108 episodes · 14th September 2015
An attack in Colorado almost too brutal to believe: A fetus ripped from a mother's womb. Dr. Phil has the exclusive interview with brave survivor Michelle Wilkins, whose story made national headlines. A young mother-to-be, full of joy and happily preparing for her baby daughter's arrival, answered a seemingly innocent ad on Craigslist offering up free maternity clothes. She had no idea she was about to walk into her worst nightmare. Michelle went to pick up the clothing, but she didn't leave with new outfits; she left in an ambulance, clinging to life, without her baby. Her fetus was ripped from her womb. Michelle's inspiring story is one of incredible survival, love and loss.
From athlete to escort: Suzy Favor Hamilton is a former world-class runner who seemed to have a picture-perfect life. She was a champion. She appeared in a Nike commercial. She did promotional work for Disney. She was a loving wife and mother. But Suzy was living a secret double life. She was still Suzy, the fresh-faced, all-American girl. But she was also "Kelly" a $600-an-hour call girl who worked the Vegas strip. Suzy says escorting gave her an even bigger rush than running a race. What does she say made her do it? Plus Suzy says her husband allowed her to moonlight as a high-priced sex worker. He'll answer the question many in America are asking: Why would a husband be OK with this? This program contains sexual content.
TV Star Nicholas Brendon is best known for his role as “Xander Harris” on the hugely popular TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and most recently for his role as “Kevin Lynch” on the TV show Criminal Minds. But off-screen, he has been starring in his own private alcohol-fueled drama which has led to multiple arrests and been documented in celebrity magazines, social media and blogs. Nicholas, who was not exactly drama-free in preparation for his sit down with Dr. Phil, abruptly walks offstage during the interview. Is Nicholas ready to make hard choices and take the steps needed to save his life and career?
Gary says he was floored when his nephew Zach, whom he’s been raising since he was a few days old and considers a son, revealed a desire to “become a woman” and identifies as transgender, using the name Steph. Gary says he cannot accept Steph and feels being transgender is wrong, and he blames himself for what he believes is a sickness. But there is another family member that also admits to being just as shocked by this revelation -- Zach’s wife Becky, who says she has sacrificed everything to try to make her marriage work since finding out about her husband’s desire to transition last year. Steph says she finally is able to be the individual she was born to be, and refuses to allow her wife or family to keep her from embracing her true self. How will Gary react to seeing Steph for the first time on Dr. Phil’s stage? It is an emotional moment you will not believe! Plus, don’t miss the shocking way Becky found out her husband was transgender.
MMA Fighter Eddie, 33, has spent the past eight years battling his ex-wife Melissa, 36, in court, over custody of their son. Melissa has lost custody twice, but she claims Eddie and his wife Ashley, 31, were only awarded custody because he’s a local celebrity. Eddie, Ashley, and Melissa can’t be at the same place together without causing an ugly scene in front of their son. This includes his little league games -- all caught on video. Can these parents agree to co-parent peacefully for the sake of their son’s well-being, or is it too late?
Constance says her adult daughter Candice is a lying, chaotic, mooching, immature terror, who steals and lives rent free in her house. Candice is proud to say she is young, hot and able to manipulate anyone into anything. Constance says her daughter opened credit cards in her name, forged checks and pawned jewelry for cash and drugs. Candice admits to using drugs on a regular basis but blames her mom for giving her cash or driving her to her dealer to buy them. Find out why security threatened to kick Candice out of the hotel before the show because of an incident with a male. Can Dr. Phil get this toxic relationship moving in the right direction? Will Candice accept Dr. Phil’s offer of help?
Waco and Alley claim Waco’s mother, Stacy, and her husband, Jacob, are trying to “steal” their 3-year-old daughter, but Stacy and Jacob claim the parents are neglectful toward the child. Waco, his mother and young daughter are registered members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and a Tribal Court involved in the dispute granted Stacy and Jacob visitation rights. After the grandparents won visitation, Waco and Alley took their child out of state -- without telling their family -- and failed to show up for a court hearing, causing the child to be reported missing and the judge to grant custody of the child to the grandparents. Emotions run high when Waco and Alley learn from Dr. Phil for the first time that they’ve lost custody of their 3-year-old daughter. What is really at the heart of this family feud? Will Waco and Alley lose their child forever?
Shelbie’s mother, Carie Zapletal, went missing nearly nine months ago, and she believes her stepfather, Ed, and possibly his daughter, Lauren, had something to do with her disappearance. But Ed claims Carie was a drunk who spiraled out of control, using drugs and attempting suicide in the weeks before her disappearance and left their home voluntarily. In addition, Ed says he was physically incapable of harming anyone the night of Carie’s disappearance because he suffered a debilitating stroke less than two months prior to her disappearance. Dr. Phil tries to get to the bottom of why a 48-year-old woman left her house in December without a coat, phone, wallet or car and hasn’t been heard from since!
In Part 2, Ed’s daughter, Lauren, reveals what she says happened the night her stepmother, Carie Zapletal, went missing. Does it crack the case wide open? Is her account plausible? Ed claims that there have been numerous sightings of Carie, and he is convinced she will return home soon. Carie’s daughter, Shelbie, says Ed’s leads are lies and wild goose chases. Carie’s good friend Courtney claims Ed and Carie had a history of arguments and describes the times she says she sheltered Carie after one of her and Ed’s blowout fights.
Beverly and her daughter, Courtney, 20, have been estranged for five years after what Beverly says was one fight about a messy home before her daughter walked out of her life. Courtney says she didn’t choose to leave but was kicked out after what she says was months of verbal and emotional abuse. Courtney says after she moved in with her father, Christopher, things went from bad to worse when Christopher filed for full custody of her. What followed was a bitter custody battle, an altercation between Beverly and Christopher and a shocking allegation of sexual abuse. Can this fractured family bridge the gap, or will this tense reunion be their last effort?
