The Empowerment Podcast By Naga

Folks this is a jaw-dropping self-defense success story! Meet Ashlyn Johnson, a martial artist of many years who uses her skills and experience to help make the world a better place. Here's Ashlyn's bio: Ashlyn Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CNE Dr. Johnson is an assistant professor of nursing and a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She maintains clinical practice providing psychiatric services to patients struggling with substance use disorders.  Her service and research agendas focus on mental health and empowerment, particularly related to interpersonal violence, trauma, and resilience. She is currently investigating the relationship between self-defense training, trauma, PTSD symptoms, and resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys tea and a good book, martial arts, travel, and spending time with her 4-year-old daughter.

We've got an award-willing guest speaking with us and we're about to learn a lot about the origins of the women's self-defense movement in the United States. Turn up your volume and put on your thinking cap. Here we go! Wendy Rouse, among many other things, is a historian who teaches at San Jose State University in CA. She's a researcher, the author of various articles and several books, and as the program coordinator for the History/Social Science Teacher Preparation Program at SJSU she also mentors other people who want to become educators. Wendy's website:com  Her Own Hero – The Origins of the Women's Self Defense Movement: https://wendylrouse.com/research/ Connect with Silvia Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #herownhero, #wendylrouse, #womensselfdefensehistory

Stephanie Cyr has started an Empowerment Self Defense Program at SFSU that is rolling out in the Fall of 2024! In this episode, she'll tell us all about it, share a wonderful self-defense success story and so much more. Our wide-ranging conversation covers how great it will be when we can make ESD a standardized course offering in all public schools and how ESD can impact health, along with positivity and lots of hope for the future of this movement. Stephanie's Website: www.powerupmoves.com or you can check me out on Connect with Stephanie: On LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-cyr-j-d-433274171/ or through Instagram @powerupmoves Also Mentioned: PAVE Prevention ESD Global The National Women's Martial Arts Federation Connect with Silvia Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity

Did you know that complying and playing along are essential tools you already have in your toolkit? It can help us buy time to get help or get to safety. Join host Silvia Smart as she shares how one person “played along” to stop an attempted rape and get to safety. Our stories are important. YOUR stories are important! Consider sharing your story with me and with my listeners. Connect with Silvia Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #complying #playingalong #successstory

Host Silvia Smart and author Lauren Taylor discuss this newly released book which is an excellent resource for everyone – those interested in empowerment, in self-defense and instructors of ESD as well. Join Silvia and Lauren as they do some of the exercises in the book and chat about the ins and outs of this fascinating publication worthy of a read! Connect with Silvia Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Buy “Get Empowered” by Nadia Telsey and Lauren Taylor Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #getempowered

Smart shares one of her favorite success stories in which a person running solo through the woods gets free after an attack from behind. Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #selfdefensesuccessstory, #successstory  

Join host Silvia Smart on the Camino de Santiago. Thank you, listeners, for 10,000 downloads!

There's a clear uptick in mass shootings across the country leading to lots of fear, confusion, and anguish. Who better to talk to than the FBI? Join me and my guest, Special Agent in Charge of the Portland FBI, Kieran Ramsey. We discuss how regular people like you and me can help prevent mass shootings and play a role in stopping this disturbing cycle of violence. (Hint: it will not make the news.) We discuss the ins and outs, ups and downs of knowing what to look for, fact versus myth, reporting, planning, preparation, and yes, believe it or not, empowerment! Many thanks to SAC Ramsey for sharing his experience and wisdom as we negotiate the complex landscape we all live in right now. Please share this episode far and wide. Together, we can create a kinder and safer world, one relationship at a time. We've got this! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Call 911 Call Your Local Non-Emergency Police Phone Number: Directory by City Report to the FBI Contact Your Local FBI Field Office FBI Phone #: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) Connect with Silvia Trauma-Informed Active Shooter Trainings with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Henry Smart-Denson Other Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #activeshooter, #fbiportland, #activeshootertraining, #massshooterprevention,

