by his colleagues exacerbate her trauma, leaving her feeling isolated and invalidated.

Notable Quote:
Caroline describes the ongoing trauma:
"[15:53]... I believe it is a false narrative."

Community and Validation

Caroline initially resists group therapy but eventually joins Kristin’s support groups. Sharing her story with others who have experienced similar betrayals provides immense validation and camaraderie, helping her regain her confidence and sense of self-worth.

Notable Quote:
Caroline reflects on group therapy’s impact:
"[35:12]... I just cried and cried and cried just because it was validating."

Rebuilding and Moving Forward

Through Kristin’s guidance, Caroline learns to set healthy boundaries and rebuild her trust in herself and others. The episode underscores the importance of community support and professional therapy in overcoming betrayal trauma.

Notable Quote:
Kristin offers healing advice:
"[46:36]... Let them know this isn't updated information."

Conclusion

"Solace" poignantly captures Caroline’s path from devastation to empowerment. By sharing her story, Caroline not only seeks healing for herself but also provides hope and guidance for others facing similar betrayals. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring strength of the human spirit and the possibility of finding peace after profound hurt.

Notable Quote:
Caroline expresses her gratitude:
"[51:31]... I can't thank you enough."

Looking Forward

As Season 4 wraps up, listeners are left with a powerful message of resilience and the importance of seeking support in the healing process. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on grief and long-term recovery in upcoming seasons.

About the Podcast:
Betrayal is a compelling true-crime series produced by Glass Podcasts in partnership with iHeartPodcasts. Each season uncovers intricate stories of deception, resilience, and healing, offering listeners an in-depth exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of personal relationships.

For more exclusive content and community discussions, visit the Beyond Betrayal Substack.