Dear Katie: Survivor Stories

Svava Brooks is a survivor of child sexual abuse and the co-founder of a nationwide child sexual abuse prevention and education organization in Iceland called “Blátt áfram.” She is also a certified instructor and facilitator for Darkness to Light Stewards of Children, as well as a certified Crisis Intervention Specialist, a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, a BellaNet Teen support group facilitator, a Certified TRE® Provider, and a Trauma Recovery Coach. The mother of three children, Svava has dedicated her life to ending the cycle of child sexual abuse through education, awareness, and by helping survivors heal and thrive. She is a certified facilitator for Advance!, a program created by Connections to restore authentic identity. Every week, she writes about healing after trauma on her blog and also leads a discussion forum on child sexual abuse healing and recovery online, in her private Facebook groups and on her YouTube channel. After living in the US for 30 years, Svava now lives in Iceland and has a thriving practice offering somatic healing through TRE, and now has two self-published workbooks for survivors available on Amazon.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Find new insights from this classic episode featuring Greg Kolwicz and Marcel Anderson.  As a boy, Greg was groomed by an older friend, who showed him pornography for the first time and pushed him to engage in sexual acts. He struggled to accept that this abuse happened to him as a man and couldn't share his experience for a decade. As a young adult, Marcel suffered intense physical and sexual abuse after being held at gunpoint by an invader. His faith allowed him to survive the traumatizing experience that left him hospitalized.  Greg and Marcel are bound by survivorship; today, they both are advocates for male victims of sexual assault and use their voices to shatter the stereotypes about sexual violence. In this special episode, we share two different stories to spark a discussion about the shared steps in their journeys of pain and healing. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Benter Oluoch Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite

'The adrenaline in my body was like nothing I've ever felt.'  Ten years ago, Derrick's world was rocked when his daughter was raped by a police officer. Fighting for justice in a system built against survivors, he pushes to have her voice heard. Derrick walks us through the experience of being a supportive parent during the aftermath of sexual assault, guiding us through the ways he cared for his daughter and fought for justice.  Derrick Hurley is a proud husband and father of three daughters. He spent his 37-year career in the Retail Technology industry and left his career early to advocate for survivors after his oldest daughter was assaulted in 2015.   Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'Sometimes I don't want to be a warrior anymore.' Dianne Braley is a Massachusetts-based, multi-award-winning author and nurse. During the process of writing her second novel, a person in her family was charged and convicted of sexual assault. This turned Dianne and her family's world on its head and led her to take on writing the book in the voice of a secondary victim, the perpetrator's daughter. Although fiction, this book was largely inspired by this horrific crime and the ensuing trial. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

