A Compulsion in Plain Sight: Living with Kleptomania (with Kelli Bauer)
Content note: Discussion of addiction and legal consequences.
On this week’s Hope Comes to Visit, I talk with Kelli Bauer about a form of addiction we rarely name out loud: kleptomania. Kelli’s story spans teenage beginnings, a high-performing career derailed by a misdemeanor theft, public humiliation after a false “theft ring” narrative, multiple arrests, jail time—and a stubborn, extremely brave, everyday commitment to keep trying.
Kleptomania isn’t a quirk or a punch line—it’s a compulsion
Kelli describes the urge as non-negotiable in the moment: “It feels like if I don’t take something, I’ll die.” The item doesn’t matter; relief does.
That’s addict logic—recognizable across substances and behaviors.
Consequences are real—and so is resilience
From losing a career to serving time, Kelli doesn’t minimize the fallout. She’s also clear: punishment alone doesn’t treat addiction. What helps is treatment, community, structure, and compassion that doesn’t disappear.
What helps Kelli (right now)
Connection: daily meetings or serving lunch at a community center (less noise, more purpose)
Medical support: naltrexone helped; she’s trying a newer off-label med with promising reduction in urges
Practical guardrails: never shop alone, keep a buddy in the same aisle, phone-in support while in the store, minimize carrying a purse (her son gifted a wallet phone case)
Language & honesty: saying it out loud; secrecy keeps us sick
Triggers are everywhere
You can’t take a route without passing a store.
Planning matters: time-boxed trips, shared lists, curbside pickup, and transparency with trusted people.
How Kelli defines hope
“You can knock me down a hundred times—I’m getting back up.” Hope, for her, is the choice to try again today.
Resources and Links:
CASA (Kleptomania & Shoplifters Anonymous) — weekly meeting info
Terry Shulman’s counseling/resources for theft & compulsive behaviors
Instagram and TikTok: @twoliveswithkel
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional or a local support line.
Thank you for listening to Hope Comes to Visit. If this conversation helps, follow the show, share it with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review – it helps others find their way to these conversations.
New episodes drop every Monday, so you can begin your week with a little light and a lot of hope.
For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit
xo, Danielle
