Best Interpersonalviolence Podcasts (2025)

This captivating episode features Amanda Carrasco, also known as Amanda The Brave One, author of Becoming the Brave One; My Journey to Justice. Amanda’s story is one of unimaginable trauma and extraordinary resilience. She endured horrific sexual assaults and, while out of her home, suffered the devastating loss of her immediate family at the hands…

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154. Caroline Markel: Big Changes Are Coming! What’s Next for Safe in Harm’s Way 42:32

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15d ago42:32

42:32

It’s finally happened!!--I’m honored to welcome back Caroline Markel, Founder and CEO of Safe in Harm’s Way, for an in-depth conversation that’s both exciting and, yes!...exclusive! Over the past two-and-a-half years, Caroline and her organization have been evolving in significant ways, and this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the …

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153. Pastor Michael Neely: ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ Almost Killed Him—Now He Fights for Survivors 48:33

22d ago48:33

48:33

This week I had the privilege and pleasure of talking with Pastor Michael Neely, a man whose faith, courage, and resilience were tested in living his own personal marriage; that 15-year marriage nearly cost him his life. Michael now channels his pain into advocacy and works to turn churches into safe spaces and mentoring victims who once felt voice…

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152. Johnny Braun: What the World Refuses to See About Male Survivors 33:34

29d ago33:34

33:34

It was an amazing day for me when Johnny Braun sent me a DM on Instagram. It was short, it was succinct, and it made me want to talk to him. Here’s what he said: “Hey there Dave, if you’re looking for another person to be on your podcast, I’d like to be on an episode. I experienced childhood sexual abuse.” That was it…that’s what started an amazing…

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151. C Kimberly Toms: From Victimization to Voice—Changing the System 1:17:02

1M ago1:17:02

1:17:02

151. C Kimberly Toms: From Victimization to Voice—Changing the System C Kimberly Toms. She’s a survivor of rape and attempted murder, a filmmaker, writer, and business consultant. In 2013, a hopeful job move to Milwaukee turned into a harrowing ordeal when she was raped and stalked by a U.S. Department of State special agent who eventually also att…

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150. Whitney Vergés: Breaking Barriers in the Sex Industry 39:38

1M ago39:38

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The importance of this podcast includes the critical component of continuing to amplify the voices of those who've survived the unimaginable. This week, the show marks a significant milestone—Episode 150—and it’s only fitting that I have a truly monumental guest, Whitney Vergés. Whitney’s story is one of incredible courage as she bravely shares her…

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149. Ariel Sorensen: Surviving Sexual Assault and Navigating Justice Abroad 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

Ariel Sorensen reached deep inside herself to muster the strength and fortitude to reach out to me to find out if she could share her gripping and harrowing tale of her rape and sexual assault during what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Ariel and her male companion, strangers in a foreign land, were offered nightly accomm…

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148. Dave Markel: Reflections and Impacts 9:41

2M ago9:41

9:41

148. Dave Markel: Reflections and Impacts This week, since there’s not guest again, I want to take a moment to reflect on the growth and impact of the podcast. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from all my listeners, whose commitment has fueled the show's success and exponential growth. Whether long-time listeners or relatively new to…

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147. A Repeat of Episode 43: Cashaye Barrera—An Episode Worth Hearing Again! 31:04

2M ago31:04

31:04

147. A Repeat of Episode 43: Cashaye Barrera—An Episode Worth Hearing Again! Sometimes life throws us a curve ball when we least expect it, and it changes the trajectory of the path we were on. That’s what happened this week when a guest who was scheduled to record with me had some unexpected events thwart our scheduled appointment and we weren’t a…

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146. Jessica Pride & Verna Griffin-Tabor: Co-Founders of Sirona Healing Center 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Welcome to Episode 146. It’s an honor and pleasure to introduce you to Sirona Healing Center of San Diego, CA. This episode features the two co-founders of Sirona, Jessica (Jess) Pride and Verna (Vee) Griffin-Tabor. Jess’s name may sound familiar to some of you who’ve been long-time listeners to SASS…she was my guest on Episode 44, in August, 2023.…