This week, walk through the inner workings of the mind with therapist Rachel Stanton. She shares how she works with clients to process traumatic memories and creates emotional safety to address difficult feelings.  Rachel Stanton is a psychotherapist with a practice in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. She specializes in helping people heal after traumas like sexual assault, and offers EMDR intensives that help people get better in days, not years.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'That's how they evade justice ... they drop out of school and that Title IX case goes away.'  'No record is ever made.'  Tracy DeTomasi is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked in the field of gender based violence for nearly 25 years. As the CEO of Callisto, she is bringing innovative technology as a solution to addressing sexual assault. Callisto is a national nonprofit organization leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower survivors of sexual violence. Callisto's encrypted platform enables campus survivors to securely document their assault, discover if their perpetrator has harmed others, and explore their options, whether or not they report.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Valarie Clark Miller seemed to live a picture-perfect life, but her flawless facade masked a haunting past. Suffering a lifetime of abuse that eventually takes her life, her fight for justice continues with a newly released book, Hometown Betrayal: A Tragic Story of Secrecy and Sexual Abuse in Mormon Country, featuring the perspectives of her family. John R. Miller shares his experience navigating the cultures that protect sexual predators and raises awareness about sexual violence and its generational impact. He gives voice to the tragedy that Valarie experienced and carries her dream of helping other women and girls share their stories and heal.  John R. Miller is the CEO of JR Miller Enterprises, overseeing a diverse portfolio in real estate, private companies, public securities, agriculture, and aquaculture. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Nataliya, and is a devoted father and grandfather.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Today, we're joined by Reneé Rodriguez, founder of Best Foot Forward Consulting and creator of The Custody Blueprint®, who empowers parents navigating custody battles with narcissistic co-parents.  Drawing from her own experience and a diverse background in education, coaching, and strategic planning, Reneé provides a proven framework for presenting evidence effectively in court.  She helps parents, often victims of psychological abuse, protect their children, build a case strategy, and secure the best possible custody arrangement.  Reneé's work, including her signature program The Custody Blueprint®, addresses the shame and helplessness many parents feel, offering them a path to victory and peace. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'My father would beat my mother, and my mother would blame me.  Speaking about her experience growing up in a turbulent home, Sabrina Osso sheds light on the patterns of abuse and violence that encompassed her childhood. Fueled by the journey out of her early traumatic life, she dedicates herself to improving families and creating safe homes through her business, Osso Safe.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Soraya Chemaly is an award-winning author and activist. As a cultural critic, she writes and speaks frequently about gender norms, politics, and technology and their relationship to violence, risk, and social justice. She is the former Executive Director of The Representation Project and Director and co-founder of the Women's Media Center Speech Project, both dedicated to protecting and expanding women's civic and political participation. Her first book, Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger, was recognized as a Best Book of 2018 by the Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and NPR and has been translated into multiple languages. Her most recent book, The Resilience Myth, has just been released.   Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer:s Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Sit back and enjoy fantastic insights from our phenomenal guest Gordon Braxton.  Gordon Braxton joins Katie and Claire to discuss how his work as an activist and educator has shaped his upcoming book, which focuses on violence prevention and specifically addresses black boys. Braxton talks about challenging stereotypes, changing narratives, and the hope he sees in the next generation.  Braxton is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was a peer educator in an all-male anti-violence group at the University of Virginia and won the Black Fraternal Council's Man of the Year Award. After graduating from UVA, he traveled alongside Katie Koestner as a presenter on the topic of sexual violence prevention. Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Guest: Gordon Braxton Producers: Kelsey Styles and Emily Wang Editor: Kelsey Styles Guest Coordinator: Emily Wang

'There was something just... sitting there.' Jess Michaels is a 3x founder, TEDx speaker, and dance industry professional with 30 years of experience as a performer, educator, and entrepreneur. She is also a 1991 survivor of sexual assault by Jeffrey Epstein who has lived with PTSD for over 30 years. Today, she's the founder, CEO, and driving force behind 3Joannes Sexual Assault First Aid. Through her work, Jess equips communities with trauma-sensitive skills, language, pre-crisis protocols, and post-assault resources that empower a united front against sexual assault while fostering heartfelt care for survivors. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'I had been spending my entire career encouraging victims to report and I had never reported mine, I had never told anybody.' This week, Dave Markel shares his incredible journey from advocate to survivor. Initially working tirelessly with the justice system and advocacy network to serve victims of sexual assault, his work eventually frees him to share his own survivor story. Today, Dave shares his voice with thousands, hoping to connect with and support survivors around the world.  Dave Markel is the host and founder of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS podcast. With over 40 years of work in the criminal justice profession, 18 of which were as a police officer and detective with the Lafayette, Colorado police department, Dave now provides training on trauma-informed interviewing, utilizing a foundation in the basics of brain responses to trauma and the impact on memory. Please do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault by subscribing to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories podcast, then rate and share the podcast with everyone you know! Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Bringing attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, Dr. Annita Lucchesi sheds light on the populations at risk, how trafficking happens, and what we can do to help. Her personal journey mirrors the geographies of her community's struggles, resulting in her interest in mapping. Today, she researches Indigenous cartography, land-based violence, and earth sciences, merging her passion for geography with her Cheyenne roots.  Dr. Annita Lucchesi is a Cheyenne researcher, geographer, and community advocate. She lives on her ancestral homelands in southeast Montana, a few miles off of the Northern Cheyenne reservation. Anita is a survivor-leader with lived experience of trafficking, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and police violence. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Sovereign Bodies Institute, a non-profit research center and service provider addressing violence against Indigenous peoples. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang  