Jordan says he is afraid his mom, Deanna's, husband could drain his family’s inheritance. Deanna married James in Nigeria six years ago after meeting him abroad. Deanna says there is absolutely no way her husband is only with her for money and adds that they met face to face! Deanna admits to spending close to $500,000 on her relationship with James between travel, entertainment and legal fees in her attempts to get James into Canada. Jordan says his mom is making a huge mistake in continuing her marriage to James, whom he admits he has yet to meet face to face. Deanna’s brother, Dale, says Deanna gets defensive anytime someone questions her relationship. Dale says he fears that James could even have another family he’s supporting with his sister’s money! Can Dr. Phil get to the bottom of a six-year dispute? Has Deanna finally found her soulmate, or has her perfect catch turned out to be a mistake?
Tammy claims her husband, Richard, is obsessed with social media and sexting with women in secret online groups. Richard says if Tammy paid him more attention, he wouldn’t have to look elsewhere. Richard has five social media pages, but his wife and their grown daughters say one in particular makes them sick to their stomachs. Tammy says Richard publicly posts sexually explicit pictures and comments on his “uncensored” page for all their friends and family to see. According to his daughters, Richard also has sent inappropriate messages to their friends. Richard’s daughters say they are devastated that their father has become the “creepy old man” who makes them and their friends feel uncomfortable. Can Richard log out of social media long enough to repair his family, or is it too late?
Within months of each other, Heather tragically lost both her mother and oldest daughter. She now states she has no purpose in life and flat-out says she doesn't want to be a mother to her three remaining daughters. How does Dr. Phil react when Heather reveals that she thinks life would be better if one day she never woke up? Heather's daughters Andrea and Amber join this emotional conversation to beg their mother not to abandon them during their time of need. And, why does Andrea say she blames her mom for her sister's death? Can Dr. Phil convince this mother not to give up on life and family? Plus, get an update on two former guests who combined have lost nearly two hundred pounds and 100 inches. What do they credit for their success? Find out today!
Reeve, 20, is engaged to marry the man of her dreams, 30-year-old David, but Reeve’s father, Kim, and sister, Riley, say they fear Reeve could be making the biggest and possibly deadliest mistake of her life. They say in December 2014, Reeve told them that David had hit, choked and pushed her into the refrigerator, so Kim drove six hours to “rescue” his daughter and bring her home — where she stayed for eight months. Kim and Riley say during that time, Reeve confided in them that David had been abusive during the time she lived with him in another state. But two weeks ago, Reeve went back to David. She has also recanted her allegations of abuse, saying she exaggerated the whole thing and that she “deserved it.” Now Reeve has little to no contact with her family, and she and David say they are considering having a baby. Why has Reeve stayed with David, taken the blame for the turmoil and stayed away from her own family?
Laurie and Kirk Sr. say they fear for their son, Kirk II, who is battling stage 4 liver cancer. They say when Star, the woman who once left their son at the altar, heard he had only six months to live, she ran -- not walked -- him down the aisle and has since cheated on him more than once. They claim she is abusive and violent --and they suspect she's only after his life insurance policy -- which Star vehemently denies. Star admits she has cheated on Kirk II twice but says she loves him and is tired of having his family point the finger at her. The family comes together on Dr. Phil’s stage -- marking the first time the parents have seen their son in several months. Kirk II says he is tired of being caught in the middle of the tug-of-war and thinks Star is worth fighting for -- does she feel the same about him? Can this marriage be fixed before it’s too late?
Robin says she’s concerned about her 23-year-old son, Riley, who uses drugs, is homeless and insists he’s a famous songwriter. Robin says Riley began lying and manipulating at a young age, and she admits she has enabled him, but she’s not sure what to do. Is Riley truly troubled, or is he just manipulating those closest to him?
In a Dr. Phil exclusive, eight siblings are speaking out for the first time about the unthinkable torture they endured for years under the same roof — by their own father. In 1999, Mansa Musa Muhummed was convicted of committing some of the most extreme acts of child abuse in the history of California. Muhummed, a polygamist, trapped and terrorized his 13 children, three “wives” and their other children. He was finally arrested when one “wife”, Laura Cowan, snuck a letter to a postal worker who alerted the authorities. Now, Laura is a domestic abuse advocate. But several of Muhummed’s children argue that Laura has lied for years, publicizing a career in the media about being a victim, when they say she was partly responsible for their abuse! Laura has not seen Muhummed’s children in 16 years and wonders if they want a relationship with their half sibling, Tasslimah, who she claims was a product of rape while living in the house.
Vicki and her husband, Mark, have been married for only two years, but already they say they are at a crossroads in their relationship. Vicki has filed to terminate their marriage, and the final divorce hearing is next week! After saying “I do,” Vicki says she now believes that Mark is a liar and a cheater who has been secretly carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a younger woman. Mark says Vicki is insecure, delusional and obsessed with the idea that he’s cheating. Mark is desperate to save his marriage and is willing to take a lie detector test. Vicki says she’ll call off the divorce if Mark can prove he has been faithful. Can this marriage be saved, today, before time runs out?
Laura made local headlines when she became the subject of a fugitive investigation after being accused of kidnapping her then 4-year-old daughter and going on the run. Her estranged husband, Joe, says he and Laura were going through a custody dispute when she left with their daughter and took off across three different states. Joe claims Laura threatened to kill their daughter and herself if police started to move in -- which Laura denies. Joe says when Laura was apprehended, U.S. Marshals found a loaded handgun under the seat of her car. After a two-day trial on charges of kidnapping and interference with custody, Laura was acquitted on all charges. Now, she says Joe is keeping her from their daughter, whom she says she has not seen in four years, even though she was granted supervised visitation. Joe says Laura is constantly harassing him to the point where he is afraid for their lives. Will Joe finally allow Laura to see their daughter?