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145. Summer Heat: A Strength Compilation 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

Welcome to Episode 145 of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. It’s hard to believe, but the year is already half gone!...WoW! By way of celebrating this half-way point of this year’s shows, I wanted to provide a compilation of a few of the powerful, brave, survivors who have guested on this show. I picked out some of the more gripping and impressionab…

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144. Alan Manwaring: This is Just a Teaser on Strength, Resilience, and the Road to Healing 10:39

3M ago10:39

10:39

Welcome to Episode 144 of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. This is just a short teaser…something to get you prepared for a much longer, intensive interview that will be airing in just a few weeks. Alan has been on the show four times previous to this episode…and the one that’s coming up will be his sixth! He’s worth listening to! In today's episode…

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143. Becky Nulle: From Trafficked to Triumph; A Story of Survival and Healing 41:08

3M ago41:08

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This is an episode of massive importance. My deepest thanks to my guest, Becky Nulle, who endured horrific experiences of rape and sexual assault from multiple perpetrators, one of which was the Deputy Superintendent of Chicago Schools, James Moffat, in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Becky was one of 5 victims that suffered rape and sexual assault f…

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142. Dave Markel: A Not So Empty Week—The Mission Continues 20:58

3M ago20:58

20:58

In this solo episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories (The SASS Podcast), host Dave Markel takes the mic alone to deliver a powerful, reflective, and informative monologue. While there’s no guest again this week, the episode is anything but empty. Instead, it offers a thoughtful exploration of recent survivor stories making headlines, along with …

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141. Dave Markel: Rape Culture—My Take: What It Is and What to Do About It 13:30

4M ago13:30

13:30

This week it’s just me. I want to clear up any confusion on my view of what rape culture is, and how we can do something about it. There’s a lot in here about the impact of rape culture. Please listen in! It’s time we start normalizing the conversation. An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave…

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140. Violeta Bagia: An Author’s Bold Truth – Overcoming Trauma and Telling Her Impactful Story 58:25

4M ago58:25

58:25

Today I have the privilege of hosting Violeta Bagia, an accomplished author hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Australia. Violeta joins me to share her profound journey, intertwining her experiences as a survivor with her passion for storytelling. Her writing career, marked by a poignant blend of resilience and empathy, has captivated readers w…

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139. Nicole Florisi: Unwavering Dedication in the Mission to Bring Justice to Victims and Survivors 32:21

4M ago32:21

32:21

Hi! I'm glad you're here!...this is some powerful information. When you listen to this episode, consider this: Nicole is more than just a business colleague and mutual advocate for bringing justice to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence; she is a good friend, confidant, and someone whose integrity and unwavering dedication inspire every…

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138. Victor Lyons: An Approach to Trauma Recovery and a Path to Healing 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

This episode is a deep dive into the transformative journeys of individuals making significant strides in trauma recovery and advocacy. I am finally having the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Victor Lyons, a dedicated trauma incident reduction coach whose work has reshaped the landscape of trauma recovery. Victor Lyons was introduced to me thro…

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137. Leslie McFadden; Part 2: A Gut Punch 49:25

4M ago49:25

49:25

This is the concluding episode of Leslie McFadden’s appearance on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Leslie’s experience is a powerful example of the systemic issues that many survivors face. In October 2015, she was drugged and raped in Brooklyn. The last thing she remembers was drinks on Stone Street; she would wake up in a hospital many hours late…

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136. Leslie McFadden; Part 1: A Gut Punch 1:03:05

5M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Never one to pull any punches, this SASS episode is no exception. This is a full throttle, deep dive, all-in listen. A Gut Punch. Leslie McFadden’s experience is a powerful example of the systemic issues that many survivors face. In October 2015, she was drugged and raped in Brooklyn. The last thing she remembers was drinks on Stone Street; she wou…