Find new insights from our incredible guest, Rachael Denhollander.  "How much is a little girl worth?" Guided by a strong sense of justice since she was young, Rachael decided at ten that she wanted to be an attorney. However, her experience reporting abuse in her church comes with a terrible lesson: don't report unless you can prove it. Taking this to heart, when her gymnastics coach Larry Nassar sexually assaults her, she stays silent.  16 years later, supported by investigative journalists and public outrage, she reports her abuse, becoming the first whistleblower and rallying an army of survivors to bring Larry Nassar to justice. Today, Rachael Denhollander speaks across the country to make change in institutions ranging from the government to religious organizations, pursuing survivor healing and institutional transformation.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Benter Oluoch Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'I knew in this moment, this happened to me.'  Emily Dinova is constantly curious and always looking to empower others through her art. She has spent years learning to find, forgive, and love herself. Bringing her journey to the page, her latest novel, The Antagonist, is a cathartic release from her childhood trauma. She is deeply passionate about connecting with others and helping them find a voice amongst the chaotic waves of life, and hopes her art can bring her and her voice closer to community.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Sharing her journey through learning and teaching, Kim Shively brings light to insights that storytelling in professional acting can provide. She reveals how navigating the personal can help us understand how to better set boundaries and tell stories in ways that honor ourselves and others.  Kim Shively is a typical 21st-century multi-hyphenate: an actor, director, Intimacy Choreographer/Coordinator/Consultant, professor, and researcher. Her career evolution started with professional acting, added direction and teaching in academia, and now includes developing and leading workshops and consultant work—all of which have taken her around the world. Her passion is helping people maximize their humanity through understanding boundaries and consent, power dynamics, and collaboration. Her research in bringing this work to spaces that include minors and young adults has been a major focus for the past decade. She is an Associate Professor at Elon University where she teaches acting, and a Guilding Faculty of Theatrical Intimacy Education, a global organization committed to helping everyone in the room be better at being in the room. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'The workplace is more often about are you willing to do X, Y, and Z.' Bringing consent-informed practices to Hollywood, Amanda Blumenthal shares her experiences coordinating intimate scenes to protect the safety of performers and crew while channeling an artistic vision for viewers. Examining the nuances of workplace and interpersonal consent, she sheds light on ways the industry sets standards for consent to navigate differences in power and create professional environments.  Amanda Blumenthal is one of the founders of intimacy coordination for film and television, which aims to create safer spaces on set for both performers and crew members while empowering bold and creative storytelling. She comes to this work with a background in sex and relationship coaching, sex-positive queer sex education work, and advocacy work for survivors of sexual assault. Amanda is the founder of the Intimacy Professionals Association, which provides SAG-AFTRA accredited intimacy coordinator training to a global audience, as well as educational workshops for the film industry on topics related to intimacy work for the screen.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Agluat and Emily Wang