Seventeen-year-old Khloe says she is so obsessed with social media, she cannot breathe without WiFi. She admits she spends 16-to-18 hours a day on various websites and posting selfies — and even sleeps with her phone strapped to her hand. Khloe says if she doesn’t have access to WiFi, she suffers from panic attacks. Khloe’s mother, Melanie, and stepfather, Danny, say Khloe’s behavior is so out of control, she will physically fight them or break down doors if her cell phone is taken away as punishment. Then, Charmaine says her 15-year-old daughter is on chat sites constantly. She says she suspected that her teen was giving out personal information online, even though her daughter denied it, so Charmaine created a fake profile and chatted with her daughter for three days. Before long, her daughter freely gave out her hometown, age and school. Charmaine says she fears one day her daughter will share her information with the wrong person, and her safety or life could be in danger.
Adopted as a baby, Rhonda says she wondered throughout her childhood why her birth mother placed her for adoption. At 24, she finally met her birth mother, Terri, and says she learned something no child should ever have to hear: Terri said she had tried to end her pregnancy by drinking an abortion concoction. Since meeting, Rhonda and Terri say their relationship has not been what they had hoped for -- but Rhonda says one good thing that came from the reunion is the unbreakable bond she now has with her younger sister, Beth. Beth and Rhonda say that since reuniting, Terri has become a “complete mess,” adding that she is mean, nasty and verbally abusive – especially when she’s inebriated or high on pills -- accusations Terri strongly denies. Terri says that Rhonda has turned Beth, and that the two have joined forces against her.
Rachael and her husband, Tino, face off with their 22-year-old son, Ian, who they say went from being a star student and athlete to a “moocher” who now sleeps in their tool shed! They say Ian dropped out of college, quit his job and moved home, but when he wouldn’t work or return to school, they kicked him out. To get Ian to leave, Rachael and Tino say they had to get a temporary restraining order and call the cops to have him escorted out. Ian says it’s outrageous that his own parents would throw him out — making him homeless with a criminal record and forcing him to sneak into their tool shed at night just to have a place to sleep. Rachael and Tino say they are not only concerned about the changes in Ian’s path, but also his personality — claiming that Ian may be delusional because he has even accused them of raping him — an accusation they strongly deny.
Huntington Beach High School student Cody Pines is being hailed as a hero after the teen was caught on tape taking down an accused bully who was allegedly beating up legally-blind classmate, Austin Higley. Video of the incident was posted on the Internet and went viral. Today, for the first time, Cody and Austin are together and speaking out in an exclusive interview with Dr. Phil.
Oprah Winfrey sits down with Dr. Phil to share her new, week-long documentary series “Belief.” The documentary depicts how people with a wide range of beliefs search for deeper meaning and connection with the world around them. Through vivid, emotional storytelling and cinematic visual imagery, “Belief” illuminates the best of faith and spiritual practices from around the world — the rituals, stories and relationships that bind us all together as human beings. And then, a mother who says her belief in God helped her through the worst day of her life — when her friend accidentally ran over her 17-month-old daughter and killed her. They tell Dr. Phil how the accident brought them closer.
Julia, a marketing entrepreneur, says when she created the Peeple app, which allows people to be reviewed, the social media buzz wasn’t what she bargained for. Deemed by some as “Yelp for people,” Julia says once word got out, hate mail, death threats and criticism came flooding in. She's turning to Dr. Phil to help her set the record straight for what she calls her “positivity app.” Then, 20-year-old Tracey says she thrives on the negative attention she gets on social media, and wants to know why. And, Anitha, 22, one of Tracey's social media followers, says even though she’s never met Tracey, she's concerned about the poor choices she sees her virtual friend making! Can Dr. Phil and Anitha show Tracey the value of her worth?
Serena says she’s begged her mother, Debbie, to fight the urge of her gambling addiction before she loses her home and possibly, she fears, custody of her teenage son! Serena says she believes her mother’s addiction began years ago, after Debbie lost her 2-year-old son to cancer, and numbed her pain by going to the casinos. Debbie admits she can’t control the pull of the slot machines and that over the last 20 years, she’s gambled away up to $400,000. She confides that she’s always blamed herself for her toddler’s death, and says she’s now terrified she’ll lose her teenage son and can’t afford to take care of him. Can Dr. Phil help Debbie curb her gambling addiction before her daughter gives up and walks away – and she loses everything? Also, an update on Ryan, the millionaire-turned-“moocher” who was sleeping in his parents' garage! Find out what’s happened since he first appeared on Dr. Phil!
Bill and Marlena say their daughter Courtney was a beautiful child and model who, after the events of 9/11, decided to join the military. While serving in Iraq, Courtney says she was blown from a 40-foot wall and suffered major injuries, which required reconstructive surgery. Courtney says that’s when she became addicted to pain pills. She says when her prescription ran out, she turned to something stronger and more easily obtainable — heroin. Courtney says she uses heroin to help treat her PTSD and to help numb the pain of enduring numerous sexual abuse-related traumas over the years. Bill claims that his ex-wife, Marlena, enables Courtney, and that’s why their daughter can’t stay clean. But Marlena says she can’t turn her back on Courtney, like Bill has — an accusation that Bill denies — and admits that she’s even driven Courtney to buy drugs.
Hollywood skin specialist to the stars Dawn DaLuise says she built her business and reputation on her avant garde beauty treatments and celebrity clients, such as Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow, and it wasn’t long before she received national attention in major publications. Then, in March of 2014, Dawn says she once again received national attention, but for an entirely different reason. She was arrested in a murder-for-hire plot and spent just under a year in jail. In the months leading to her arrest, Dawn claims she was the target of a vicious campaign to destroy everything she had built. She claims her tires were slashed, Craigslist ads were created offering free sex — resulting in men showing up at her salon — and sexually-explicit flyers super-imposed with her face and her two daughters, were strewn about her business and front lawn. Dawn says she was convinced the person behind the attack was a “rival” aesthetician, Gabriel Suarez.
