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Behind Closed Doors: Patricia Gordon Stevens on Madness in Memphis and the Silent Epidemic of Domestic Abuse

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9 months ago

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One in four women in the wealthiest nations will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. It is a staggering statistic, yet the reality of what happens behind closed doors often remains hidden in shame and silence. In her new book, Madness in Memphis, licensed counselor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens confronts this darkness head-on through the story of Morgan Sage—a successful, loving mother who unwittingly invites a monster into her home.

Drawing from her own lived experience and professional background in trauma counseling, Stevens explores the chilling complexity of coercion, control, and survival. We sat down with Patricia to discuss why abuse doesn’t discriminate, the importance of a support system, and the message of hope she wants to send to survivors everywhere.

Q: You have just released Madness in Memphis, a novel that exposes the emotional realities of domestic violence. As a licensed counselor who also draws from “lived experience,” was there a specific moment or realization that made you feel it was finally time to share this harrowing yet hopeful story with the world?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

For years now, for decades, I have listened to the stories of other women and then pursued an undergraduate degree in psychological science and sociology. I was so enamoured with the studies I wanted to go further, so at a mature age in my life, I decided to continue studying psychology and directed my intentions towards a master’s in counselling. This is a work of fiction loosely based on my life. I was married to a man (now deceased) who was diagnosed with bipolar and a severe personality disorder. I wanted to better understand how mental health and mental disorders impact a person’s behaviour. My own son, the only male born in four generations of my tiny family, made a decision to take his life a few months prior to his twenty-fifth birthday, so I was especially keen to find answers surrounding mental health.

As a counsellor, I know the devastating statistics on domestic violence here in Australia and am well aware that the statistics are aligned in the United States and the United Kingdom – one in four women are living in a domestic violence relationship or situation. These numbers are simply not acceptable. I knew, too, if I had written a non-fiction book loaded with further statistics and the types of violence or abuse women experience, I think people would have read it, acknowledged it, and moved on. With ‘Madness In Memphis’, the reader will remain with the context of the book for a while and come away with a comprehensive understanding of what many women go through and how difficult it is to flee, especially while considering the well-being of two small children, constantly under pressure, knowing she must protect them from harm. It was a combination of realities: my former fractured and destructive relationship plus listening to women describe the abuse they lived through daily as if the violence were to be expected the exact same way as the expectation of meals delivered to a table. I remain astonished at the bravery of the women I have had the privilege of listening to throughout my life. This book is not about me. This book is about all women who have and are experiencing domestic violence

Q: Your protagonist, Morgan Sage, is a successful stockbroker—a detail that challenges the stereotype of what a victim looks like. Why was it important for you to show that domestic violence “doesn’t discriminate” and can happen to women of any income level or background?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

My first question to you would be: Why does this profession challenge the stereotype? Has tv or the movies made us believe or think that victims are undereducated, noneducated, poor, or working only in entry-level jobs? Nothing could be further from the truth. Domestic violence does not discriminate. If a man (or anyone) has their sights set on control and they have determined their ‘prey’, the individual can be from all walks of life. Profession does not matter, religion or culture, race or colour of skin, financially fluid or poor as a church mouse; if a male is determined to control the female in his life, he will go to great lengths to do so. If a woman is in a higher position, earning more money, and powerful in her profession, this can make the deal sweeter – the package more attractive. He may have to work harder to earn her trust, but that would only make his ultimate goal loftier. I am talking in broad strokes here. A man who must control will find ways to do it, and if his demands are not met or he feels threatened by the thought of losing the person in whom he has invested time and energy, he will begin to feel out of control and lash out, beginning with threats and moving on to violence.

Q: The book describes Morgan’s journey from believing she found the “missing piece” to realizing she is trapped in a cycle of fear. Can you talk about the subtle shift from charm to cruelty that so many women experience, and why that “emotional manipulation” often makes it so hard to leave initially?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

Your words were carefully chosen and this is an excellent observation: ‘subtle shift’ is a perfect description. A look, an attitude, a change in demeanour can be subtle in the beginning. You have heard of stories where women exclaim, ‘He changed right after the vows – almost immediately after saying ‘I do.’ This happens. It is hard work to keep a facade – a disingenuous personality chugging along for a long duration. It can happen; people have been known to suppress their true personalities for at least a year, sometimes longer. It is such a sly act and most times, planned. The emotional manipulation has been in play since Day One. The woman is made to feel inferior, inept, at fault, to blame, not good enough, irresponsible, and – if she would just change – her behaviour, her attitude, her way of managing her life, he would not behave the way he does. She begins to doubt herself, her looks, her capabilities, her capacity, and if she is a mother and has brought her children into the marriage, she has much more to consider than just herself. So, she tries harder. She makes changes. She thinks she is making strides, but the complaints continue to roll in and the violence escalates. Nothing she does is going to ease his pain or his mind. If she is exceptionally successful and cares a great deal about her professional reputation, she might be the last person who wants to admit she has a failed relationship or, even more importantly, that she is afraid. She, again, might be the last person to reach out for help – before it is too late. For many women, the final straw is when the violence carries over to the children. It is hard for anyone to admit failure, especially if the marriage is fairly new, but it is unacceptable for anyone to live in fear and danger, too.