This week, Helene Weiss and Grant Boyd share their experiences advocating for survivors and working tirelessly to protect their rights in the courtroom. They share visions of hope and victory, bringing to light brave survivors who have pushed to make their voices heard and fight for themselves and their community.  Helene Weiss is a partner at Marsh Law Firm and works on a wide range of cases representing survivors of sexual abuse. She is a former Special Victims Bureau Prosecutor who has tried dozens of cases from jury selection to verdict, both criminal and civil. Helene also works as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Hofstra University, teaching Advanced Trial Skills. Grant Boyd is an attorney from St. Louis, Missouri. His practice focuses on representing sexual abuse survivors and families of victims. In just 10 years as an attorney, Grant has won over half a billion dollars for crime victims and continues to assist victims in navigating criminal cases. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Find new insights with this classic episode of the Dear Katie Podcast, featuring Laura Davis.  Laura Davis has helped survivors world over with her book The Courage To Heal, co-authored by Laura Bass. She has now written a memoir of her fraught relationship with her mother. The Shining Light of Two Stars is a riveting story of the love and anger that drew them together and pulled them apart in the decades since Laura told her mother that her grandfather sexually abused her. In this episode of Dear Katie: Survivor Stories, Laura discusses the dangers and the benefits of reconciling with a toxic family member, and what survivors can learn from her experience. Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Guest: Laura Davis Editor: Kelsey Styles Guest Coordinator: Emily Wang

'We all have had a very different journey and therefore have different wounds or scars and different needs and abilities and strengths and weaknesses.' This week, Mandeep Rai, the author of The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life and Leadership, tells us about cultural humility and what is necessary to listen to and understand others. She shares the considerations that individuals and institutions must make to hold space for others, and the many lessons she has learned traveling around the world.  Dr. Mandeep Rai is a global authority on values, working with companies, institutions, and individuals worldwide. She has traveled to more than 150 countries and reported as a journalist for the BBC World Service and Reuters. Mandeep studied philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE), has an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics, and completed an MBA at London Business School. She also holds a PhD in global values. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

'I didn't get the chance to know what my life would have been like if I hadn't been assaulted.' New to campus and excited about college, Mary Simmerling starts her life in Los Angeles at a party, where she is assaulted while trying to rest. Initially faced with harsh denial of her experiences, she is pushed back into herself and continues to live in fear. Mary shares with us her journey from the throes of an eating disorder and dropping out of school, to finding support in literature and freedom through art.  Mary Simmerling is a poet, scholar, and activist. She holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Illinois and an MA in Psychology from Adler University, specializing in applied ethics, social justice, and trauma recovery. In addition to being on the faculty of Cornell University, she serves as the Senior Research Advisor to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Mary is both an Affiliate and Board member of Amherst Writers & Artists, and maintains an active role in nonprofits across the US & Canada that provide direct services to survivors of violence and trauma.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

Sheila Wood, an Intuitive Healing Coach with a PhD in Clinical Pathology, holds a distinct space in trauma healing. Her unique fusion of energy healing, mediumship, and Akashic Record insights with her academic alignment create prolific healing environments. Rooted in a mission to heal the generational echoes and lifetime impacts of sexual assault trauma, Sheila's method locates and liberates deeply ingrained, often physically expressed, emotions. Her integrative approach serves those plagued by remnants of harrowing experiences, offering them liberation from embedded traumas and a path to transformative healing. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

This week, revisit our episode Got That Swing, featuring Antuan Raimone.  The first time Antuan Raimone spoke out as a survivor, he had 90 seconds. But those 90 seconds were all he needed to secure funding for the sexual assault organization he was working with for the following year. In this interview, he details how he dealt with his trauma, how the theater helps him find his strength, and how he learned to acknowledge and live with fear. PAVE Ambassador Antuan Magic Raimone is an Author/TEDxSpeaker/Activist/Actor with over 20 years of experience in Musical Theatre who is currently a Universal Swing for "Hamilton" on Broadway and across the U.S. He was also the Vacation Swing for the Off-Broadway, Broadway and 1st National Tour of "In The Heights" and has performed at Radio City Music Hall and the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. In addition to being a member of the Office of Victim Services's Advisory Council in NY, he has been a Keynote speaker at the University of Virginia, the SPECTRUM Conference in Albany, NY and has spoken at the United States Merchant Marine Academy(USMMA). His mission and purpose as a Soldier of Love is to empower and encourage others to live a whole life. A life where mistakes can exist, where fear is not debilitating and where vulnerability is not a weakness. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Craig Stanton Producers: Claire Kaplan, Kelsey Styles, Emily Wang