Folks, Florida is on the front lines right now. There are huge safety concerns brought on by the cruel laws, restrictions, rhetoric, and policies of Ron DeSantis and his friends that are affecting many people. Because of this, Equality Florida, along with the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens, have all issued travel advisories for the State of Florida. I wanted to find out more and am thrilled to introduce you to Brandon Wolf, the Press Secretary of Equality Florida. In April 2023, Brandon's organization, Equality Florida warned against traveling to the state of Florida for folks in the LGBTQ+ community saying it could be risky and potentially unsafe. The warning says: “Taken in their totality, Florida's slate of laws and policies targeting basic freedoms and rights pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those traveling to the state.”  The League of United Latin American Citizens issued its own warning, saying bluntly: “Traveling to Florida is dangerous.” The advisory goes on to say travel in Florida “can be unsafe for people of color, individuals who speak with an accent, and international travelers,” and people in those groups could face “a heightened risk of harassment, possible detainment, and potential family separation based on racial profiling.” From the New York Times: The NAACP became the latest to issue a travel advisory to the Sunshine State, warning that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis's “aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools” have turned the state into an openly hostile place for people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” Donation link:  Equality Florida Website Equality Florida is on social media everywhere: @equalityFL  Brandon's Book is available NOW! Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Henry Smart-Denson Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #equalityflorida

If we're gonna talk about Empowerment Self Defense, we have to talk about denial. When talking with survivors of sexual assault and survivors of other types of relational violence it is common to hear that the survivor had a funny feeling something was wrong but then doubted themselves or rationalized or minimized their intuition and flat out ignored it. This is called denial. Denial can put us at risk and because of that, breaking through denial in all the ways it manifests in our lives keeps us safer. Period. Looking at and talking about denial is directly connected to empowerment self-defense AND to our safety as we walk through the world.   Mentioned in this episode: Brené Brown, Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution. Gavin De Becker's Book,  “Protecting the Gift” On Assignment with Audie Cornish Katherine White's Blog on Denial Links to Empowerment Self Defense Classes near you: The National Women's Martial Arts Federation – Please note, you might need to check back because the list of current certified instructors is being updated.   ESD Global Connect with Silvia Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #denial

Hey listeners! If you haven't had a chance to take an empowerment self-defense class and you want to, or if you know someone who'd like to, I'm teaching a beginning class in June on Zoom! I'd love to see you there! Also, if you're at all interested in my training around active shooter survival strategies, I'm doing an hour-long class a little later that same day. Listen to find out more and if you'd like to register, here are the links I promised you so you can register: Empowerment Self Defense Class Surviving a Mass Shooting Incident Class  

Meet Jill Shames, Empowerment Self Defense Instructor. Listen in as she and host, Silvia Smart, share a few self-defense success stories and talk about all the things the survivors did RIGHT! Find out why they recommend a perspective shift as you think through your own experiences! You are strong and powerful and Jill and Silvia believe in you!  Watch video of the self-defense success story Jill and Silvia talk about here. Connect with Jill: jillsensei.com senseijs@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/jedispiritmama   Connect with Silvia Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #selfdefensesuccessstories, #successstories

Meet Lauren Taylor who has been working to end gender-based violence since 1978, when she co-founded Washington, D.C.'s first shelter for abused women. As an empowerment self-defense teacher and founder-director of Defend Yourself, she's trained more than 35,000 people in the D.C. area and elsewhere in the U.S. She's also trained dozens of trainers around the country and around the world.  Join us as we find out more about Lauren and what makes her tick. Learn about the book she co-authored with Nadia Telsey, which will be published in the fall! Importantly, follow the links here to learn how to pre-order the book and support this important work! Connect with Lauren Taylor: Defend Yourself Safe Bars Get Empowered (the book) More about me (and the book) "Get Empowered: A Practical Guide to Thrive, Heal, and Embrace Your Confidence in a Sexist World" will be at bookstores October 3! You can support the book by pre-ordering here!    Lauren R. Taylor: she/they Defend Yourself 301.608.3708 FB: thedefendyourself IG: @thedefendyourself Twitter: @1defendyourself LinkedIn   Connect with Silvia Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia   Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid)   Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity

