Today 's podcast is an interview with Aly Rice — certified resilience and reinvention coach, motivational speaker, and the bold voice behind the podcasts Sex, Lies & Tacos and This Could Get Messy. After navigating profound personal challenges, including  non-consensual recording, revenge porn, sexual abuse, betrayal, grief, and starting over from zero,  Aly turned her raw experiences into powerful tools for transformation. Through her honest storytelling and coaching, she helps women reclaim their voices, rebuild their identities, and rise stronger, unapologetically embracing the messy, beautiful truth of being fully alive. Get ready for a real, raw, and awakening conversation with Aly Rice.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:19 Childhood Influences and Resilience

03:48 Corporate Life and Red Flags

06:30 Life Changes and Personal Challenges

08:49 Loss and Identity Crisis

11:39 Romantic Relationships and Betrayal

14:15 The Impact of Revenge Porn

16:48 Navigating Grief and Support

19:32 Career Changes and Manifestation

22:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

27:28 The Impact of Love Bombing in Relationships

28:55 Navigating Dark Thoughts and Finding Strength

33:55 Creating the Survival to Thriving Guide

36:03 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

39:06 The Birth of Sex, Lies, and Tacos Podcast

43:31 Transformative Stories and Client Successes

47:40 Reclaiming Identity and Voice

52:02 Mantras for Transformation and Healing

56:17 Creating a Safe Space for Healing

57:41 Overcoming Life's Challenges

59:05 The Importance of Authenticity

59:51 Empowering Women Through Connection

01:00:50 Navigating Relationships and Betrayal

Learn more about Aly on the links and handles below:

Website: https://alyrice.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@alyspeaksup

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alyspeaksup

Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/4s0xfzjl3wBfE9pNqckNmi

For crisis resources and help go to :

https://cptsdfoundation.org/help-me-find-a-therapist/

https://988lifeline.org/https://rainn.org/

https://cptsdfoundation.org/trauma-informed-blog/

https://www.digitalindia.gov.in/initiative/ncw-womens-helpline/

1in6.org

https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations

https://www.samaritans.org/https://www.crisistextline.org/https://www.unwomen.org/en

***Trigger Warning***: This episode may contain adult themes, abuse, and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip if needed. Resources for survivors are linked in our show notes.

Join the Awakened Souls Podcast as we share Holly K. Dunn’s inspiring story of survival and healing. The sole survivor of the notorious Railroad Killer, Angel Maturino Resendiz, Holly recounts her 1997 ordeal in her memoir, Sole Survivor. As a motivational speaker and co-founder of Holly’s House, a haven for victims of intimate crimes in Evansville, Indiana, she advocates for survivors, speaks at schools and judicial panels, and trains the Evansville Police Department. Honored with the 2006 Jefferson Award and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award, Holly’s story is featured in People Magazine Investigates: Surviving a Serial Killer, I Survived a Serial Killer, 48 Hours, and Unseen: The Case of Holly K. Dunn (IMDb). Tune in to hear her resilient journey.

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction to Holly K Dunn's Journey

06:55 The Fateful Night: Encounter with Evil

22:29 Surviving the Attack and Aftermath

27:25 Facing the Attacker: Survivor's Guilt and Fear

32:31 Grieving and Remembering Chris: An Unconventional Journey

38:25 Inspiring Others: The Role of Advocacy and Speaking

Links:

http://www.hollykdunn.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hollykdunn/

https://x.com/hollykdunn

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6532343/

https://www.facebook.com/hollykdunn

Trauma Resources:

rainn.org

cptsdfoundation.org

sidran.org  

thehotline.org  

**Trigger Warning:** This episode contains uncensored discussions regarding sensitive subjects such as sexual assault, rape, home invasion, and trauma. It includes explicit details that may be distressing for certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised; feel free to pause or skip sections as necessary. Additionally, resources for survivors are provided in the show notes for further support.

At the Awakened Souls Podcast, we share inspiring stories that stir the soul, heal the spirit, and illuminate the path through darkness. Today, we speak with Danielle Leukam, a powerful voice in the fight against sexual violence. A registered nurse, mother, and rape survivor, Danielle transformed her trauma into triumph with her memoir, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power. As an author, advocate, and founder of WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing, INC., she empowers survivors and educates communities. Through her work with End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and as a member of the Survivor Advisory Group to the Governor of Minnesota, Danielle’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the fight to reclaim one’s power.