Q: A critical theme in the book is that while the world is dark, it is “not hopeless.” Morgan eventually finds strength through a small circle of allies—her mother, best friend, colleague, and attorney. How vital is that “support system” for a woman trying to flee with her children versus trying to do it alone?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

A support system, a tribe, a circle of support, whatever description you like, is crucial for a woman when trying to escape domestic violence. They need a safe space to land for themselves and for their children. He will find her. If she ‘goes it alone’, the abuse will carry on wherever she chooses to live. If she is surrounded by people, he is going to want to save his reputation and most abusers would not dare behave the way they do behind closed doors if they knew people were observing. The smallest offer – the tiniest opportunity for a woman to take herself and her children to safety is all she needs. If you have a room; if you have a second property; if you have relatives who live in the country with enough space to provide a safe haven, even if it is temporary, weeks or a few short months, enough time for the woman to breathe, to think, to plan a path to safety – you might be saving someone’s life. If a woman has no family or no close friends to speak of, the best place to reach out will be local churches or community centers. These places normally have lists on hand of services provided locally or nearby. A woman’s general practitioner or personal doctor is an appropriate place to ask for help; however, deep shame and disbelief at how she managed to get herself into this position will, more than likely, prevent her from describing her state of affairs to her own doctor. Shame and guilt become anchors for most women experiencing domestic violence. The more people who are surrounding the person fleeing and who are aware of her situation…the more hope for a brighter future, I say.

Q: You now run Maxwell House Counseling in South Australia, specializing in trauma and grief. For the reader who might see herself in Morgan’s story—or knows a “coworker, neighbor, sister, or friend” who is suffering—what is the most important message you hope they take away from Madness in Memphis?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

This is the question I treasure. Thank you. Don’t be shy; remain curious. If a female in your life, family or not, has changed her dress, her demeanour, or if you notice things simply seem a ‘bit off’, if you see her with her partner and he answers for her or touches her arm when she attempts to answer, or if you are not seeing her or hearing from her the way you used to prior to the relationship or marriage – these observations should all be red flags. I understand, of course, in new, loving relationships when people hear the birds singing and have butterflies in their stomach at the mere thought of seeing one another – you will not see them as much as you are accustomed to being around them. But this is different. You might see the subtle changes if you are a genuinely perceptive person. Be persistent. Go to their home. Knock on the door. If he answers and states, ‘Oh, she has a headache, or she’s not feeling well, or she cannot come to the door at the moment’; if you feel safe enough respond, ‘Well, it’s been too long and we are too close, I must see her.’ We never know what’s going on behind closed doors. Morgan Sage, the protagonist in ‘Madness In Memphis’ could be your daughter, your sister, niece, cousin, mother, or even grandmother. We must remain vigilant and forever curious in order to protect the ones we love. We have lost far too many females to violence. It must stop. Discussing violence and coming to terms with the fact behaviour starts at the earliest of ages from the way we are treated by our parents, might make a difference. Not having discourse will allow abuse to escalate. It all starts from the beginning. Young people mirror the behaviour they observe and they receive at home. Education and observing the experiences of others in non-violent homes can open eyes and allow young people to see not all families ‘hit’ when they are angry, distressed, or feel ‘less’ than other people. Most societies are looking for short-term fixes; we all want the abuse to stop, however, until we start educating our youngest members of society on the proper, appropriate ways to treat one another, the cycle will continue. Education begins at home. Education begins with decent leaders.

For more information, visit www.patriciagordonstevens.com or find the author on Facebook and Instagram at Patricia Gordon Stevens Author.

Madness in Memphis

  • Publisher: Hembury Books
  • Release date: November 27, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 978-1923517332 (Paperback)

Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Madness-Memphis-Patricia-Gordon-Stevens/dp/1923517333

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Tinuiti Unveils Bliss Point MCP Server, Pioneering Open Measurement Access for AI Agents

New York, USAIn an industry built on walled gardens, Bliss Point MCP Server opens Tinuiti’s decision-grade media intelligence to any AI agent a brand chooses — no closed ecosystem required.