Join host Silvia Smart as she shares pieces of her journey to empowerment and survival from a cult-like martial arts system. Listen to the red flags that crop up around these dysfunctional and sometimes dangerous systems and people. Cults and charismatic leaders with ill intent are everywhere – Qanon, NXIVM, Scientology, and The Children of God, are just a few examples. Cults and narcissistic, manipulative, and sociopathic leaders exist within conspiratorial cultures, churches, and spiritual groups. People get stuck in these systems - especially when they are vulnerable. Learn the signs so you can protect yourself and stay safe. Mentioned in this Episode: The Cult Education Institute Two episodes of: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle about the cult, NXIVM: Episode 1 Episode 2   Connect with Silvia   Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia   Special thanks to my editors! Henry Smart-Denson & Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid)   Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #cult, #isurvivedacult

Smart shares a surprising self-defense success story that is near and dear to her heart. Find out how her 90-year-old dad responded when he was choked from behind while walking down the street! Connect with Silvia Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia   Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid)   Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you!   Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.   #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #chokebehind

Join host, Silvia Smart and her guest, Tasha Ina Church, an empowerment self-defense teacher with a life story you want to hear about! On her website, she writes: “Empowerment goes beyond physical safety. It is understanding that YOU have a VOICE and that voice has POWER — It's about knowing that in any fight; physical, psychological, or emotional, YOU are Worth Fighting For!” Get inspired, and then check out all of Tasha's links: Tasha's Website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube On Spotify   Connect with Silvia Zoom Self Defense Classes with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #elleliveaction, @elleliveaction

Happy New Year! It's 2023 and I'm glad you are here! Welcome to my new listeners. I hope you find something here that helps you out or inspires you to become your most empowered self. Listen to this quick recording to get your sea legs and hear my quick recommendations about how to listen. My hope for all of us is that we keep defining who we are, what our values are, and what our boundaries are, and then practice using all our muscles – the ones that allow us to speak up, speak out and protect ourselves. Connect with Silvia Silvia's Bio Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity,

Empowerment is a lifelong journey. Celebrate your wins and contemplate your next steps. Join host, Silvia Smart, as she shares a piece of her journey into and beyond a lifelong challenge that impacted every area of her life. Find out how she vanquished her dragon and lived to tell about it. Think through what's on the horizon for YOU! Empowerment means doing stuff that is hard and scary, looking at the way we limit ourselves, the way society limits us…and facing it, moving through it, living to tell about it, seeing, feeling, and knowing how strong and powerful we are because of these choices and this journey! Importantly, going on to share our experiences, challenges, and successes can become a way of helping others who face similar trials and tribulations. You are already amazing!  Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   LINKS: Video about Joseph Campbell, “Finding Joe” (beware, it's heavy on references to men.) “Because I said I would”. My blog on Food Addiction has links to the program that is working for me.   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #becauseisaidiwould, #brightlineeating, #ble, #findingjoe,

Join host, Silvia Smart, and her guest, Jim Wetzel as they discuss the martial art they train and so much more. Poekoelan Tjimindie was brought to the US from Indonesia in 1956 by Willy Wetzel. Jim is his youngest son, has been training in this art since he was 4 years old, and is a font of wisdom. He's kind, and generous and is a wonderful human being and teacher. In this episode, Silvia and Jim discuss all things self-defense. Also, if you are looking to begin some of your own martial arts training, they spend some time talking about how to pick the right style, school, and teacher for you.   Connect with Silvia Connect with Jim: wetzelsystems@gmail.com   Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid)   Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #poekoelan, #poekoelantjimindie