This week, clinical psychologist Dr. Sabina Mauro shares her expertise on the non-linear process of healing. She shares multiple analogies to help us better understand our nervous systems, bringing to light the many paths and facets of processing our trauma, thoughts, and experiences,  Dr. Sabina Mauro is a clinical psychologist specializing in treating trauma survivors. She operates a private practice in Yardley, Pennsylvania, is a published author of 2 books, and has been featured on various websites on topics related to PTSD and trauma. Dr. Mauro is a member of the American Psychological Association, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wag and Catrina Aglubat

'This isn't violent, in an alley, with a gun to my head, he didn't throw me in a dumpster after, does this even count?' Sydney Williams is a dynamic speaker, author, and the visionary founder of Hiking My Feelings, an organization that helps folks from all walks of life find healing in nature. Her new book, Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, captures her transformative journeys across Catalina Island and offers readers a framework for self-love and healing. Through her work, Sydney has become a beacon of hope and resilience, helping countless people reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Today, she shares her own story and healing journey, from self-doubt to body image issues, engaging with doing, and finding solace through nature. 

Chris McGhee is a father of three daughters, living an average life. His youngest, then 15 years old, is groomed by a police officer who uses his position of power to gain her trust. When he assaults her, their family is suddenly forced to fight for justice, but the officer pleas for a misdemeanor that allows him to evade punishment. Chris later learns that this is a common plea given to law enforcement officers and is now on a mission to shed light on sexual assaults by police officers and pass legislation to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. To help Chris fight for justice and learn more about bill HB1847, go to https://chrismcghee.com/ Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

This week, listen to one of our favorite classic episodes to reabsorb new insights from Jennifer Hirsch and Samus Khan, authors of Sexual Citizens.  On our first expert episode, Katie and Claire sit down with Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan to discuss their book Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus. Published in January 2020, Sexual Citizens analyzes why sexual assault is so prevalent on college campuses, and how space and power dynamics influence who has control. Jennifer Hirsch is a professor of Socio-medical Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Shamus Khan is a professor of Sociology and American Studies at Princeton University. You can learn more about their individual accolades, as well as their book Sexual Citizens, at sexualcitizens.com. Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Guests: Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan Producers: Kelsey Styles and Emily Wang Editor: Kelsey Styles Guest Coordinator: Emily Wang

Suddenly haunted by repressed memories, Deb's healing journey started once she found the courage to face the past. Her experiences of recovery and healing inform her work as a coach today, as she shares her voice and expertise with us to help us resist the ever-looming temptation to return to harmful familiarity.  Deborah Halvorson is a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach, as well as the owner and founder of Through the Jungle, a coaching business that works with sexual assault survivors to move beyond surviving to create and experience their own well-being and safety while maneuvering through the jungle of life. Deb's newly released book - Out of the Basement-Beyond Surviving Sexual Assault -  provides an opportunity to discover what's possible when we shift beyond surviving and into a lifestyle of healing, hope, and empowerment. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

Gretchen Carlson is a fierce, fearless, and internationally recognized advocate for women's rights, whose bold actions against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes helped pave the way for the global #MeToo movement. A former CBS News and Fox News journalist, author, TED talk alum, and champion for workplace equality, Carlson was named one of Time Magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World.” She co-founded the nonprofit Lift Our Voices which works to eliminate silencing mechanisms in the workplace and was recently instrumental in passing two of the biggest labor laws in the last century. This week, she shares her voice and expertise to inspire, connect, and empower our community of survivors and supporters.  Find out more about Gretchen and her work here: https://www.gretchencarlson.com/ Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

Devon Price, PhD, is a social psychologist, professor, author, and proud Autistic person. His research has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and the Journal of Positive Psychology. This week, he discusses his experiences with neurodiversity and what that means for healing.  Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