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October 6, 2026

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In an industry built on walled gardens, Bliss Point MCP Server opens Tinuiti's decision-grade media intelligence to any AI agent a brand chooses — no closed ecosystem required.

New York, USA

Today, Tinuiti, a leading independent media agency, announced the launch of the Bliss Point Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, becoming one of the first agencies to open its proprietary measurement layer directly to AI agents. Powered by the Bliss Point Marketing Operating System—Tinuiti’s proprietary intelligence engine that unifies audience, creative, media, and measurement—the new connection gives marketers governed access to clean, cross-channel media performance and measurement intelligence through compatible AI agents and enterprise AI environments.

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Unlike traditional walled-garden platforms that restrict integration, the Bliss Point MCP Server is built for total interoperability—collaborating directly with a marketer’s chosen AI applications, external tech partners, and existing enterprise infrastructure.

The Bliss Point MCP Server makes core Bliss Point resources—clean, normalized media data, measurement signals, and select third-party data—available through compatible versions of ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and clients’ own agents or business intelligence environments, subject to client permissions and configuration. Rather than asking an agent to reconcile fragmented platform reports, the Bliss Point MCP Server gives it a single, already-taxonomized view of performance to reason over.

“We believe two things fundamentally. One, an AI agent is only as smart as the context, data, and guardrails powering it, and two, clients should be able to choose how they use their own data—not have that choice made for them by whichever system happens to hold it. That’s what Bliss Point MCP means in practice: a client’s own clean, governed data, working inside whatever agent or LLM they choose. For clients, that means faster, more confident decisions built on a foundation they actually trust. As an independent agency, we can move fast and work with the technology our clients choose,” said Abbey Klaassen, Chief Executive Officer, Tinuiti.

Built on the open Model Context Protocol standard, the new connection allows brands to query approved Bliss Point data and build customized workflows, giving a brand’s preferred agents and tools access to the most powerful datasets and context. By taking on the heavy lifting of extracting, organizing, and unifying fragmented channel data in one place, Tinuiti’s Bliss Point MCP Server gives a brand’s AI tools immediate access to decision-grade intelligence, empowering teams to focus on strategic execution from day one.

Tinuiti’s pioneering agency MCP Server comes as platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok and Amazon have each introduced MCP connections that give marketers and developers agent-based access to their respective platforms. By connecting its proprietary measurement intelligence to AI agents through an MCP, Tinuiti gives clients an independent intelligence layer across channels, bringing together normalized media data, measurement signals, modeling outputs, and approved third-party data in a consistent, governed format.

With the Bliss Point MCP Server, marketers can:

  • Connect media and business data. Bring approved media intelligence into a brand’s AI or business intelligence environment and combine it with sales, inventory, or CRM data for cross-functional analysis.
  • Get answers on demand. Ask how yesterday’s performance compared with plan and receive an answer based on clean, taxonomized data, without waiting for a scheduled report or response.
  • Move faster during peak periods. Review pacing and prior-day results during high-volume periods, including the holiday shopping season, using the same governed data foundation available to the broader team.  
  • Build governed workflows. Develop agents and skills, including weekly performance narratives or anomaly alerts, with Bliss Point as the underlying intelligence layer.

Market interest in an open measurement layer is already translating into active adoption among major brands. Leading advertisers within Tinuiti’s client roster, like e.l.f., are implementing the Bliss Point MCP Server to connect their enterprise LLMs and custom AI agents directly to the agency’s decision-grade data. By moving early, these brands are establishing unified AI governance models that integrate cross-channel media performance straight into their internal business intelligence stacks—setting the operational standard for how modern marketing organizations will leverage AI agents moving forward.

“e.l.f.’s ethos commits us to connecting communities and actively listening to the signals they give. An integrated platform like Tinuiti’s MCP—for which we were eager to be alpha testers—should allow us to see the big picture across our media and business data with collective analysis through a governed workflow. We are always looking for new pathways to meet our community where they are,” said Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Brands.

Tinuiti built the Bliss Point MCP Server under its Agentic Deference principles, which call for approved data access, clearly defined business objectives, human accountability and governance appropriate to each use case. Building directly on this MCP foundation, Tinuiti is rolling out next-generation Dashboarding and Data Analysis Agents, designed to provide on-demand, customized answers through Bliss Point.  

To learn more about Tinuiti’s Bliss Point MCP Server, reach out directly here.