Are you ready to set a Zero Tolerance Policy? Is another person's behavior toward you hurtful, demeaning, disrespectful, or downright threatening? In this episode, we contemplate our tolerance levels for others' behaviors. We think through becoming ready to make a boundary and draw a line: to have “Zero Tolerance”. We look at the planning and preparation needed to ensure we set ourselves up for the greatest success possible. Hear two stories: one that illustrates a “mushy” policy and one that illustrates “Zero Tolerance”. Explore an example with host, Silvia Smart. Hear about the “Zero Tolerance Policy” of the NBA and yes, her favorite team, The Portland Trailblazers as they've codified it into expectations of fans at games.  Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you!   Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.   #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #zerotolerance, #blazers, #trailblazers, #portlandtrailblazers

Blowback is another person's reaction when you reclaim your power, take up your space, set boundaries and make changes in your life. Blowback comes in a large variety of sizes and shapes and can look and feel many different ways. Ultimately, it's about the other person trying to maintain the status quo. It's their way of trying to keep the power dynamic between you from changing. Like all of our self-defense, the level of blowback will vary up and down the continuum of assault and violence. When you know it's coming and can plan and prepare for it, you get to practice handling it. This practice helps you respond to blowback when the stakes are higher or if it comes as a surprise. You have every right to claim your space, set boundaries, and step into your power. Here are some thoughts about blowback and some tools for your self-defense toolkit to deal with it when it happens to you. Chances are good that as you set boundaries and step into empowerment, you WILL get blowback. So be prepared! You've got this!   Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #blowback

Listeners ask questions. Let's discuss: What should I do if I see someone being followed or pursued? Do I help? If so, HOW do I help? Here's a quick episode to talk you through some options.   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

Meet survivor, Jake Sinclair as he and host Silvia Smart, discuss what happened, what it was like, how he has dealt with it, how he's found healing, and what his life is like today. According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), one out of every ten rape victims is male and about 3% - or 1 in 33 – American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape. Listeners, please be advised that this episode contains strong language and content, and adjust your listening accordingly.   Connect with Silvia Special thanks to my editor, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid) Resources: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee Donate through my website Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project Community” on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #theempowermentpodcastybynaga, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity,

Colonization is all around us and even lives inside of us. We can find it right now as we look at our politics, power, spirituality, daily life, familiesand , relationships— it's literally everywhere. How do we become aware of it? And once we see it, how do we start to pull it apart? Join this interesting and wide-ranging discussion about decolonization and what it takes to deconstruct the predominant cultural and social paradigm. It's personal, it's lived and it's ours to become aware of and to move through. As people who are interested in empowerment and self-defense, how does this important topic impact the way we show up for ourselves and for others? ABOUT OUR GUEST: Magdalena Diaz works at the Office of Student Affairs at Cal State. She grew up undocumented which had a huge impact on her family life, her education and the choices available to her. Hear the story about a moment that changed the trajectory of her career and propelled her forward in her empowerment journey. Book Recommendation: The Revolution Starts at Home Find Magdalena: @soulwarriors_esd Special thanks to my producer, Collin Taber (@that2ndtaberkid, collintaber@gmail.com) Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee  Donate through my website  Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #decolonization Connect with Silvia 

What does coercion look, feel and sound like when it's used in intimate settings - when we are often at our most vulnerable? How do you build your awareness of and resilience to it? What self-defense tools will you want to have stashed in your self-defense toolkit to deal with sexual coercion? Join host Silvia Smart and her guest, Justine Halliwill from the University of Oregon where she teaches self-defense. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we take a look at coercion, your sexuality, and strategies you can use to prevent sexual assault and keep yourself safe. Special thanks to my editor, Azucena Melchor! Here is one link to all the resources mentioned in this episode, the podcasts, videos and PDFs. All in one spot!   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.   #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #coercion, #justinehalliwill   Connect with Silvia: www.nagacommunity.com/contact