Leslie says her ex-husband, Andy, is controlling, abusive and narcissistic, and she desperately hopes one day to have joint custody of their 5-year-old son. She claims Andy stalks her by tapping her phone, tracking her car with GPS, and that even his family is spying on her from the trees. Andy has primary custody of their son and says that’s the way it should be — he adamantly denies Leslie’s accusations and claims she is delusional, a liar, and can’t be trusted with their boy. He says their seven-year marriage ended because of Leslie’s drug relapses and paranoia, and claims that he once crawled around the ground with a flashlight looking for “people who were stalking her.” Leslie admits that she has a criminal record stemming from problems with substance abuse, but says that’s all in the past. Leslie’s mother, Myrna, says she knew Andy was “bad news from day one,” and claims Andy is a control freak who uses her grandson to get what he wants.
Five years ago, Tammy came to Dr. Phil for help with what she called unleashing her “special brand” of anger on her then 15 and 13-year-old daughters, Tatiana and Tameeka — yelling and screaming at them and anyone else who got in her way. Since the show, Tammy says she has curbed her anger, but needs Dr. Phil’s help again! She says three years ago Tatiana, now 20, stopped going to school, so she gave her three choices — get a job, volunteer, or take a class – or she would have to move out. She says Tatiana took that as an eviction notice, left home, and has been living on the streets ever since. Now, Tammy wonders if it’s her fault that her daughter is homeless, hitchhiking and train hopping around the country. It’s been two years since Tammy has seen Tatiana, and three years since Tatiana has seen her younger sister, Tameeka.
Twenty-year-old Kiersten is seven months pregnant and says she’s ready to parent her daughter with her fiancé, Jadan, 22. But Kiersten’s mother, Karen, says, “no way.” Karen says she’s hired an attorney to seek full custody of her soon-to-be-born grandchild, claiming that the two are unfit parents and that Jadan is mentally and physically abusive toward Kiersten — accusations both Kiersten and Jadan strongly deny. Jadan says Karen is a “cancer in his life,” and he is sick of her spreading vicious lies about him. With Kiersten’s due date just weeks away, can Dr. Phil help Karen and Jadan bury the hatchet before this becomes a bitter custody battle?
Karina and her six sisters claim their father, Maurice, has conned and stolen nearly $2 million from friends, family, and strangers to give to his former mistress, Josephina, who insists he is her only hope to keep her from dying from numerous medical conditions. Maurice admits to stealing money, including $200,000 from his own daughter, because he believes Josephina, who lives in Mexico, has been gravely ill — needing two lung transplants and battling seven bouts of brain cancer. But is Josephina really in trouble or has Maurice become a victim of an elaborate international scam? See what happens when Dr. Phil asks Maurice to call Josephina during the show.
Julie has been married to her husband, Richard, for 13 years but has spent the last year and a half in an affair with her childhood friend Lloyd. Julie says Richard has provided stability, loyalty and support throughout their marriage, but with Lloyd she feels young, passionate and carefree. Richard and Julie are raising Julie’s grandson, and Julie says she has no choice but to bring him along when she sees Lloyd. Richard says the young boy talks, acts and dresses like Lloyd, which serves as a constant reminder of Julie’s infidelity. Richard says he blames Lloyd for keeping the relationship alive and claims that he manipulates and guilts Julie into continuing the affair — but is that the truth? Watch Dr. Phil navigate this tense love triangle as Richard and Lloyd speak for the very first time on his stage!
Inside ex-Subway spokesman Jared Fogle's shocking sex scandal: For the first time ever, hear the disturbing secret audio tapes of Fogle talking about having sex with minors. Former journalist Rochelle Herman-Walrond claims she secretly recorded Fogle for the FBI for years in an effort to stop him. Learn how she says she tried to save more children from this predator’s grasp.
More shocking admissions in the never-before-heard Jared Fogle recordings. Best known for his dramatic weight loss, the former Subway spokesman has agreed to plead guilty to charges involving sex with minors and child pornography. Hear Fogle, in his own words, talk to former journalist Rochelle Herman-Walrond about possibly using a child's party to lure innocent victims.
Bridget says she’s worried that her 38-year-old brother-in-law, Kevin, may be having an inappropriate relationship with her 16-year-old daughter, Grace. She says Kevin visits and spends alone time with Grace as often as four times a week, and that a red flag was raised when Grace told her that Kevin put whipped cream on his neck and asked her to lick it off — which Kevin claims not to remember. Kevin strongly denies having an inappropriate relationship with his niece and claims that he’s just trying to be a father figure since Grace’s dad passed away. Bridget admits she’s not sure what to believe, but her sister, Tami, says that she thinks Kevin acts like more than a friend, claiming that he has even given Grace a secret cell phone so they can communicate with each other. Tami says she thinks Bridget and Kevin’s wife, Carrie, are in denial about their relationship.
Bridget says she’s not sure what to believe about the relationship between her 38-year-old brother-in-law, Kevin, and 16-year-old daughter, Grace. She says red flags were raised that their bonding may have crossed the line when Grace told her that Kevin put whipped cream on his neck and asked her to lick it off — which Kevin claims not to remember — and when she read the contents of a letter written from Kevin to Grace. But Dr. Phil thinks Bridget is a parent in denial and in need of a wake-up call. He sits down one on one with Kevin to address the “whipped cream incident” and the letter, in which Kevin wrote, “I love you in my own special way.” How does Kevin explain his actions? Then, Grace’s 19-year-old sister, Payton, says she believes Kevin puts Grace before his own wife, Carrie. What does Carrie think?
Marilyn says she’s fed up with her son-in-law Adam, who she calls “irresponsible,” “hot-tempered,” “verbally-abusive,” “entitled,” and a “cheater.” She says she’s tired of what she calls Adam’s disrespectful attitude toward her and her daughter, Miranda, and claims that his reckless spending and inability to take care of his family make him a “poor excuse for a husband.” With Miranda and her four children living under her roof, Marilyn claims she’s constantly bailing Miranda and Adam out of financial hardship while Adam continues to spend money on cars, motorcycles, tattoos, guns and other “toys.” But are her accusations founded? Adam strongly denies Marilyn’s claims, says he’s a good dad and provider for his family. He says he’s tired of being judged and wants Marilyn to mind her own business. But with Adam currently banned from Marilyn’s house, how does Miranda feel? Find out if Dr. Phil can help heal this fractured family.
