The Final Rose — Public Breakups, Trauma Bonds, & The Fix Me Fallacy
This week on The Wrong Ones, we’re unpacking a breakup that played out in front of millions — and left behind some major lessons on relationship dynamics, trauma bonds, and the psychology of healing after public shame. Yes, we’re talking about Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James — from The Bachelor to After the Final Rose… to Japan… to Call Her Daddy… and everything in between. In this episode, we’ll explore: Why some relationships start with trauma-bonded foundations The Fix Me Fallacy — and how it can quietly erode our sense of self in relationships How future projection and unaligned actions can trap us in false hope The emotional labor of being "the one who stays" after public controversy What ambiguous loss can teach us about invisible breakups And why rediscovering self-worth after the wrong ones is always the greatest win We’ll also revisit last week’s reflection question and leave you with a new one to sit with as you continue your own growth journey. Reflection Question of the Week: Were you fighting for connection—or for confirmation that you were worth staying for? Was it really love—or a performance for someone who made you feel like you had something to prove? — As always: if you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to follow, rate, and subscribe — it truly helps us grow and reach more listeners. Come say hi on Instagram @thewrongonespodcast An Operation Podcast production.
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24:05
Recorded in a Closet
Welcome to The Wrong Ones, where the mic is hot, the voice notes are long, and the healing is very much a work in progress. In this deeply honest and unfiltered intro, your (anonymous) host shares what led her to finally hit record—from the heartbreak that cracked her open, to the healing that’s still in progress. Sitting on the floor of her walk-in closet, she reflects on the relationships that shaped her, the therapy that saved her, and the dog (hi Luca ) who got her through it all. This episode covers: Why she’s keeping her name private (for now) The heartbreak that unraveled a future she thought was certain Navigating solo dog-mom life post-breakup How therapy became a mirror instead of a fix The slow, messy glow-up that begins with choosing yourself And most importantly, why this space is a celebration of the quiet wins—the boundaries set, the healing done, the confetti moments we often forget to honor. Reflection Question of the Week: Are you still waiting for someone to finally give you a raise—or are you ready to take your talent somewhere that actually knows what you’re worth? — Follow along for more vulnerable, relatable, and laugh-through-the-tears conversations on love, heartbreak, and the art of becoming. Come say hi on Instagram @thewrongonespodcast An Operation Podcast production.
An Operation Podcast original show, The Wrong Ones is an anonymous, unfiltered deep dive into the relationships that cracked us open—and the wisdom we gathered along the way. Hosted by an unnamed (but very relatable) woman who’s loved, lost, healed, and repeated, this podcast explores the plot twists we never saw coming, the breakups that felt like identity crises, and the late-night epiphanies that changed everything. With new episodes weekly, we ask the uncomfortable questions, reflect with a bit of humor, and always leave room for growth. Because sometimes the wrong ones... lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
USA