The launch follows rapid enterprise growth for Tinuiti, driven by a 66% increase in average deal size over two years and major Agency of Record wins including: Carter’s, Inc., Full-Funnel Agency of Record; Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (Merrell®, Saucony®, Chaco®, Wolverine®, and Cat® Footwear), Media Agency of Record; Serta Simmons Bedding, Digital Agency of Record; and Allies of Skin, Media Agency of Record.

Tinuiti has also made significant investments in senior leadership throughout 2026 to support its continued growth. Abbey Klaassen joined Tinuiti as CEO in June, with Bryan Wiener appointed Chairman of the Board. Most recently, Tinuiti welcomed Wes Harris as Global Chief Operating Officer, formalizing the COO role on its executive leadership team to connect client delivery, product, technology, and AI around the agency’s biggest growth opportunities.

tinuiti logo Tinuiti Unveils Bliss Point MCP Server, Pioneering Open Measurement Access for AI Agents 

About Tinuiti

Tinuiti is a media agency that not only builds brands, but architects business outcomes, creating immediate and lasting growth for clients. At the center is Tinuiti’s Bliss Point Marketing Operating System—the ultimate brand and performance unifier—which fuels decisions across Audience, Creative, Media and Measurement. This approach allows Tinuiti to treat each client’s business like its own—making smarter decisions, faster, and with greater accountability. With over $4.5 billion in media under management and 1,200 employees across the U.S., Mexico and EMEA, Tinuiti delivers measurable impact for leading brands. For more information, visit https://tinuiti.com/.

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Victoria Woodside
Tinuiti
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Phone: +1 (412) 240-6043
Website: tinuiti.com

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BMA Conventions Reveals Dallas as Host City for 2027 Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Conference

DALLAS, TexasThe two-day executive forum will bring manufacturing leaders, plant executives and technology innovators together to explore practical applications of AI, automation, robotics and connected manufacturing.

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October 6, 2026

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The two-day executive forum will bring manufacturing leaders, plant executives and technology innovators together to explore practical applications of AI, automation, robotics and connected manufacturing.

DALLAS, Texas

BMA Conventions will bring the Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Convention 2027 to Dallas, Texas, from Feb 23, 2027 to Feb 25, 2027, creating a focused environment for manufacturing leaders to examine how artificial intelligence, automation and connected technologies are moving from experimentation into day-to-day industrial operations.

bma conventions reveals dallas as host city for 2027 smart manufacturing ai automation conference zoH3DA BMA Conventions Reveals Dallas as Host City for 2027 Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Conference

The three-day convention will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Market Center and will connect senior professionals across manufacturing operations, engineering, plant leadership, maintenance, digital transformation and industrial technology.

As manufacturers work to improve productivity, reduce unplanned downtime, strengthen operational resilience and modernize production environments, technologies such as AI, robotics, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), predictive analytics and intelligent automation are becoming increasingly important to plant strategy.

The Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Convention 2027 is designed around those practical challenges.

Rather than concentrating only on emerging technology, discussions will explore how manufacturers can apply new systems to measurable operational priorities including production performance, asset reliability, quality, maintenance, workforce development and plant-wide visibility.

Key areas of discussion will include:

  • AI-powered production and intelligent process control
  • Predictive maintenance and asset reliability
  • Advanced robotics, cobots and autonomous production
  • IIoT, edge technologies and connected factory systems
  • MES, production analytics and real-time plant visibility
  • Operational excellence and continuous improvement
  • Industrial cybersecurity and operational resilience
  • Supply chain visibility and business continuity
  • Human-machine collaboration and workforce transformation
  • Strategies for scaling automation across manufacturing operations

The convention will combine industry expert talks, executive panels, case studies, leadership discussions, networking and scheduled 1-on-1 meetings, creating opportunities for manufacturing decision-makers and selected technology providers to engage in more focused conversations.

From Technology Pilots to Operational Results

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most discussed technologies in manufacturing. The next challenge for industrial organizations is determining where AI can generate practical value.

Predictive maintenance, automated quality inspection, production optimization, equipment monitoring and intelligent decision support are among the areas where manufacturers are increasingly exploring AI-driven approaches.

The Dallas convention will examine these applications alongside the infrastructure, data, workforce and operational strategies required to implement them effectively.

Connected manufacturing will also be central to the program.

By combining industrial equipment, sensors, software platforms, analytics and real-time operational data, manufacturers are gaining greater visibility into factory performance and identifying opportunities to respond to problems earlier.

Creating More Focused Industry Conversations

The Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Convention is structured as a focused executive forum rather than a large-scale traditional trade show.

