The Wayward Women Podcast

Today Michelle + I meet Traci. Traci left a violent situation for she and her son. Hear her story of what she went through, how she overcame it, and how despite having cancer today, she is still living her best life. We also want you to know that Traci is the sole provider for her family. If you feel moved to do so, please visit her go fund me page: https://gofund.me/86355b0d Traci has so much wisdom and love to share.

Imagine being abused. Now imagine being abused and not having the means to escape or defend yourself or run away. Or being constantly body shamed as if you somehow deserve this abuse because you're disabled (i.e. "You should feel lucky to have me"). Join us as we welcome back Hannah Hollander, Founder of Speak Your Truth (www.speakyourtruth.today) and her colleague Lisa. Lisa is disabled, and has been in a Wheelchair since she was 2. After surviving sexual, physical, financial and emotional abuse, she found help through Speak Your Truth while going through her divorce, and now works with them. Lisa and Hannah shared some staggering truths: 83% of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted in their lives. People with disabilities were more than 3x more likely than nondisabled people to experience serious violent crime such as rape and sexual assault. Lisa's personal experience while on bedrest Lisa segways into what happened throughout her marriage… Deaf people are 2x more likely to be sexually assaulted than nondeaf. Nearly 1 in 4 male victims who experienced sexual violence other than rape had a disability at the time of the victimization. 90% of all people with developmental disabilities will experience sexual assault. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness month. Please consider donating to Speak Your Truth for their fundraising goal this month of $15,000. Anything helps!! They are truly doing amazing work. As always, thank you for listening! xoxo, The Wayward Women SAAM Facebook Fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1338497509983907/ Website: www.speakyourtruth.today Facebook: @speak.your.truth.today Instagram: @speakyourtruth.today --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us as we interview the one the only Priscilla. Co-founder of Lady Haha, a stand up comic, death doula, grief counselor, and all around badass who not only survived an abusive family but an abusive marriage, survived, escaped, and lived to not only tell about it, but share her journey, her growth and her heart. Phenomenal human being. Thanks for being with us Priscilla! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Meet Casey. Lara + Casey have been dear friends since 2012 when they were both young, bright eyed, hopeful, brand new yoga teachers. Their friendship has seen them through near a decade of life lived in it's full spectrum. When both found themselves in abusive relationships, and both forged their paths to get out, they had a conversation one night about how one day, they'd celebrate their freedom. Today is that day. Join Lara + Casey as they reunite in person to to talk about being free, and the journey walked. Women supporting and believing other women in their trauma is huge. It's called, being a friend! Casey is not only a wonderful friend, but also a wonderful coach who is there to support your needs on your journey whatever that looks like. If you'd like to learn more, please visit her site at www.uplevelwithcasey.com Casey is an Energy Coach * Yoga Teacher * Student of Life and all around stunning human. Thank you for being on our show Casey!!

