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In this episode of Aspire, Executive Director of I Have the Right To and Co-Host Katie Shipp is joined by Co-Host Chessy Prout, Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, for a compelling conversation with bestselling author and women's empowerment expert Leslie Morgan Steiner. 

They delve into the complexities of domestic violence and survivor empowerment. Leslie shares her journey, detailed in her book 'Crazy Love,' and discusses the psychological and societal challenges survivors face. This conversation explores practical advice for parents and young people on recognizing unhealthy relationships and fostering healthy, supportive environments. Leslie emphasizes the importance of economic independence and self-care for living a fulfilling life post-trauma.

Learn more about Leslie here: https://www.lesliemorgansteiner.com/

If you or anyone you know may be suffering from domestic violence, please call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or visit https://www.thehotline.org/

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In today’s episode, we dive into the complex intersection of mental health and masculinity, with an honest and courageous conversation. Co-Host of Aspire and Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, Alex Prout, opens a candid discussion with our special guest, Board Member of I Have the Right To, Steve Peacock.

Steve, an advocate, survivor, father, and friend, returns to Aspire to share his deeply personal story of navigating the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, growing up in a male-dominated environment, and learning to reconnect with his emotions after years of silence. Together, we explore how traditional norms around masculinity can prevent boys and men from expressing vulnerability, accessing support, and healing from trauma.

This episode also features our co-hosts, Hugh Eastman and Gabriel Viscogliosi, two high school students who bring powerful insight and passion to the discussion. They reflect on the state of male mental health today, the importance of dismantling stigma, and the role young people can play in creating change.

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In this episode of Aspire, I Have the Right To Executive Director and Co-Host Katie M. Shipp joins Co-Host and Co-Founder of I Have the Right To Susan Prout to dive into a powerful conversation with Dr. Jo-Anne Finkelstein. Dr. Finkelstein is a clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Together, they explore the subtle and systemic ways society undermines girls' confidence—from pink hockey sticks to dismissive labels like "too sensitive" or "overly emotional."

Dr. Finkelstein shares insights from decades of clinical work and her own experiences raising daughters, offering a compelling look at the "tiny psychological paper cuts" that accumulate over a lifetime. Her book provides a roadmap for raising empowered girls while also helping parents unlearn harmful cultural messages.

Make sure to check out her book, Sexism & Sensibility, an invaluable guide to understanding and dismantling sexism for parents trying to raise confident and powerful girls in a culture that often demeans them.

https://www.joannfinkelstein.com/

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In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into what it means to lead with intention, empathy, and authenticity. Host and Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, Alex Prout, joins Hosts and high school students Gabriel Viscal and Hugh Eastman join this discussion on aspirational masculinity, sharing how their lives are shifting as they transition from underclassmen to upperclassmen in high school.

They explore how leadership roles—on the soccer field, in the classroom, and within social circles—offer opportunities to challenge outdated norms of masculinity. The conversation covers everything from the emotional impact of peer influence to the importance of self-awareness, modeling positive behavior, and cultivating confidence through kindness.

Listeners will walk away with new perspectives on what it means to lead through action and attitude.

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In a world where outdated ideas of masculinity still hold power, Aspire seeks to redefine what it means to be a man. Host Alex Prout, Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, alongside Co-Hosts and high school students, Gabriel Viscogliosi and Hugh Eastman, tackle the challenges young men face in breaking free from socially constructed norms.

Through honest conversations, personal stories, and expert insights, they explore how young men can embrace emotional vulnerability, challenge toxic behaviors, and become leaders in fostering a culture of respect, consent, and integrity. 

Join us as we redefine masculinity—not as something restrictive, but as something to aspire toward.

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In this personal and thought-provoking episode of Aspire, host and Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, Alex Prout, joined by hosts and high school students Gabriel Viscogliosi and Hugh Eastman, welcome former NFL athlete Don McPherson. 

Don is Board Member of I Have the Right To, College Football Hall of Famer, and longtime advocate for gender-based violence prevention. He shares his journey from athlete to activist, discussing the importance of redefining masculinity and fostering positive, aspirational models for young men. He, Alex, Hugh, and Gabriel explore the challenges of engaging boys in conversations about respect, relationships, and identity—moving beyond prevention messaging to focus on what young men can become rather than what they should avoid.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that challenges conventional narratives and offers a new vision for what it means to be a man.

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In this episode of Aspire - The I Have the Right To Podcast, host Alex Prout, Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, joined by hosts and high school students Gabriel Viscogliosi and Hugh Eastman, explore the profound impact of fatherhood on masculinity. Together, they discuss how traditional roles shape men’s identities and the ways in which these norms can either strengthen or limit emotional expression.

They examine the concept of socially constructed masculinity, and how generations of fathers have passed down expectations of being the unwavering provider and protector, often at the expense of vulnerability and genuine emotional connection. Alex reflects on his own father’s stoicism and how it has influenced his approach to fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of openness and authenticity with his children.

Join us as we challenge outdated norms, encourage self-reflection, and inspire a new vision of fatherhood—one that fosters deeper relationships and a healthier, more inclusive perception of masculinity.

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In this week’s episode of Aspire, Executive Director of I Have the Right To, Katie Shipp and Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, Susan Prout, welcome Mal Wrenn Corbin, author of Raising Wrens. Mal shares her journey from a turbulent childhood in Worcester, Massachusetts, to becoming a first-generation college graduate and a leader in the financial services industry.

Her memoir, Raising Wrenns, intertwines personal history with the resilience of the wren—a bird as tough and adaptable as her family. Mal recounts the challenges of growing up in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood, the loss of her father to violence, and her brother’s tragic suicide. She reflects on the power of reclaiming her past and the healing process of writing her story.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about survival, family bonds, and finding beauty in hardship.

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In this week’s episode of Aspire - The I Have the Right To Podcast, host and Co-Founder of I Have the Right to, Alex Prout, speaks with Board Director of I Have the Right To, Steve Peacock. Steve is a father, financial industry professional, and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. He shares his deeply personal journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse, the decades-long silence that followed, and the pivotal moment when he found the courage to speak out.

Through a chance encounter on LinkedIn, Steve discovered Alex’s advocacy work and reached out, sparking a friendship that would change both their lives. Together, they discuss the profound impact of trauma, the societal expectations of masculinity, and the challenges survivors face in reclaiming their voices.

This conversation is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the urgent need to change the narrative around sexual abuse and survivor support. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt dialogue that sheds light on healing, empowerment, and the fight for a world where every survivor is heard and believed.

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In this episode of Aspire: The I Have the Right To Podcast, we explore the concept of failure and its impact on aspirational masculinity. Join hosts Alex Prout, Gabriel Viscogliosi, and Hugh Eastman as they dive into the societal pressures surrounding failure, the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, and the role of encouragement and support in overcoming challenges. Together, they discuss how failure often conflicts with traditional notions of masculinity, where weakness is frowned upon, and how men can redefine success by prioritizing character and personal fulfillment over societal expectations. Tune in for an insightful conversation about vulnerability, self-acceptance, and finding strength in the face of adversity.