This week, listen to one of our favorite classic episodes to reabsorb new insights from Anthony Edwards.  Actor Anthony Edwards joins Katie and Claire to discuss the sexual abuse he experienced starting at the age of 12 by a trusted adult mentor, and how that experience informs his acting, his career, and his personal life. Edwards is a four-time Emmy-nominated actor and winner of the Golden Globe Award in 1998 for his work on the network television series ER. He most recently performed as Mr. Franklin in the Broadway revival of Children of a Lesser God and as Mars Harper in Netflix's Designated Survivor. He has executive produced a number of award-winning television films and documentaries. Edwards is also a chairman and national spokesperson for the organization 1in6, which was founded by and for male survivors of sexual abuse. Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Guest: Anthony Edwards Editor: Kelsey Styles Visit 1in6 at 1in6.org

Growing up alongside ritual and spiritualism, Monica has found healing and empowerment through shamanic practice. She shares her knowledge and beliefs with our listeners, giving us a path to discover our true selves and explore magickal journeys.  Find out more about her and her practice here: featherandbone.org Hosts: Katie Koestner and Emily Wang Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

This week, Dr. Jennifer Freed gives us the ins and outs of EMDR therapy, astrology, and understanding the self. With her years of study in both psychology and birth charts, she shares with us the path to finding healing, resilience, and thriving.  Discover your highest potential with Jennifer's work here: https://www.jenniferfreed.com/ Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

Gretchen Swank, a wilderness survival instructor, shares her experiences healing and connecting through the outdoors. She brings her knowledge of nature to our listeners to inspire us to find strength in learning to survive.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

"How much is a little girl worth?" Guided by a strong sense of justice since she was young, Rachael decided at ten that she wanted to be an attorney. However, her experience reporting abuse in her church comes with a terrible lesson: don't report unless you can prove it. Taking this to heart, when her gymnastics coach Larry Nassar sexually assaults her, she stays silent.  16 years later, supported by investigative journalists and public outrage, she reports her abuse, becoming the first whistleblower and rallying an army of survivors to bring Larry Nassar to justice. Today, Rachael Denhollander speaks across the country to make change in institutions ranging from the government to religious organizations, pursuing survivor healing and institutional transformation.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Benter Oluoch Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'The beauty of the liberation is ... knowing the self, having compassion, and developing a rapport with the self.' Battling through a cosmic storm, Edy Nathan and Katie discuss deep intuition, becoming your own negotiator, and partnering with grief. A psychotherapist and grief counselor, Edy shares strategies for thriving with and beyond loss and trauma.  Find out more about her work here: https://edynathan.com/ Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

This week we sit down to discuss behavior and moral psychology in the context of sexual violence with Roni Porat and Ana Gantman. The professors cover the pitfalls of bystander intervention, changing attitudes and behaviors, and substance use, sharing their wealth of knowledge on what works and what doesn't to stop rape.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang

Reeling from another assault, teenage Caitlin is recovering when another man takes advantage of her vulnerability, overpowering her. Years later, she decides to out her rapist on Facebook and learns of others with the same experience. Frustrated by the injustices she and other survivors have faced, Caitlin writes LIFE OF CYN, speaking out about her assault and finding a path to healing.  Find out more about Cailtin's work here: https://www.caitlinavery.com/ Hosts: Emily Wang and Claire Kaplan Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang  

Often associated with glitz and glamour, bottle service is an important part of the Las Vegas lifestyle. Julia shares her experiences with working in nightclubs, highlighting the camaraderie she experienced despite the assumptions made about her career.  Find out more about her book, Just the Tip, here: https://www.authorjuliachristine.com/ Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Emily Wang Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang and Catrina Agulbat

'I wanted everyone to be happy. I didn't want to be a burden.' Coming from a lineage of powerful women, Paula forges her own path as an immigrant in the United States. She shares her knowledge with us as a female entrepreneur mastering both feminine and masculine energy to craft a life of balance and peace.  Find out more about Paula here: https://linktr.ee/paulalacobara Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Emily Wang and Catrina Aglubat