Meet the multi faceted Ana. She's fascinating. Brilliant. Funny. She's a comedienne, an improv storyteller, a beautiful woman of Mexican heritage. She's a daughter, a friend, a partner, a caretake and... She's also a survivor of Domestic Abuse. I resonate so deeply with her story. Her feelings of confusion (is this abuse?) her feelings of inadequacy (is this her fault?) her feelings of not being able to do this, and her story of finally saying she'd had enough and overcoming. You WANT to hear this one. It's beautiful. One of the best yet. Thank you Ana for being on our podcast and shining your light of all of your beautiful facets into the world! Find Ana on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_3X8VHIEEGI4GK0QW_mp8g --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This title describes Katlyn's experience perfectly. Every episode I say "This is our best one yet" and every time, I mean it. You will not believe the strength that Katelyn needed to survive her relationship and our hope is that her story will encourage you because it's another reminder of how we CAN overcome. I want to add in as well, if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, it doesn't have to be as "intense" as Katelyn's story. All of our stories are different and all of our stories are valid. Thanks for listening! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What better title for this podcast than the name of the very non profit that we have as our guest? And before you assume this is some boring talk with a non-profit, I say think again. You will LOVE listening to the amazing, powerhouse, badass that is Hannah Hollander. She turned her abusive experience into an entire organization that is THE most THOROUGH, in depth, caring, well thought out organization Michelle and I have ever seen and she's doing it all while still working a "regular" job. Did we mention this all started with a facebook post that went viral? Original post: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.hollander.16/posts/10213454884751729 Event link for Oct.16 (For those in WA): https://www.facebook.com/events/555458625689640 Link to the SYTT Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speak.your.truth.today Link to our website explanation of our campaign: https://www.speakyourtruth.today/donate Website: www.speakyourtruth.today Facebook: @speak.your.truth.today Instagram: @speakyourtruth.today Pinterest: @speakyourtruth_today LinkedIn: @speakyourtruthtoday --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Michelle and I often say that we share our stories, because people hear their stories in ours. How true this is for Angela. Angela is a sweet, kind artist who experienced abuse in a same sex relationship. It's a great reminder that abuse knows no labels or relationship type. Straight, gay, bi, trans, white, black, latino, rich, poor, addicted, healthy...it doesn't matter. Abuse no knows boundaries and can exist anywhere. I hope you find some healing in this powerful episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

LISTENERS: Listen UP: You WANT to hear this episode it is AMAZING. Our best yet. We are joined by our lil' psychic friend Ashley of the Desert Clairvoyant - she is such a beautiful human who has a unique story to share of not only how she survived and escaped an abusive relationship, but how she is open, thriving and has found a second chance at life and is using her gifts and capabilities for good. Give a listen to this bright light and check her out also on Insta @thedesertclairvoyant and online at desertclairvoyant.com - tell her the Wayward Women sent you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Gaslighting - it's so much more than what we think it is, AND 9 times out of 10 we normalize our abusive relationships (for survival---> future podcast so stay tuned) but it's very important to understand the effects and "symptoms" of being manipulated and gaslit. Join Lara & Michelle for another episode of the Wayward Women.

Thank you thank you Wayward Women!!! Season 2 is here and we it's been about 1 year since we started this crazy adventure. Join Lara and Michelle for a whole new season of topics, guests and more. This episode we cover some myth busting. Myth 1: If I leave my abuser and/or move, I'll feel great! Myth 2: Domestic violence never would happen in a rich white neighborhood....right? We'll be busting more myths as the season rolls on, but you want to hear this! As always, thanks for listening!

In Unbound Women part 1, we met the wonderful Marie! Today, in Unbound Women Part 2, we meet the amazing Sol Coach - Krysta!!! This is a longer episode worth every minute of listening. Krysta has not only overcome family of origin abuse and relationship abuse, but she intuitively has found ways to heal and grow and thrive that she shares with YOU as a coach! Trust me when I say she is an amazing gifted coach! Also, Krysta has a very unique connection to Michelle and I - I won't share here you'll have to listen to find out more! Of course, visit the Unbound Women at www.unboundwomen.us, and visit Krysta on Instagram @krystakinslow_solcoach - Trust me she is amazing!

WOW. This is all I can say for this episode. We were so grateful to be joined by the amazing wonderful Marie Benoit of Unbound Women today. We had an amazing discussion about who/what Unbound Women is and how they're working together to help women heal from trauma. We explore everything today from gut pain, to anxiety, the Vegal nerve, our personal stories, and more. For more information about Unbound Women please visit http://unboundwomen.us/ You can also follow them at @unbound_women_ on Instagram, or @unbound_women on TikTok (Marie's videos are worth it folks) Thank you, Marie!!! You are such a bright light! We hope listeners enjoy this episode and get a lot from it. If you think this is interesting, it's the tip of the iceberg from what you'll gain from the program Marie runs with Danya and Krysta.