What is coercion as it relates to sexual assault? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? How do we build resilience to it? What are tools we can add to our toolkit to deal with coercion when we feel it is happening to us? Luckily for us, in this episode, we are joined by Justine Halliwill from the University of Oregon where she teaches self-defense. Join us for part one of this two-part series as we take a look at this manipulative ploy which is so nuanced and important to understand!   Special thanks to my producer, Henry Smart-Denson, and my editor, Azucena Melchor! Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #coercion, #justinehalliwill Connect with Silvia: www.nagacommunity.com/contact   Link Bustle Article: https://www.bustle.com/articles/67926-is-it-rape-if-you-say-yes-5-types-of-sexual-coercion-explained Dr. Nerdlove on Coercion: https://www.doctornerdlove.com/coerced-consent-yes-means-no/all/1/  Link to the Heart Radio Podcast: https://www.theheartradio.org/ For more on Justine and the faculty teaching self-defense at the University of Oregon: https://selfdefense.uoregon.edu/meet-the-instructors/#:~:text=Justine%20Halliwill%20began%20her%20teaching,in%20the%20discipline%20of%20yoga.

Here's a quick update to let you know what's going on. I've missed you!   Also... Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. TELL ME YOUR STORY! Connect with Silvia: www.nagacommunity.com/contact Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you!   #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity

Boundaries are fundamental to our emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health and safety. Join host Silvia Smart and THRIVE – with a little help from your boundaries! Find out: What is a boundary? How do boundaries make us safer? What other reasons make them important? What does a boundary have to do with empowerment self-defense? How do you know where yours begin and end? How do you set a boundary? How do you make your boundaries known and how do you enforce them? This is the good stuff! Enjoy! Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. #theempowermentpodcast, #theempowermentproject, #emowermentselfdefense, #selfdefense, #nagacommunity, #boundaries Connect with Silvia: www.nagacommunity.com/contact Evoke Episode – Enmeshment (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rRlbljITSRxy6Q0hQAY48?si=av5mL_PnQMyezO6gbvfXTQ&dl_branch=1)

Empowerment Self Defense really works! Find out how Jocelyn Hollander's research at the University of Oregon is proving this – and so much more! ESD training works not just to keep you safer, though it does that REALLY WELL! It also has positive impacts that reach far beyond your class. Participants report being empowered in a variety of different areas of their personal and professional lives. Here's proof that Empowerment Self Defense keeps participants safer and changes lives and the balance of power. Join me and my guest, Jocelyn Hollander as we discuss her research methods and findings on the efficacy of ESD and so much more! Jocelyn is a professor at the University of Oregon. Researching the efficacy of ESD has become her life's work. She's got fantastic information and perspective! Enjoy! Find out more: Jocelyn at the U of O: https://sociology.uoregon.edu/profile/jocelynh/ Jocelyn's Web Page: https://jocelynhollander.com/   #theempowermentpodcastbynaga, #nagacommunity, @nagacommunity @nagamartialarts #esd, #empowermentselfdefense @jocelynhollander   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Empowerment Self Defense challenges the status quo, the balance of power, and unconscious biases. It challenges myths and attitudes, cultural norms, and beliefs. It gives participants agency and tools to question power dynamics in society, but also in their intimate relationships. Because of this, and myriad other reasons as well, there is a great deal of resistance on the part of both individuals and institutions to taking and offering Empowerment Self Defense Programs. Join me and my guest, Jocelyn Hollander as we dissect and pull apart the various hurdles and obstacles people and institutions raise as reasons to NOT take or offer ESD classes. Jocelyn is a professor at the University of Oregon. Researching the efficacy of ESD has become her life's work. She's got so much great insight! Enjoy! https://jocelynhollander.com/ #empowermentselfdefense #theempowermentpodcastbynaga   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Meet Ariel Estrada, an actor, singer, playwright, arts advocate, director, and producer living in New York City. Ariel's trajectory, his journey through early childhood challenges, and experiences of racism and abuse as an adult have given him a unique perspective on healing and empowerment. One of many cool things about Ariel? He uses his artistry and talent to create healing for himself and others. He is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Leviathan Lab and wrote his one-man show, “Full Contact”: “What does it mean to have a body? Ariel Estrada investigates his experiences as a 20-year survivor of a brutal martial arts cult, interweaving his Filipino father's immigrant story with his own coming-of-age as a gay man at the height of the AIDS crisis. Through these histories, he brings to life the emotional battle between father and son, and his ongoing battle to take pride in himself as a gay Filipino American man against all odds.” Ariel and I trained martial arts together and experienced the same weird and abusive cult-like dynamics simultaneously. We both left, got out, and cut ties independently of one another. But then, we found our way back to friendship as we were both processing what happened years later. It's been really great to reconnect. arielestrada.com  leviathanlab.com arielestradadesign.com   #theempowermentpodcastbynaga #empowermentselfdefense #nagacommunity   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

