Best Sexualassault Podcasts (2025)

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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Deadly Waters: Cruise Ship Deaths 32:17

Play Pause

8d ago32:17

32:17

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

9d 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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People's Choice Replay: From Bullying to Tragedy – The Heartbreaking Case of Aubreigh Wyatt 27:20

15d ago27:20

27:20

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

16d 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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Suzanne Morphew: Vanished Mom and Wildlife Drugs 24:19

22d ago24:19

24:19

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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145. Summer Heat: A Strength Compilation 20:20

24d 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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Mary Notarangelo - The Decomposed Connecticut Detective 24:25

29d ago24:25

24:25

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

1M 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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Texas Teen Killer: Inspired by Halloween Movie 26:16

1M ago26:16

26:16

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

1M ago41:08

41:08

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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Travis Decker: A Father’s Unthinkable Crime 26:22

1M ago26:22

26:22

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

1M 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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Pilot Robert Crawford: The Mowing Murder 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

2M 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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Bones in the Ravine: Justice for Tony Bledsoe 25:21

2M ago25:21

25:21

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

2M 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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Part Two: The Victims of Fred & Rose West 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

2M 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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Fred & Rose West: The House of Horrors in Gloucester 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

2M 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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The Koch Family Tragedy and Mental Health Awareness 26:43

3M ago26:43

26:43

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

3M 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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82-Year-Old Marcia Norman Encased in Cement 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

3M 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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Elmer Wayne Henley - The Candyman's Apprentice 32:46

3M ago32:46

32:46

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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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

3M 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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Dean Arnold Corll - The Candyman Serial Killer 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

3M ago41:16

41:16

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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OnlyFans Model or Murderer? The Stabbing of Christian Obumseli 29:53

4M ago29:53

29:53

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

4M 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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Reckless Decisions: The Death of Jackson Kradle 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

4M 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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Incarcerated Killers: When Conjugal Visits Turn Deadly 30:46

4M ago30:46

30:46

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

4M 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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Revisiting Joe 'The Cannibal' Metheny: A Killer’s Deadly Menu 17:22

4M ago17:22

17:22

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

4M 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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Hairdresser Murder: What Happened to Joleen Cummings? 25:49

4M ago25:49

25:49

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

5M 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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Workplace Suicides & the Murder Kroger Case 25:55

5M ago25:55

25:55

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

5M 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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Flies, Gnats, Spiders… Oh My! (Listener Favorite Rewind) 9:52

5M ago9:52

9:52

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

5M 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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Connecticut ‘Cannibal Killer' Released to Kill Again? 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

5M ago26:55

26:55

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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Taylor Schabusiness: Murder and Mutilation 22:59

5M ago22:59

22:59

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

5M ago56:04

56:04

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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Sacramento Vampire Richard Chase Part 2 26:58

6M ago26:58

26:58

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushingupliliesBy Julie Mattson

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

6M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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…