We are honored to have Robin Memel Fox on our podcast this week. She is a therapist, EMDR practitioner and domestic violence advocate. A must listen - it's like free therapy! Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ever say things or think things like "Jeez, just block that guy", or, "Why can't she just leave!? What is wrong with her?" "I can't believe she is still talking to him, I would NEVER accept that treatment". How about "You just need to respect and love yourself enough" You might think these statements are obvious or even helpful but *newsflash* they're NOT. They are incredibly damaging. There is so much pain, and guilt and brainwashing and shame in an abusive relationship DON'T add to it. Did you know: There are NUMEROUS types of abuse (i.e. sexual, physical, mental, emotional, verbal, spiritual, financial etc) and sometimes, there is a combination of abuse types happening all at once. Did you know victims are essentially trained, for their own survival to normalize these behaviors? That the average woman take 7 times to leave before being successful? There are a million reasons people stay, and please educate yourself before making another blaming and shaming statement. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Listeners, meet Cozy. A Rock and a Pillar of strength in her community as she advocates for women of color experiencing Domestic Abuse. We are so grateful for the time and wisdom Cozy brings to the Wayward Woman podcast today. This is a must listen!!

We had an overwhelming response to Dolores being on the show last week - thank you all so much for sharing. Her story is incredible. We had run out of time though -- so join us for Dolores part 2!! She takes us through the reason she went back to her abusive ex, what made her leave (for good!) and how she is doing now! Heartfelt and upbeat, we just love Dolores.

Wow. All I can say is wow. Dolores is a powerhouse of a woman. A survivor of trauma and abuse. An advocate for others experiencing domestic violence. A mother, a daughter and a friend, a survivor....but most of all...a beautiful human being who has overcome so much.

I think sometimes in the talk about Domestic Violence we can forget that 1/ While most victims of Domestic Violence are women, there are also plenty of men who have suffered from being victims of emotional abuse. 2/ While there is NO excuse for abuse, there ARE men who want to change and there are men who have devoted their lifes work to helping men change. Men are humans too. Today, we welcome one of these men - Michael. Michael works for an organization called Boys to Men - they help teach young men how to reject the attitudes that can lead to domestic violence. We ask Michael some pointed questions here. Give a listen to hear how he is working to help change the way men behave. if they are willing.

Listeners....meet Jean. Jean is the ultimate Wayward Woman. This badass yet sweet human survived and thrived domestic violence in the 80's and 90's - an era where there were really...no options, no awareness, no internet and life was just harder. Give a listen to this special guest we are so honored to share! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the Wayward women podcast, we're joined by a special guest, Narda. Narda is an advocate for all human beings and has worked with victims of domestic violence, as well as homicide survivors. She also has advocates for equal rights for all and is a powerful voice in the community. Narda's story is amazing because she had to first overcome her own emotionally abusive relationship with her former in, come to terms with abuse and old paradigm narratives in the family of origin and find healing and learn self care and self love in a relationship with herself, in order to rise up and become the force that she is today. This is a heartfelt episode that offers a LOT of hope. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are honored to have had our very first guest, a super cool human who has been a DJ, concert promoter and bassist in metal bands - this fearless female says she was the last person she expected to be caught in an abusive cycle - a good reminder that abuse can happen to anyone! Hear her story of how she got sucked in, isolated, had to rebuild her community, and got out of the abuse with the help her of "3am friends" - An inspiring episode for anyone who needs a boost! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We can't switch love off and on like a light switch. In leaving an abusive partner, it's not uncommon for those who aren't familiar with abuse to ask questions such as"Why do you still love this person?" or "How can you want to be with someone who treated you so bad" You are probably also asking yourself this question! It's ok. It's normal. Don't shame yourself. There are a lot of factors at play which we go into during this weeks episode of the Wayward Women Podcast. You're not crazy!

Lara and Michelle give some background on how they experienced abuse in their lives. They have been in these shoes. Sometimes it can be helpful in healing and learning, to know that you are NOT alone! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome to the Wayward Women Podcast! Abuse brought us together and we've become dear friends since - we are both passionate about getting out a message of healing, love and hope. You don't need to settle for a toxic relationship! We'll give a brief overview of our story and a taste for what's to come on the Wayward Women Podcast! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app