My guest, Clara Porter, is a one-of-a-kind human being. Clara holds a Master of Social Work Degree and is the director of Prevention. Action. Change. In Maine. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Clara is a nationally certified instructor in Empowerment Self Defense. She is also certified through the Center for Anti-Violence Education. Clara has worked as an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at the University of New England. She was the Coordinator of Interpersonal Violence Prevention at the University of Southern Maine and was the Executive Director at the Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine before focusing full-time on Prevention. Action. Change. Clara is certified in Advanced Trauma First Aide, and has extensive experience working with organizations and people of all ages including folks with physical, mental/emotional, and developmental challenges. Clara's Website: https://pacmaine.com/ @nagacommunity, @silviasmart, #empowermentselfdefense #theempowermentpodcastbynaga   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Meet Wim Wetzel, author of “Surviving Death By A Thousand Cuts”. There are many ways to overcome tough times and trauma. In his book, Wim describes what it was like growing up as the oldest child in a fascinating yet challenging family dynamic. War, immigration to the US, a family Martial Arts school, discipline beyond the pale and more wartime service, provide a backdrop to Wim's journey of healing and redemption. Host, Silvia Smart reads excerpts from the book and finds out from Wim how “don't give up ever, no matter what life throws at you” has become his message of empowerment and hope. #theempowermentpodcastbynaga, #empowermentselfdefense, @NagaMartialArts, @NagaCommunity   Wim Wetzel's Book “Surviving Death By A Thousand Cuts”: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Death-Thousand-Cuts-Wetzel/dp/0463558634   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

My guest in this episode is Janessa Jaye Champagne, a Drag Queen living in North Dakota. Janessa is going to introduce us to “stealthing”, through their own experience of it. We'll find out what it means and how it works. And, as always, you'll find links in the episode description & on The Empowerment Project Community, our Facebook Group to resources and more information. Mature content. Janessa's Blog, "Well, Actually":  http://www.janessajaye.com/well-actually/ Janessa's YouTubeChannel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiuVjApfqNe3HAF29FksnuA/videos Janessa's Podcasts on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/user-49527017 (JANESSA AFTER DARK is their pop culture/commentary show, MISS JAYE: THE RENOVATION is their limited series about self-help and personal growth) Instagram: http://Instagram.com/JanessaJayeOfficial  Expect strong language. @nagamartialarts, @nagacommunity #stealthing #bodyautonomy #theempowermentpodcastbynaga #empowermentselfdefense   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

From Columbine to Sandy Hook and Atlanta to Boulder, these shootings are on the rise and leave us feeling anguished and terrified. Talking about mass shootings and training for such a situation, one of the worst-case scenarios imaginable, is important because knowing what to do and making fast decisions save lives. For Active Shooter Survival Trainings on Zoom: https://nagacommunity.com/active-shooter-training/ FBI Information: https://youtu.be/55v7fP5nn9c Stop the Bleed: https://www.stopthebleed.org/ #nagacommunity #theempowermentpodcastbynaga #activeshootertraining   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Join host, Silvia Smart, and her guest, Julie Belew! Julie's empowerment journey finds her currently investigating how law enforcement in her town responds to rape survivors. She discovered her unique voice and perspective in “Rape, the Podcast”, a labor of love. Starting with an experience of incest at the young age of seven, moving through motherhood, and into a deep conviction to make the world a better place, you'll love getting to know Julie! Where to find Julie Belew, her podcast, and her editing business: www.rapethepodcast.com @rapethepodcast www.chickedits.com   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. Production and Editing Credit: Henry Smart-Denson