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135. Lauren King and Shannon Porter: What They Don’t Say Podcast Meets Sexual Assault Survivor Stories for a Power Episode 1:03:17

5M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this powerful crossover episode, I had the fantastic fortune to join forces with the hosts of the What They Don't Say: Sexual Assault and Everything in Between podcast for a special pod-share episode. It was an incredible opportunity for all of us to come together and share our unique perspectives on the journey of healing and justice after sexu…

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134. Karla Hernandez and Gerald Erickson: Brutality, Betrayal, and the Birth of a Movement 41:16

5M ago41:16

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As a podcast host, it’s not uncommon to receive a steady stream of inquiries from publicists and agents eager to get their clients featured on as many platforms as possible. While some pitches align beautifully with the heart and purpose of the show, others—though well-intentioned—may not be the right fit. That’s why it’s so important to dig deeper…

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133. Matt Stegner: A Journey in Trauma-Informed Investigations and Training Others 1:00:05

5M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Today’s episode was truly an enjoyable show to record: my guest is Matt Stegner, a former police officer having served with both the Atlanta (GA) Police Department and the New York State Police. We currently share the same profession…Matt is a trainer/consultant in specializing in trauma-informed investigations of sexual assault and rape cases. I h…

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132. Rachel Izzo; Part 3: The Intersection of Rape-Trauma and Law Enforcement: Rachel’s Compelling Story 1:13:21

6M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

This is the final episode of Rachel Izzo's encounter with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a harrowing tale of systemic failure and the enduring impact of trauma on survivors of sexual assault. Her story is not just a narrative of personal suffering but a stark indictment of institutional shortcomings in handling cases of sexual violence. …

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131. Rachel Izzo; Part 2: The Intersection of Rape-Trauma and Law Enforcement: Rachel’s Compelling Story 48:04

6M ago48:04

48:04

If you’ve tuned into this podcast before, you already know that this show serves a dual purpose: first, providing a safe space for victims and survivors of rape or sexual assault to share their experiences and facilitate healing. And second, it works to educate professionals from all walks of life on trauma-informed care—because understanding this …

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130. Rachel Izzo; Part 1: The Intersection of Rape-Trauma and Law Enforcement: Rachel’s Compelling Story 46:28

6M ago46:28

46:28

Welcome back to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS Podcast. In this powerful and impactful episode, we begin a multi-episode series featuring Rachel Izzo, a brave survivor who shares her gripping story of multiple sexual assaults and rapes. Rachel's journey is not only important for its emotional depth but also for the unique perspective she…

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129. Katie Koestner: Dear Katie: Survivor Stories Podcast Host Shares an Episode with SASS! 54:06

6M ago54:06

54:06

I have listened, on and off, to the Dear Katie: Survivor Stories podcast for several years and had it in the back of my head that doing a podshare episode with her might be something that both our audiences might find informative and enlightening. So, with nothing to lose, I sent off an email asking if this was something she might be interested in.…

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128. Derrick Hurley & Kaitlin Hurley-Fields; Part 4; Conclusion: Holding Nothing Back—The Story of Kaitlin’s Rape 29:14

7M ago29:14

29:14

Welcome to Part 4, the powerful conclusion of this compelling four-part series featuring Kaitlin Hurley-Fields and her devoted father, Derrick Hurley. In this deeply moving final episode, Kaitlin and Derrick share powerful reflections on their emotional journey through trauma, justice, healing, and advocacy following Kaitlin’s devastating rape by a…

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127. Derrick Hurley & Kaitlin Hurley-Fields; Part 3: Holding Nothing Back—The Story of Kaitlin’s Rape 1:03:51

7M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

This is the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about his book, Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight. This passage is both powerful and important, and it deserves special attention because it highlights not only a family’s painful struggle to survive the trauma of Kaitlin’s horrific rape but also the incredible lengths a devoted father wi…

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126. Derrick Hurley & Kaitlin Hurley-Fields; Part 2: Holding Nothing Back—The Story of Kaitlin’s Rape 26:55