The format is designed to create repeated opportunities for meaningful conversations between manufacturing leaders and technology providers through conference sessions, networking periods and dedicated 1-on-1 meetings.

Day One will begin with exhibitor setup and networking activities, followed by a concentrated conference program on Day Two. Day Three will continue with leadership discussions, case studies and technology sessions before moving into dedicated 1-on-1 meetings.

Dallas at the Center of the Conversation

Hosting the convention in Dallas places the event within one of the country’s important industrial and technology markets and provides access to manufacturing organizations operating throughout Texas and the wider United States.

BMA Conventions is developing the event for executives, plant managers, engineering leaders, operations professionals, maintenance teams, digital transformation leaders and technology decision-makers responsible for improving manufacturing performance.

BMA Conventions Quote

“Manufacturers are no longer discussing AI and automation only as technologies of the future. The conversation is increasingly about where these technologies can solve real operational problems today. Our goal with the Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Convention is to create a focused environment where industry leaders can exchange practical experiences, evaluate solutions and build relationships that can support the next stage of industrial transformation.”

Event Details

Event: Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation Convention 2027

Dates: Feb 23, 2027 to Feb 25, 2027

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Market Center

Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

Organizer: BMA Conventions

Website: https://bmaconventions.com/smart-manufacturing-automation-convention-2027/

Registration opportunities are available for manufacturing delegates and solution providers through BMA Conventions.

About BMA Conventions

BMA Conventions produces focused industry events designed to connect executives, operational leaders, innovators and solution providers around the technologies and strategies transforming modern industries.

Through curated conference programs, executive discussions, networking and business meetings, BMA Conventions creates environments where industry professionals can exchange knowledge, explore practical solutions and develop meaningful professional relationships.

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BMA Conventions
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Phone: +1 214 851 9369
Website: bmaconventions.com

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J.D. Lemonis Introduces If Cooper Could Talk, What Would He Say?, A Heartwarming Children’s Book Featuring “The Great Cookie Showdown”

Little River, South CarolinaAuthor J.D. Lemonis announces the upcoming release of If Cooper Could Talk, What Would He Say?, a charming new children’s book featuring The Great Cookie Showdown, a heartwarming story inspired by the author’s own lovable Goldendoodle, Cooper. Written for young readers ages two to seven, the book introduces Cooper, a gentle and expressive Goldendoodle who […]

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October 6, 2026

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Little River, South Carolina

Author J.D. Lemonis announces the upcoming release of If Cooper Could Talk, What Would He Say?, a charming new children’s book featuring The Great Cookie Showdown, a heartwarming story inspired by the author’s own lovable Goldendoodle, Cooper.

921dae14 9a9b 4dbc b517 65f367493922 J.D. Lemonis Introduces If Cooper Could Talk, What Would He Say?, A Heartwarming Children’s Book Featuring “The Great Cookie Showdown”

Written for young readers ages two to seven, the book introduces Cooper, a gentle and expressive Goldendoodle who may not be able to speak with words but always finds a way to communicate through his actions, gestures, and loving personality.

The story follows twins Billy and Rebecca as they face one of their biggest childhood challenges yet—the last cookie on the plate. After enjoying their treats, the twins must decide who deserves the final cookie. What begins as a playful disagreement quickly turns into a lesson about patience, kindness, and sharing.

Watching carefully from nearby, Cooper knows exactly what is happening. Although he cannot speak, Cooper uses his special “Doodle Solution” to bring the twins together. Through his clever actions, playful wiggles, and gentle reminders, Cooper helps Billy and Rebecca understand that sharing brings more happiness than winning.

Unlike many children’s books where a family dog is simply a pet or sidekick, Cooper becomes the wise and caring guide at the heart of the adventure. His silent communication teaches children that kindness can be shown in many ways even without words.

Inspired by years of watching Cooper’s expressive eyes, funny gestures, and playful personality, J.D. Lemonis combines her background as a lifelong artist with her passion for storytelling to create a book filled with humor, warmth, and meaningful lessons.

Perfect for bedtime reading, family story time, classrooms, and early childhood learning, If Cooper Could Talk, What Would He Say? encourages young readers to practice kindness, emotional awareness, problem-solving, and good manners.

The book will be available soon in e-book and paperback formats.

About the Author

J.D. Lemonis is a talented artist and children’s author who has been sharing her creative spirit for over thirty-five years through her beautiful art and engaging stories. Inspired by her beloved Goldendoodle, Cooper, she crafts delightful tales that highlight the importance of family, kindness, and imagination, while also showing children the wonderful lessons they can learn from their furry friends.

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J.D. Lemonis
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