Amber, aka “Jewel” Shuping, made international headlines when she intentionally made herself blind by putting drain cleaner into her eyes. Jewel says that ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of being blind, claiming to live with “Body Integrity Identity Disorder,” a disorder which causes an otherwise healthy person to feel that he or she is meant to be disabled. Jewel says she hated opening her eyes every day, and as a teen, oftentimes pretended to be blind, even walking with a white cane for as long as two weeks straight. She says that living with sight, to her, felt like living in a personal prison. She claims that seven years ago, she traveled 19 hours by train to visit a “sympathetic” psychologist whom she met online, and allowed him to pour liquid drain cleaner into both of her eyes. In a Dr. Phil daytime exclusive, hear why Jewel says she felt she had no choice but to take her vision, and hear the bombshell claim she drops about removing one of her eyes!
Karie claims her husband of eight years, Michael, won’t live in the same house with her, refuses to support her financially, and even bullied her into signing a postnuptial agreement which entitles her to zero spousal support should they divorce. Michael denies bullying Karie into signing the postnup and claims he’s just trying to protect his estate and help them avoid expensive legal fees should they ever terminate their marriage. He claims Karie should understand since she broke his trust by cheating in the past. Karie says she’s tired of feeling pushed around, but wants to stay married to Michael because she feels “old and not pretty enough” to find someone new. And, she and their children, Kristina and Eric, desperately hope Michael will toss out the postnup — whether they stay together or not. Estate planning attorney Ann Margaret Carrozza weighs in on this couple’s options.
Linda's neighbor Sandra is in the middle of a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, Joey, and Linda says she’s tired of watching their two daughters get caught in the middle — and she wrote into Dr. Phil for help! Sandra claims her daughters tell her concerning things after visiting with Joey. Sandra even says that she suspects that Joey may have "poisoned their ice cream," touched them inappropriately and even, according to Sandra, put one child in a garbage bag, filled it with rocks and left her in a bathtub with the water running, and Sandra claims she fears for their lives. Joey unequivocally denies Sandra’s accusations and is adamant that he’s been nothing but a good dad. Linda says Sandra is constantly telling her stories about Joey, and she’s still not sure who to believe. Tune in as Dr. Phil tries to get to the bottom of these accusations. Will polygraph tests help determine who’s telling the truth?
Sandra and her ex-husband, Joey, admit they’re in a bitter custody battle, and Sandra’s neighbor, Linda, says she’s concerned for their two young daughters caught in the middle. Sandra and Joey’s mudslinging has included accusations of poisoned ice cream, neglect and inappropriate conduct. Sandra has even alleged that Joey put one child in a garbage bag weighted-down with rocks in a bathtub and filled it with water. Linda says she’s been watching from the sidelines and still doesn’t know who to believe. Are these parents telling the whole truth? Sandra and Joey are offered polygraph and drug tests. Will they both agree to the tests? And if so, what do the results reveal? Don’t miss this dramatic conclusion
Audrey made headlines and landed behind bars for running a surrogacy scam, by pretending to be pregnant and conning couples out of thousands of dollars. The 36-year-old mother of four was convicted of two charges of theft, one charge of identity theft and two charges of using a computer to commit a crime. Now, on Dr. Phil’s stage, she comes face to face with one of the couples, Peter and Cheniya, who say Audrey not only stole their money, but shattered their dreams of parenthood. Hear how they say they reacted when they learned there was no baby. And, with Audrey sentenced to 20 days in jail, two years of probation and ordered to pay $10,500 in restitution to the victims, Peter and Cheniya say they believe she only got a slap on the wrist. Hear why they say the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. How does Audrey respond?
In a national television exclusive, the first identified victim in the Jared Fogle sex scandal speaks out only to Dr. Phil. Sixteen-year-old Analissa claims that when she was 14, she was a victim at the hands of the former executive director of the Jared Foundation, Russell Taylor. Analissa says, after watching the Dr. Phil episodes that revealed Fogle’s secret audio recordings, she felt compelled to speak out for the other victims of the shocking and appalling crimes. She confides that, as a friend of Taylor’s stepdaughter, she would frequently visit his house, and claims that Taylor would interact with her and make inappropriate sexual comments. Analissa says that hidden cameras throughout the house — including bedrooms and bathrooms — captured images of her undressing, and that these tapes may have been among those sent to Jared Fogle. Hear the inappropriate comments Analissa claims Taylor made and why she believes she was manipulated and groomed
Travis says that after eight years of marriage, his wife, Jenna, sent him a text message on her way home from a Kip Moore concert saying that she is “100 percent in love” with the country music star and wants a divorce. Travis says he thinks Jenna is delusional and claims that she also served him with a protection order and sold all his belongings in a yard sale. Jenna claims Travis has been mentally, verbally and physically abusive, including throwing her to the ground during a fight which resulted in breaking her ribs and puncturing her lung — a claim Travis strongly denies. Jenna says that after a few brief encounters with Kip Moore, she realized that the love she has for Kip is “the kind of love she wants and deserves.” She says she sent the country music singer a 12-page letter professing her love and asking him to give her a chance. But did he respond?
Eighteen-year-old Alexis' parents fear that her boyfriend kidnapped her and held her hostage -- a claim they both deny.
Eighteen-year-old Alexis' biological father says her mother, Gina, accused him of molesting her when she was a toddler, and he wants to prove his innocence.
Tina says her children lived in a house of horrors with their father and stepmother; two of the eldest speak out for the first time about the conditions they say they endured.