7M ago26:55

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I want to share with you, again, the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about the book he wrote: Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight… it’s important and powerful enough that it bears making sure you read it to emphasize the importance of not only the family’s stirring struggle to survive Kailin’s horrific rape, but also the extent that …

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125. Derrick Hurley & Kaitlin Hurley-Fields: Holding Nothing Back—The Story of Kaitlin’s Rape 56:04

7M ago56:04

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Let me share with you the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about the book he wrote: Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight… Derrick Hurley, a devoted father, found himself in a heart-wrenching battle when his daughter, Kaitlin Hurley, fell victim to a harrowing crime in 2015. Kaitlin, a nursing student living in Antigua, endured a trauma…

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124. BB Gabriel: No Ordinary Love; Healing Through Writing 1:01:04

8M ago1:01:04

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When I found BB Gabriel on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stories/no.ordinary.love_bb.gabriel/), and read about her book, No Ordinary Love, I wasted no time in reaching out to her to ask her to be a guest on this show. BB readily agreed, but due to some medical issues that came up for her, we had to wait awhile to get her episode recorded. It…

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123. Victoria Ellen: The Path from Abuse to Empowerment 45:23

8M ago45:23

45:23

The path from abuse to empowerment…this title doesn’t quite do justice to this story; but it’s a good start. Victoria Ellen IS a survivor! But even more that, she is a powerhouse. She married a man who wasn’t at all what he seemed. What started out as a loving, encouraging and pretty wonderful marriage turned into what was, in reality, a textbook e…

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122. Rosa: Dear John Stamos: A Letter for You (And Everyone Else) 36:31

8M ago36:31

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If you know John Stamos (yes, the multi-time Emmy nominated actor, co-star of TV’s “Full House,” and author of “If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir"), or if you know someone who does, please let him know there’s a letter waiting for him here, written by my guest on this week’s episode, Rosa: *********************************************************…

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121. Arci Grey: Announcing the Opening of Survivor School! 19:35

8M ago19:35

19:35

It’s quite an honor to have Arci Grey come back as my guest this week as she introduces Survivor School, an online trauma-informed personal development platform designed for trauma survivors! Our discussion covers the journey of establishing the school, the diverse range of experts involved, and the various modalities offered to support healing. Ar…

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120. Dave Markel: Even More Understanding of Trauma’s Impact and the Power of Being Trauma Informed 9:04

9M ago9:04

9:04

In this episode, I’m diving deeper than I have in the past into what it really means to be trauma informed. No guest this week—it’s just you and me as we unpack the complexities of trauma and how it impacts survivors of rape and sexual assault on physical, emotional, and neurological levels. We’ll revisit some core ideas from Episode 115 and take t…

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119. Carrie Eberts (formerly Grant): Carrie Catches Us Up on Her Healing, and Shares Even More of Her Story! 28:43

9M ago28:43

28:43

Carrie is a return guest. The last time she was on this show was in April, 2023, Episode 29. She told us her harrowing story of being adopted into a situation of childhood sexual assault (CSA) at the hands of her adoptive father. The impact was devastating. Yet, Carrie survived and became a strong, resilient woman whose goal became doing all she co…

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118. Janna MacLean, Part 2: Understanding Implicit and Explicit Memories—Powerful Realities! 43:36

9M ago43:36

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This week's episode is an exciting example of a topic I’ve discussed numerous times on this show: implicit and explicit memory—what these are, and how they work together to provide a powerful impact in finding out more about a survivors rape and sexual assault experiences…IF the person doing the interview is trauma informed and knows how to ask the…

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117. Janna MacLean; The Mask of Kindness: Unmasking a Sexual Predator 1:06:03

9M ago1:06:03

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This week's episode delves into the harrowing story of Janna, who at the beginning of this story was a young high schooler who fell prey to a manipulative groomer. This individual, initially presenting himself as a kind, attentive, and compassionate confidante, captivated Janna with his charm. Unfortunately, these qualities often mask a predatory n…