00:00: The Journey of Healing and Justice

05:51: Empowerment Through Storytelling

08:14: Navigating the Aftermath

10:47: Facing the Perpetrator

13:18: Understanding Grief and Support

15:35: The Justice System Experience

18:15: The Ripple Effect of Trauma

21:27: Finding Strength as a Survivor

24:07: Writing as a Tool for Empowerment

26:51: Common Threads Among Survivors

29:18: Shining a Light on Sexual Assault

31:49: Balancing Diverse Writing Projects

31:54: Finding Inspiration in Adversity

33:07: Navigating Relationships After Trauma

35:13: The Healing Power of Writing

38:04: Creating Change Through Nonprofit Work

39:32: Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

42:49: Public Speaking and Survivor Empowerment

45:46: Supporting Survivors in Our Communities

48:17: Reclaiming Power: A New Memoir

49:22: Words of Hope for Survivors

50:42: Vision for the Future of Advocacy

Danielle's Links:

⁠www.danielleleukam.com⁠

⁠www.instagram.com/danielleleukam⁠ or @danielleleukam

⁠www.facebook.com/daniellelouiseleukam⁠ 

⁠www.twitter.com/danielle_leukam⁠

Resource for survivors: RAINN ( ⁠rainn.org⁠ ) EVAWI ( ⁠evawintl.org⁠ )

Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.

On the Awakened Souls Podcast, we celebrate Raymond Bechard, an award-winning author, speaker, and human rights advocate. Honored with the Spiritual Life Award for his global fight against human trafficking, Raymond spoke at the Vatican Conference 2019 and is endorsed by leaders like US Senator Richard Blumenthal. His work is cited by Harvard, the University of Toledo, and numerous NGOs. For over 20 years, he has battled modern slavery in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, producing the documentary "Honor Bound" to raise awareness. His books, "The Berlin Turnpike" and "Unspeakable", expose the dark underbelly of human trafficking while inspiring hope. A bold provocateur, Bechard is credited with writing multiple pieces of successful legislation focusing on human trafficking and has driven legislation that forced social media to enhance stronger child safety measures. He also shut down illicit media ads on a Tribune Media publication after it continued to run ads selling illegal "escort" services. He is well-known for generally making people in power uncomfortable whenever he focuses his resources, writing, and public speaking on them. Listen to his harrowing stories of saving victims, from children dying of HIV to teens rescued from brothels, as he challenges an indifferent system.

00:00 Introduction

00:32 Early Influences and Inspirations

04:30 Pivotal Moments Leading to Advocacy

09:26 Shocking Discoveries in Human Trafficking

16:53 Stories of Resilience and Redemption

20:03 Systemic Factors Fueling Human Trafficking

23:34 Challenges in Advocacy and Resistance

29:21 Moral Dilemmas in Advocacy

30:47 Reflections on the Journey

33:52 The Challenges of Recovery from Trafficking

36:39 The Cost of Truth in Advocacy

39:28 Personal Sacrifices in the Fight Against Trafficking

42:52 Coping with Darkness: Humor and Nature

46:42 Defining Success in the Fight for Justice

48:58 Envisioning a World Without Trafficking

53:26 Advice for Aspiring Activists

56:24 intro.mp3

Some gems from Raymond on the Podcast:

" Don't follow the crowd."

" It does not reduce us to lift other people up. It lifts us all up, it lifts the world up when we do that."

" In a nation or society where girls are educated, all boats are lifted with that rising tide of education. Statistics and studies have shown for years that if you educate girls, it makes a culture better. It makes societies better. It makes businesses better."

"What still shocks me is when you show people the crime, when you show people the human rights violation, so often, good people will do nothing and turn the other way because they are scared. That shocks me."

"People can believe some awful things above what is obviously true and dismiss the truth to propagate their own motivations, as we see in politics." "Because if we face the truth about what's happening to other people, we have to do something about it."

Learn more about Raymond on the links and handles below

LinkedIn

APB Speakers Bureau

Youtube

Instagram Handle

Raymond Bechard imdb

Goodreads Author Page

Amazon Books link

Tedx

[email protected]

LinkTree

Threads

Hey there, Awakened Souls listeners! It’s Jenney Clark, and I’m beyond thrilled to bring you the latest episode of our podcast. At Awakened Souls, we endeavor to showcase the incredible stories of survivors, warriors, activists, and leaders who’ve faced unimaginable challenges and risen to triumph. Get ready for a conversation that’ll move you, inspire you, and remind you of the unbreakable power of the human spirit!

Today, I’m honored to sit down with the extraordinary Tanya Nicole Kach—a survivor, author, and fierce advocate whose story of resilience will leave you in awe. At just 14, Tanya endured a decade of captivity in her predator’s bedroom, a harrowing ordeal that’s been covered by CBS News, NBC, People Magazine, and the New York Times. You may know her from her New York Times bestselling book, Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid, or the gripping Lifetime movie, The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story. She’s even shared the screen with Elizabeth Smart in a powerful TV special.

In this episode, Tanya opens up about the chilling realities of grooming, the sting of victim-blaming, and the courage she found to reclaim her life. Her advocacy lights the way for countless victims, offering hope and healing from trauma. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this raw, uplifting conversation with a woman who embodies strength and survival. Tune in and let Tanya’s journey ignite your soul!