This is the third in a three-part series. In Episode 19 we met Pam and heard how she survived a dangerous domestic relationship and learned about her frightening and powerful escape. In Episode 20 we got to know Abigail, who married the same abuser a few years after Pam left him. Today, in Part Three, Pam and Abigail come together to discuss what they've learned, legal issues they've faced, how they've supported one another, how far they have come, what friends and family can do to support a loved one in an abusive relationship and so much more. Join us for this courageous and empowering conversation! Names and voices have been changed for safety. Please be aware that the content is at times, very hard to listen to. #nagacommunity #theempowermentpodcastbynaga   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Meet Abigail and hear her story of bravery and resilience. This is the second of a three-part series. In the last episode, Part One (Episode #19), we met Pam, who shared how she was manipulated, groomed, and finally escaped with her small child. In this episode, Part Two, we meet Abigail, who married the same abuser a few years later.   Abigail's story shows how the perpetrator used similar ploys and strategies on both women but evolved to an even greater level of abuse over time. With Abigail, for example, he controlled and manipulated a false narrative that she was emotionally unbalanced, leaving her even more isolated and alone. Most importantly we begin to see how, when Abigail was ready to reach out to her, Pam's journey and support made the difference between life and death for herself and her two small children. In the next episode, Part Three, Pam and Abigail come together and we discuss what they've learned, how they've helped one another, how far they have come, what friends and family can do to support a loved one in an abusive relationship and so much more. Join us for these heartfelt stories of courage and survival! Names and voices have been changed for safety. Please be aware that the content is at times, very hard to listen to. #nagacommunity #theempowermentpodcastbynaga   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Meet Pam and hear her story as she shares with us what happened, how she was manipulated, groomed, and tricked into staying. She's going to point out red flags that popped up along the way, and explain how her awareness grew. We'll find out what made her finally decide to leave and we'll get to hear the story of her dangerous and powerful escape. This is the first of a three-part series. In Part Two, we'll meet Abigail, who married the same abuser a few years after Pam left him. In Part Three, Pam and Abigail come together and we discuss what they've learned, how they've helped one another, how far they have come, what friends and family can do to support a loved one in an abusive relationship and so much more. Names and voices have been changed for safety. Please be aware that the content is at times, very hard to listen to.   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Join host, Silvia Smart and her guest, Adriana Li! Get to know Adriana and find out about her Empowerment Self Defense journey. She started off as a student at Impact Boston and has, over the past three years, become an ESD Instructor there. We'll discover what inspires Adriana and we'll spend time talking about issues and experiences that are particular to People of Color within the broad framework of the empowerment self-defense movement. @NagaMartialArts @ImpactBoston http://impactboston.org/, https://nagacommunity.com/   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Join host Silvia Smart and guest, Katherine White, as they discuss “Victim Blaming” and why we don't do it! We'll talk about what it is, how it came about, why it's so awful, and how it perpetuates the shame cycle relative to sexual assault and violence. Free yourself of blame, release the weight of judgment and place the blame squarely where it belongs: on the perpetrator. “No more victim-blaming” is a paradigm-shifting concept taught in Empowerment Self Defense classes. Join us for this important conversation!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