Aspiring model Stephen, 20, posts online claims that he was abused by his parents as a child; they say he is the one who is hostile and abusive, and he once had to be institutionalized; the family meets for the first time in months.
Michael Lohan tells what he says happened the night he lost custody of his two toddler sons with his wife Kate Major, who he says is a volatile, "raging alcoholic."
Bad teacher? Michelle made headlines when she was accused of the unthinkable: showing up drunk to substitute teach children at an Oklahoma elementary school. Police say Michelle's blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit. And her encounter with the police in the school parking lot was all caught on camera in what many believe looked like a lesson in bad behavior. But was Michelle really inebriated when she went to work? She swears there's an explanation for her appearance -- but will it pass the test?
Lauren says she resents her parents, Laura and John, for the life she says she lived as a teen. She claims that Laura neglected to teach her any life skills and encouraged her to drop out of high school in the eleventh grade and that John was more of a friend than a parent, who drank alcohol and used drugs with her and her teenage friends. John admits he was the “party dad,” who even hosted parties at his house, but says he used drugs and alcohol as a way to bond with Lauren. But is this just the tip of the iceberg? Lauren also claims that her dad had multiple affairs – including one with her mom’s best friend – and that her mom stole her identity and racked up $50,000 in debt – a claim Laura denies. Then, Dr. Phil drops the bombshell that John spent nearly two years behind bars and was dubbed the “Breast Pump Bandit” by his city’s local news, for stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of breast pumps and selling them online.
On Tuesday, amid claims of drinking and doing drugs with teenagers and extramarital affairs, Dr. Phil revealed that Lauren’s father, John, had been dubbed the “Breast Pump Bandit” by his city’s local news, for stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of breast pumps and selling them online -- and admitted to taking Lauren on some of his shoplifting heists. Today, John admits that he’s addicted to Xanax and crack cocaine, and to stealing from Lauren’s mother to support his habit. Lauren says she wants her mom to kick him out of their lives once and for all. How does Laura respond?
Jennifer says she’s at her wits’ end with her 13-year-old son’s behavioral problems. She says he’s angry and violent, starts fires, threatens to kill people and claims he sees vampires who tell him what to do. Jennifer claims her son is so out of control that she, her boyfriend and their two children sleep in a locked bedroom for safety. After five hospitalizations, countless therapists and a myriad of prescribed medications, Jennifer says she feels like she is out of options. Dr. Phil takes a look at some family home videos — and calls some parenting techniques into question. What could be at the root of the boy's bad behavior? And, Jennifer’s son opens up about what life is like in his family. What, if anything, might Jennifer do differently? And, how can they calm the chaos and get this teen on the right path?
Michelle and her ex-husband, Kyle, say when their daughter Aubrey was born intersex, they agreed to raise her as a girl. Until recently, they say they’ve been co-parenting Aubrey, now 4, as a girl, but Michelle claims Aubrey has been insisting that she’s a boy, so Michelle says she traded in Aubrey’s “girl” toys, clothes and hairstyle to appease her child’s wishes. Kyle says he was furious when he saw that Michelle cut Aubrey’s long hair without consulting him – and ever since, Aubrey has been living as a boy with his mom during the week, and as a girl with her dad on the weekends. Kyle’s current wife, Brittany, says she’s been running interference and wrote to Dr. Phil in a desperate attempt to end this gender war. Can Dr. Phil help these parents become a united front for the sake of their child?
Nicholas Brendon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Criminal Minds") returns to face his struggle with alcoholism and depression.
Elvia and Erica worry that their sister is dangerously promiscuous and abusive toward their mother, and they fear for their mother's health.
John's wife has terminal cancer, and when she is gone he may have to co-parent her children with her ex, Rick, who they say is a narcissist, drug addict and thief; Rick says his ex-wife's cancer diagnosis may be a scam to get donations.
Sadie is a full-time high-school teacher, a beauty queen and a candidate for political office; Courtney has OCD and spends most of her time trying to avoid germs.
Nadine is a beautiful 36-year-old who says behind her smile is a woman traumatized by a lifelong obsession to be thin. She estimates that over the years, she’s gained and lost at least 1,000 pounds, and says all of the yo-yo dieting has left her with what she calls “Post Traumatic Diet Disorder,” which includes feeling jittery, sleep deprivation and a list of foods she thinks she can’t eat. Jeannea, a 41-year-old mother of two, says she keeps a stash of junk food and drinks two 16-ounce sodas a day because she fears losing weight may ruin her marriage. Her husband, Travis, says he thinks that’s just an excuse for Jeanna to be inactive. Can Nadine and Jeannea learn to adopt healthier habits? Then, a 25-year-old blames her weight for never having a boyfriend, and a young mom says her scale hasn’t budged since she had her second child.
An animal rescuer comes face to face with members of a hateful Facebook group dedicated to destroying her reputation.
Karen fears that her 23-year-old son, who has a history of mental illness, may be contemplating mass murder; loved ones remember San Bernardino shooting victims.
Brenda says her much-older husband became crazy and temperamental soon after their wedding; Bev fears that her sister's younger boyfriend is in the relationship for a green card and money; author Mitch Albom.
Kim fears for her teen daughter's safety and wonders if mental illness could be the cause of her outrageous behavior.
Teen girls and their grandmother are concerned by their mother's promiscuous behavior and choice to party with men rather than be a mom; she says she is ready to cut ties if they do not stop ganging up on her.
Daniela says her husband has been fighting the debilitating symptoms of PTSD and she resents her mother, with whom they live, for calling him lazy and worthless because he does not support his wife and child.
Scott insists he was not drunk when he fell down a flight of stairs and says he has his drinking under control, but his family tells a different story; the winner of the Walk a Day in Robin's Shoes campaign tells her story of domestic violence.
Dr. Phil must determine whether a young woman is addicted to anti-anxiety medication, or whether her family is overreacting.