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116. Jeanna Coursey: A Quick Turn-around to Examine the Impact of Trauma 24:40

9M ago24:40

24:40

Jeanna is one of my most loyal listeners of this podcast…when she originally found Sexual Assault Survivor Stories she was so enthralled by the content that she binge-listened to every single episode. That’s impressive listening. Then, she wrote me a nice, long, kind, email telling me about some of her favorite episodes. And she told me she wanted …

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115. Dave Markel; Trauma Talk – Expounding on the Basics 14:00

10M ago14:00

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The week leading up to this episode has been rather strange for me, because it included two potential guest appearances that didn’t come together as planned. But that’s okay, because it provided the opportunity for me to do something I had been wanting to do for months: a monologue follow-up on Episode 21 from over a year ago. Something else you sh…

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114. Bonus Episode featuring Jan Broberg!-AJ; The Impact of Community Support, Providing Strength in the Healing Process 1:06:34

10M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

In this deeply moving episode, I am joined by a friend of the podcast and host of The Jan Broberg Show, none other than Jan herself, to help interview AJ, a brave survivor who shares her extraordinary journey of overcoming extensive abuse and discovering her own strength. Together, the three of us explore the vital role of community support in the …

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113. Melissa Fairchild; Gratitude and Celebration are the Focus of Her Healing: An Apropos Episode for This Week! 27:14

10M ago27:14

27:14

It’s not at all common for me to do follow-up episodes so close together in the sequence of episodes, but this opportunity is so meaningful and appropriate this week that I just had to share it with you now, instead of sometime down the line. So, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Melissa Fairchild is back (take a listen to her first episode on the show…

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112. Lee Cooper; From Trauma to Triumph: Building Victorious Voices 47:27

10M ago47:27

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After a way too long wait for a follow-up interview with Lee Cooper, this week we finally get it done! Lee suggested a follow-up during a conversation we were having a few weeks ago…here it is! I’m thrilled to bring you this episode! In this conversation, Lee provides an update on his ongoing legal battle against his perpetrator, discussing the cha…

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111. Jeanna Coursey; The Long Road to Freedom: Escaping Abuse and Finding Hope 1:08:56

11M ago1:08:56

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The abuses started early for Jeanna…she was just a young middle-school aged girl growing up in a blended family after her mother and father divorced, and her mother re-married a woman with sons who were older than Jeanna. She missed her father and tells how missing him led to her longing for acceptance from men. One of her older stepbrothers took a…

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110. John Carey: Part 3; Making Lemonade 37:01

11M ago37:01

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Before getting into the specific notes of this week’s episode, I want to announce that this episode, on this date, marks the 2-year anniversary of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS podcast! To all of you guests that are permanent members of the SASS family, and to all of you in the audience who listen occasionally or to every single episode…

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109. John Carey-Part 2: Beyond Dysfunctional…This is Unbelievable, But True! 51:33

11M ago51:33

51:33

It is a pleasure and an honor to re-introduce to you my guest this week for Part 2 of this multi-episode experience: Daniel John Carey. John is a renowned author, screenwriter, actor, voice actor, director, and filmmaker. John has published several books, two of which I can attest to you as being exceptional and life enhancing: Dream Your World and…

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108. John Carey: Part 1; An Introduction into a World of Turmoil and Pain 45:22

11M ago45:22

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It is a pleasure and an honor to introduce to you my guest for the next several episodes of this multi-episode experience: Daniel John Carey. John is a renowned author, screenwriter, actor, voice actor, director, and filmmaker. John has published two books (which I read portions of almost daily as part of my personal life-enhancing journey) All of …

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107. Kevin Taylor: His Childhood Sexual Assault and Trauma Disclosure…Here and Now 1:04:36

12M ago1:04:36

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This show has become a beacon, an inspiration, and a platform for many victims and survivors to have a safe place to tell their rape and sexual assault experience. This episode, featuring Kevin Taylor, a clinical therapist, is a prime example of what it means to gain strength, support, and growth from disclosing one’s own story of rape or sexual as…