What's the difference between EMPOWERMENT Self Defense and other schools of self-defense? Join host, Silvia Smart, as she speaks with Martha Thompson, Senior Lead Instructor at Impact Chicago for over 30 years, academic and current NWMAF Self Defense Coordinator. They explore what puts the “empowerment” into the Empowerment self-defense model and what makes it different from self-defense courses that don't make that distinction. Find out how ESD responds to social change movements and what has driven Martha to dedicate her life to this work!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Join host Silvia Smart as she interviews Jennifer Hirsch, Professor of Socio-Medical Sciences at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health and co-author of “Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power and Assault on Campus” published by WW Norton. Why are college campuses such incredibly ripe environments for sexual assault? How could institutions, organizations, families, and individuals use the wealth of information in this landmark study to prevent the so-called "Red-Zone" and create campuses where students are able to be both autonomous and safe? This is a paradigm-shifting book. Listen up, read the book, then let's get out and make the world a safer place! @jennifershirsch @shamuskhan @wwnorton   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Join host Silvia Smart as we spend some time with Py Bateman! Py is one of the original founders of what has become the Empowerment Self Defense Movement. When Py began training Karate, she was one of only a very small handful of women in the martial arts. Py was the founder of the Feminist Karate Union in Seattle, which is still going strong today. Py was Chief Instructor there from 1971 through 1984. Back in 1978, Py published “Fear Into Anger: A Manual of Self Defense for Women” which you can still buy on Amazon. There was even a song written about her by The Righteous Mothers call, aptly, “PY”. Be sure to look it up!   Py has been one of my heroes since I first heard her name back in the early 90's when I was a self-defense teacher wannabe. Some of you will remember Py's amazing story from episode #2. If you haven't heard that episode yet, about the continuum of sexual assault, be sure to go back and listen!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

In part three of this series on domestic violence, we continue to look at behaviors of an abusive person along with warning signs and red flags. We talk about indicators of an unhealthy, potentially dangerous relationship. As a balance to that, we think through a few guideposts pointing the way to a healthy relationship. It's a lot to listen to and think about, so remember to breathe!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

In part two of this series on domestic violence, we look at some of the behaviors of an abusive person. We get specific about warning signs, signals, and “red flags”. By now you know my philosophy, which is that the more you know, the safer you are. In that spirit, we're going to dig around some unhealthy behaviors and start to pull them apart. It's a lot to listen to and think about, so remember to breathe!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

In this episode, we're going to look at the basic facts and statistics of Domestic Violence – sometimes called Intimate Partner Violence - to see how sexual assault and violence in relationships affect various populations. We'll also take a look at the continuum of sexual assault but through this particular lens.   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Learn the secret code that unlocks your empowerment! Find out why a good self-defense class can make you more confident, stronger, and freer. In this episode, we start to pick apart the differences between empowerment self-defense programs and other, frankly, not-so-empowering self-defense classes. Our stories and focus are all about preparation and planning, and how a few simple game plans can boost your safety exponentially so you can live your life to the fullest and thrive!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

In this episode we talk about the actual words we use and how we can create safety through their application as a self-defense tool. Of all the tools, the voice and our verbal self-defense can go the farthest to prevent unwanted attention and situations. As with all of empowerment self-defense, we're also going to look at the multitude of ways words can impact the quality of our lives and the way we walk through the world, which keeps us safer. I'll give you examples, stories to illustrate the strategies and solid suggestions for practicing so you can get really good at this.   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

In this episode, we're going to talk about VOICE! We'll be talking about HOW we use this important and powerful body weapon - in daily life and in our self-defense. We are going to set ourselves up to use it consciously as a self-defense tool, probably one of the most important tools in our toolkit!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.

Meet Marti McCaleb, the Civil Rights and Sexual Assault Coordinator at Middlebury College in Vermont. Her background as a sexual violence survivor, a victim's advocate, a lawyer, and a martial artist make her uniquely qualified for this position! Listen in as we discuss the projects she's working on and the successes she's having. Get excellent advice about how to be a good friend to someone who's experienced sexual assault. Find out how best to advocate for safer and more responsive and supportive college campuses. And finally, a plug for more empowerment self-defense classes on college and university campuses around the country and the globe!   Special thanks to my producer/editor, Henry Smart-Denson   Support this important work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Thank you! Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. For everyone's safety, please know that if you don't answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group.