Betrayal: Weekly – EP 28: Hannah, Part 1 Summary

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Introduction

In the twenty-eighth episode of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning delves into the intricate and emotionally charged story of Hannah Pittard. This episode marks the beginning of Hannah's journey through trust, friendship, love, and ultimately, deception. Set against the backdrop of her academic and personal life, Hannah's narrative offers a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of profound betrayal.

Early Life and Personal Struggles

Hannah Pittard's passion for storytelling began in childhood, rooted in her vivid imagination while living on a farm outside Atlanta. However, her early life was marred by familial turmoil.

“At this point, my heart has just dropped and I feel like I'm in a vomit. The betrayal felt so intentional and possibly like it was a long time coming.”
— Hannah Pittard [02:26]

The divorce of her parents during her elementary years left Hannah as the youngest of three siblings, fostering feelings of isolation. Therapeutic sessions became a regular part of her life, further deepening her sense of loneliness.

Escape through Writing

To cope with her tumultuous home environment, Hannah turned to reading and eventually began writing her own stories. By middle school, her writing evolved from poems to more structured sketches, providing her a sanctuary from reality.

“I read and I would just go into this fictional dream and block out the noise of whatever was happening in the other room.”
— Hannah Pittard [04:42]

This passion led her to Deerfield Academy, an elite boarding school in her teenage years. Despite her expectations of starting anew, Hannah struggled with an eating disorder by tenth grade, viewing it as a means to exert control amidst chaos.

College Years and New Friendships

Hannah pursued an English degree at the University of Chicago, where her apprehensions about creative writing persisted. Rejected from graduate programs initially, she persevered, eventually gaining acceptance into the University of Virginia's MFA program after dedicated effort.

Settling in Charlottesville marked a turning point as Hannah formed a deep friendship with Trish, a confident second-year student in the writing program.

“It makes you seem authentic. I was pretty excited that she noticed me. She made me feel seen, and we became friends after that.”
— Hannah Pittard [09:43]

Trish's influence was transformative, encouraging Hannah to embrace her femininity and social life. This newfound confidence extended to Hannah's personal relationships, particularly with Patrick, a musician she met through Trish and George, another friend in their circle.

Developing Relationships and Shifting Dynamics

Hannah's bond with Patrick blossomed from friendship to romance. Their shared love for Scrabble and mutual support in their writing careers solidified their connection.

“He's a really smart guy, and he was an excellent critic, and his brain was razor sharp. So we had great conversations, and he was so much fun.”
— Hannah Pittard [18:08]

However, as their relationship deepened, the influence of alcohol within their friend group began to take a toll. Hannah noticed negative changes in both herself and her friends, leading to growing tension.

Life in the Farmhouse and Career Milestones

A pivotal moment arrived when Hannah and Patrick moved into Hannah's mother's farmhouse, offering both a fresh environment and temporary distance from Trish and George. This period saw Hannah achieving significant milestones, including the sale of her book and securing a teaching position, while Patrick struggled with his writing career.

“He made me feel desirable. He made me feel intelligent, and he made me feel like it was so obvious that I would be ambitious, and it was so obvious that I was going to be successful.”
— Hannah Pittard [32:41]

Despite Hannah's successes, Patrick's endeavors were met with challenges, contributing to his declining mental health and strained relationship dynamics.

The Onset of Betrayal

As Hannah's career flourished, Patrick's dissatisfaction grew. Offers for writing residencies presented opportunities for growth, but also set the stage for impending changes.

During a critical summer, Patrick decided to attend a residency in New York, coinciding with Hannah's book launch. This separation became the catalyst for the eventual betrayal, which Hannah only begins to uncover towards the episode's end.

“Did he have sex with Trish?”
— Hannah Pittard [38:54]

This revelation leaves Hannah grappling with the reality of Patrick's infidelity, marking the beginning of her journey through betrayal.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next installment where Hannah confronts the full extent of her husband's deception. Listeners are left anticipating the unraveling of events that led to Hannah's path of healing and self-discovery.

Notable Quotes

• “At this point, my heart has just dropped and I feel like I'm in a vomit. The betrayal felt so intentional and possibly like it was a long time coming.” — Hannah Pittard [02:26]

• “It makes you seem authentic. I was pretty excited that she noticed me. She made me feel seen, and we became friends after that.” — Hannah Pittard [09:43]

• “He's a really smart guy, and he was an excellent critic, and his brain was razor sharp. So we had great conversations, and he was so much fun.” — Hannah Pittard [18:08]

• “He made me feel desirable. He made me feel intelligent, and he made me feel like it was so obvious that I would be ambitious, and it was so obvious that I was going to be successful.” — Hannah Pittard [32:41]

• “Did he have sex with Trish?” — Hannah Pittard [38:54]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Betrayal: Weekly masterfully captures the complexity of Hannah Pittard's experiences with trust and deception. Through candid storytelling and emotional depth, audiences are invited to witness Hannah's journey from aspiration to heartbreak, setting the foundation for her path toward healing in the episodes to come.

Stay Connected

For those eager to follow Hannah's story, stay tuned for Part 2 of this compelling narrative. Engage with the Betrayal community by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, following on Instagram at @betrayalpod, and sharing your thoughts through ratings and reviews.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, promotional messages, and non-content segments present in the original episode transcript.