Meeting for hot chocolate, Taryn breaks her one rule and allows a man to drive her home since he says 'his momma raised him right'. He quickly begins pushing her boundaries, refusing to leave, and finally assaulting her for almost an hour. Today, Taryn speaks up for herself and others, fighting to advocate legally for survivors in her state.  Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Emily Wang Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang

"Women are really strong. We really are very strong." From infertility to sexual violence, Leslie Morgan Steiner has spent her career documenting and discussing the experiences that have become markers of many's experience of womanhood. Today, she shares her wisdom on being outspoken in male-dominated fields, and what it means to be both a powerful woman and a victim.  Find out more about Leslie Morgan Steiner here.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang

"I don't remember when it became normal to sit on the guy's lap, but it was." Escaping a turbulent home life, Seth spends his weekends playing video games with an older friend. While initially, their friendship seems safe, he quickly finds himself accustomed to abuse to preserve his newfound freedom. Fearing for the next child, Seth decides to report his abuser to the police and collects evidence against him; his bravery leads to his abuser's arrest. Today, he heals through sharing his story and helping others.  Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Luiza Leite Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang

Join us through breathing and movement exercises as we learn about the ways our body holds experiences and how we can work with our bodies to promote a path to healing. Carol Beringer, a Movement Reeducation Specialist, shares her experience and knowledge with us to connect our minds and bodies. Find out more about Carol and her work at https://pilatesandmore.com/  Hosts: Emily Wang and Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang

"We're standing in tender solidarity... and we feel safe to hold hands, even metaphorically, and create this beautiful circle of survivors standing together." Julie Wallach, an outspoken activist and author, shares her experiences with surviving trauma and the many different responses to sexual violence. She brings light to the dissociation and self-doubt many survivors face, and reminds us of the ways we are standing together.  Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Emily Wang Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang

We ask Renee Williams, the Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, all of our pressing legal questions. While Law and Order may be entertaining, our ideas of what occurs in the courtroom may not be accurate.  Renée is the executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime. She also serves as the director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, an affiliate program of the National Center. Hosts: Katie Koestner and Emily Wang Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang

In this episode, we invite TBone McGowain to share his experiences as a male survivor coach. He works with men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault and are dealing with the aftermath, accompanying them on their healing journeys to help them achieve the life they desire.  Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan Editor: Benter Oluoch Producer: Emily Wang

This week we share the powerful voices of Jon Vaughn and Josh Rubin. Jon Vaughn made waves around the world as one of the few to publicly speak out against the abuse of University of Michigan doctor Robert Anderson in 2020, leading over 1000 survivors in a lawsuit against the university that settled in 2022. Today, he is a testament to the power of speaking out and advocating for what is right against all odds.  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang

Coming out to their teddy bear, Lindz Amer quickly found themselves at the center of internet controversy. Navigating online vitriol from a young age, they found solace in connecting with other queer folk and making content for LGBTQ+ children. They are best known for their webseries Queer Kid Stuff, their book Rainbow Parenting: Your Guide to Raising Queer Kids and Their Allies, and their debut picture book Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!  Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Benter Oluoch Producers: Emily Wang, Megan Ray, and Catrina Aglubat

'I didn't look pretty anymore, I had stopped taking care of myself... I was no longer the family hero.' Cheryl Spera is a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor and the founder of Higher Ground Recovery & Yoga which provides trauma-sensitive yoga classes to substance use and behavioral health facilities in the Philadelphia region. She is a woman in long-term recovery from alcoholism. After two decades of recovery, Cheryl relapsed, and it took her five long years to move from relapse to sobriety. She credits the depth and meaning provided by yoga as integral to her commitment to sobriety and supporting others in their recovery journey. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producer: Emily Wang