Belinda, 44, says bringing a "sister wife" into her marriage is a "beautiful thing"; her husband says the backlash to their lifestyle from the community and social media has been so severe that he fears for their safety; Pastor Joel Osteen.
When Alyssa leaves her controlling husband, her mother fears he is desperate and capable of anything; Rachael Ray ("Everyone Is Italian on Sunday") helps a couple.
Debbie's son and daughter say their mother refuses to move past the tragedy of their 16-year-old sister's death, and the family is falling apart; John Stamos ("Grandfathered").
A 15-year-old tells what happened when she went missing.
A woman and her fiance react to revelations from her 15-year-old daughter about what happened when the girl disappeared.
Ruth and her husband say her 20-year-old daughter's lies are ruining their lives and have landed them both behind bars; the young woman admits she lies but says she does not know why.
Angela says her ex-boyfriend has ties to a child pornography scandal and has physically and sexually abused their 2-year-old, so she wants his parental rights revoked; he denies her accusations and says she is just being vindictive.
Laurie believes her 23-year-old son has multiple personalities and many other disorders; her sister says he is a moocher who has been manipulating his mother to get what he wants and avoid working.
A couple are charged with abusing some of their six internationally adopted children, and the new adoptive parents of two of the children say their prison sentences are not long enough; journalist Piers Morgan discusses the case.
Last year, the Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer had everyone binge watching and buzzing over whether or not Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey murdered photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. For the first time in 10 years, three major players of this murder mystery, defense attorney Jerry Buting, former prosecutor Ken Kratz and co-lead investigator Tom Fassbender, reunite and reveal details viewers never saw in the series that may leave you questioning who really killed Teresa. Did the police frame Steven? Is he really innocent? And was Brendan’s confession coerced by the police? Plus Ken Kratz talks about how he believes the series made him out to be the “villain,” and he says he’s ready to set everyone straight.
Teen Peyton's sisters say she is a master manipulator who preys on their mother's emotions; the girl makes a shocking confession.
A documentary leads viewers to believe that Steven Avery, sentenced to life in prison for murder, is not guilty; the man who was sheriff during Avery's trial delves into the details of the case.
Susie says her daughter neglects her parental duties to spend time with her boyfriend, who has a history of drug use and a criminal record.
Julia and her husband believe she is a prophet and able to work miracles; her parents try to get custody of the couple's children away from them.
Megan says her 18-year-old son's fiancee got pregnant in order to trap him after learning he will receive a large inheritance; the young woman says she is tired of Megan calling her awful names and wants her to stay out of the couple's relationship.Megan says her 18-year-old son's fiancee got pregnant in order to trap him after learning he will receive a large inheritance; the young woman says she is tired of Megan calling her awful names and wants her to stay out of the couple's relationship.
Police incident reports may reveal what has been going on in the home in which Elizabeth and her 21-year-old daughter accuse each other of physical abuse; teen clairvoyant medium Tyler Henry.
Adrienne says her drug-addict brother's lying and manipulative ways are killing their parents, and the family reunites on Dr. Phil's stage.
A pair who met only once marry and bring their seven children under one roof, and life is not what anyone expected.
Lisa and Jana have fought over their late mother's estate for five years; Miranda says her mother is obsessed with looking like a stripper.
Socialite Anita says she was duped out of her fortune by NFL player Art Schlichter, who then pressured her to borrow money from others; her former housekeeper suggests Anita may be a co-conspirator.
Angel says her mother allowed her grandfather to molest her, knowing he had molested other children in the past; her mother says she never thought her dying father could harm her children.
In June 1994, former professional football star and actor O.J. Simpson was tried for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The case has been described as the most publicized criminal trial in American history. Now, 22 years later, FX Network has developed a much-anticipated 10 episode miniseries, premiering on Feb 2 called “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” inspired by the book, The Run of His Life: The People V. O.J. Simpson, by CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin. While the miniseries has gotten much positive publicity, members of the Goldman and the Brown families say they are upset their family member’s death was turned into an entertainment TV show. Ron Goldman’s father, Fred, says he wonders why he and his daughter, Kim, were never contacted by producers and if this series will be nothing but sensationalized fiction. Then, hear from Nicole Brown’s sister, Tanya, who says she has not seen the Goldmans since 1996.
Hannah and Larry Overton were devout Christians, faithful missionaries and doting parents of four children. Their lives seemed content until they met a little foster child named Andrew, who needed a loving family, and they say immediately stole their hearts. But after only four short months of living with his new “forever family,” little Andrew died of salt intoxication. At trial, Andrew's foster mother, Hannah, who the media dubbed “Salt Mom,” was found guilty of killing Andrew with a lethal dose of salt, and she was sentenced to life in prison. But the story doesn’t end there. After serving seven years, Hannah’s conviction was reversed by the Court of Criminal Appeals for Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, and ultimately the charges against her were dismissed. Now free and back home with her husband and children, questions remain about the day Andrew died, the manner of his death and what prosecutors claimed was evidence of abuse and neglect.
Beautiful, privileged, newlywed Amber Hilberling was seven-months pregnant when her husband, Josh, fell to his death from the window of their luxury 25th floor high-rise apartment. Amber says it was an accident that happened during a physical argument, but she was arrested, put on trial and convicted of second degree murder. She is now serving a 25-year sentence in a women’s prison in Oklahoma. But Amber’s parents say justice was far from served. They are adamant that Amber acted in self-defense, and did not receive a fair trial. They claim Amber’s newlywed marriage turned violent, controlling and abusive shortly after she and Josh married. They say it’s time the truth was told and their daughter, Amber, is set free! And Thursday, Dr. Phil goes behind bars to speak with Amber.
It was a newlywed nightmare that ended with the bride in prison. Dr. Phil goes behind bars to speak to beautiful, 24-year-old Amber Hilberling, who is serving 25 years for second degree murder for the death of her handsome, charming, military husband Josh, who tragically plummeted to his death in 2011, after crashing through the glass of their 25th story luxury apartment window. In an exclusive interview, Amber speaks candidly about her allegations of innocence, what she feels wasn’t brought up at the trial, and her claim that this was an act of self-defense that ended in tragedy.
Kris,43, has been chasing his dream of being a rock and roll superstar his entire life. He says he's "addicted to fame" and just like a drug addiction, the pursuit of his dream has cost him everything. He says he has destroyed relationships and two weeks ago, Kris’ fiancée broke up with him because of what she calls his “selfish ways,” and they are currently not speaking. Kris admits he has manipulated friends and family into giving him hundreds of thousands of dollars toward his rock dream, and so far, nothing has come of it. Kris’ rock idol, Gene Simmons from KISS, makes a surprise appearance to help set Kris straight. And, Dr. Phil tells Kris what he must do to get his life back on track.
A 560-pound man says he is going on an epic bike ride across America to lose weight, write a book and save his marriage, but when thousands of dollars roll into his GoFundMe campaign, critics say he is just a con artist; he confronts them on stage.
A couple say their new neighbors have been a constant source of conflict, making threats and false police reports and allowing their four dogs to bark all night; the three neighbors accuse the couple of making up lies about them.
Thirteen-year-old Nicole Lovell disappeared from her Blacksburg, VA home on January 27, after barricading her dresser against her door and reportedly climbing out her bedroom window. She took her special cartoon Minions blanket, but left behind life-saving medication. After a massive three-day search, her parents’ worst nightmare became a reality: Nicole’s body was discovered by the side of a road in North Carolina. Police arrested two unlikely suspects, 18-year-old David Eisenhauer and 19-year-old Natalie Keepers, both Virginia Tech freshmen. Eisenhauer, a collegiate athlete, and Keepers, a former NASA intern, have both been accused of plotting Nicole’s murder and luring her to her death. It has been reported that the day she snuck out of her house, 13-year-old Nicole, who reportedly met Eisenhauer on a popular smartphone messaging app, thought she was meeting him for a date.
ulia says that, eight years ago, when authorities found her and her young daughters and newborn granddaughter homeless and living in a car, they placed the girls in foster care, and the infant got adopted, but now the family wants her back.
Jyllian says her adopted daughter's formerly homeless birth family has gotten out of control, and she has obtained a restraining order against bio-mom Olivia, fearing that they will kidnap her daughter.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez reveals behind-the-scenes details that happened during the trial of Jodi Arias for the murder of ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander; one of the jurors sheds light on what deadlocked a jury; Alexander's sister Tanisha speaks out.
Amanda says her father molested her for 15 years; her mother and other family members refuse to believe her, but her grandmother says they are in denial; the three women come face-to-face to get to the bottom of what happened.
Amanda says her father sexually abused her for more than a decade, but some family members refuse to believe her; what he said to her in a phone call recorded by police; she takes a polygraph exam.
Dr. Phil extends a radical offer of help to twin sisters who are homeless and will do anything to score drugs.
Pat believes that her husband has been poisoning her food and injecting her with poison as she sleeps so he can molest their three teenage daughters; he says she has paranoid, delusional mental illness; Dr. Phil talks with the girls.
Stephanie’s 21-year-old son, Malcolm, died in December after going into a coma following a 15-foot fall from a stairway railing. Malcolm’s 19-year-old girlfriend, Chloe, was the only person to witness Malcolm fall, and Stephanie says she is certain Chloe is responsible for her son’s death. Stephanie and her sister Reba say they have been on a quest for the truth, including asking Chloe to take a polygraph test. They say Chloe initially agreed to take the polygraph – so why didn’t she take the exam? Chloe says that Malcolm was drunk and that he lost his balance, and she and her sister Myranda say they want to clear their names and finally tell Chloe’s side of the story. Chloe and Stephanie see each other for the first time since Malcolm’s death on Dr. Phil’s stage. Has Chloe been truthful, or are Stephanie’s suspicions correct? Can Dr. Phil help bring closure to this tragedy?
Marissa wrote to Dr. Phil begging for help with her mother, Vicki, who has been married to Marissa’s dad, Robert, for 34 years. Last September, Marissa says she was suspicious of her dad’s behavior and when she checked his phone, she found text messages from a bounty hunter searching for a woman Robert allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with. Marissa then investigated her dad’s computer and says she found emails that he sent to another woman , and an Internet history of checking out "pornographic" and "call girl" websites. Marissa says she urged her mother to file for divorce, but when Vicki backed out. Robert, who was a pastor for 23 years, admits that he had a relationship with a woman he met on a “call girl” website – and even spent more than $70,000 on her -- but claims it was mostly over the phone and that they only went as far as kissing.
Former teacher Tanya Ramirez pled guilty for crossing a forbidden line … having sex with a 17-year-old student who attended the school where she taught. But now, she’s done something many find even more unbelievable, she’s suing him and his mother. After pleading guilty to this charge, Ramirez filed a lawsuit against the teen accusing him of “extreme and outrageous” conduct and invasion of privacy for recording their late-night rendezvous. Ramirez claims the teen showed the tape around school for bragging rights. Ramirez says the sex was consensual, and says the student is an adult and he was just fine after the encounter. In fact, her lawyer has claimed it only made him more popular, and led to him being named Homecoming King! Teacher and student face off on Dr. Phil’s stage for the first time.
Karen says two years ago she had it all: a successful business, a beautiful home on the beach, nice cars, and plenty of money in the bank. But now, Karen says she is in danger and that some people are trying to ruin her reputation. She says that they are tracking her every move through a microchip implanted in her eyebrow, and they are hacking her computers and cell phone. Because she lost everything, Karen moved in with her brother John and his wife, Ronda. Now, she says she’s witnessed some suspicious activity in their home causing Karen to question if her brother is the one behind all her troubles. John denies Karen’s allegations and says he believes her paranoia stems from drug use. Is Karen’s brother really having her followed, or is something else going on with Karen? Karen agrees to take a drug test. Find out what the results reveal.
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