00:00 Introduction to Tanya's Journey

04:08 Transition to Adolescence and Bullying

05:36 Meeting the Predator: The Beginning of Grooming

08:48 Captivity: Life Under Control

12:20 Survival and Spiritual Resilience

14:50 Identity Transformation and Reclaiming Self

16:47 The Escape Plan

19:09 Reunion and Aftermath

21:43 Understanding Abuse and Healing

22:59 Therapy and Healing Journey

24:06 Advocacy and Helping Others

25:16 The Movie and Its Impact

26:10 Forgiveness and Moving Forward

27:13 Writing the Memoir

28:32 Messages of Hope

29:42 Finding Love and Healing

30:47 Continuous Healing Process

32:05 Spiritual Growth and Strength

33:12 Advice to the Younger Self

34:36 Future Aspirations and Speaking Engagements

36:25 intro

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidnapping_of_Tanya_Nicole_Kach
• The Tanya Kach Story with Elizabeth Smart (TV Special ...
• https://people.com/where-is-tanya-kach-now-8666583
• https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/who-is-thomas-hose-and-where-is-tanya-kach-s-captor-now/ar-BB1nXXOp

Her movie:Watch The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach StoryThe Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story

Her Book: Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid: The Tanya Nicole Kach Story

Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.

Actor Kevin Anthony Ryan is known for his versatile performances while also captivating audiences as a writer, actor, and director with his work in New York City. He has toured with troupes like “SRO Players” and “A Matinee Idol.” His directorial debut was with the Theatre Studio in NYC, directing Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Petra Van Kant” and “Bremen Freedom.”  he has also appeared in Eliza Hittman’s film “It Felt Like Love", which received rave reviews from Richard Brody of “The New Yorker.”

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5470843/

Website: https://www.kevinanthonyryan.com/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user200373109

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:36 Childhood Influences and Early Career

06:33 Children's Entertainment and Clowning

10:06 Unexpected Moments in Acting

12:40 Emotional and Physical Challenges in Roles

15:30 Collaboration with Directors and Actors

18:41 The Impact of AI on Film and Television

21:00 Dealing with Rejection and Stress

23:06 Social Media's Influence on Acting Careers

25:23 New Chapter

25:29 Navigating Tricky Working Relationships

28:20 The Director-Actor Dynamic

31:19 Creative Projects and Originality

34:31 Luck and Opportunity in Acting

37:10 Film vs. Theater: A Comparative Insight

41:29 Influences and Inspirations in Acting

42:37 Misconceptions About the Acting Industry

44:42 The Importance of Continuous Learning

47:09 Feeding the Soul: Spiritual Practices for Actors

50:17 Advice for Aspiring Actors

52:15 Conclusion

Today we have a special guest from Oklahoma City, underground hip-hop artist, emcee, and lyricist Elizabeth Gray, known as VenomStayDrippin'. After releasing her first mixtape, "Antic Monstrosity," in 2012, she won the title of Best Female Artist at the Street Music Awards. VenomStayDrippin' is recognized for her raw lyricism, engaging social media presence, and collaborations with artists like King Iso. Her Choctaw heritage adds a unique cultural element to her music, and she is poised for even greater success as she continues to connect with her fans.

Legito a.k.a Leandro Egito is an adventurer, artist, poet, and POLYMATH. He is an INNOVATOR that works with wood and makes beautifully handcrafted ECO-FRIENDLY speakers that have sound effects and quality of harmony. He understands the connection between, music, numbers, and resonance. Legito traveled the world on his bicycle in his 20s and has been on many an adventure. 

We are delighted to have him on Awakened Souls!!

You can find out more about Legito on:

https://mundolegitimo.com/

The LEGITO speakers are available on:

https://store.mundolegitimo.com/

His Social account handles:

https://www.instagram.com/mundolegitimo/

https://www.facebook.com/legitodesign

Michele Blood. Michele has had a wonderful career as a rock singer in Australia, and then on one fateful night, she met with a horrific road accident and was hospitalized for months, after many long operations, Michele discovered something that transformed her consciousness and healed her body.In this episode, we deep dive into everything that's Michele from her prolific work as an author to her harmony as an artist that sings affirmation songs to empower millennials. 

To receive a free copy of Michele's eBook, "The Magic Of Affirmation Power." go to:

https://micheleblood.com/AwakenedSouls

Michele's website: www.MagnetToSuccess.com and

https://micheleblood.com

You can follow links to her positive affirmation music.

Songs For Success:

https://www.magnettosuccess.com/dl-songsforsuccess/

Create Miracles: Powerful Affirmation Songs To Harmonize Your Life

https://magnettosuccess.com/dl-createmiracles

"Life after death fascinates us all. So what would happen if someone could 100% prove it to be a scientific fact? " is the question asked in "Revelation", a fictional book by Nick Pease. 

The second season of Awakened Souls is back and this time we bring you the author, Nick Pease. Nick, was born in Windsor, England. He was able to hear and later see spirit beings as a child.  Nick went on to earn a degree in philosophy and also joined a circle as a medium at the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain (SAGB) in London. He maintained an active interest in the conflicting paradigm of religion and scientific knowledge. Nick brings all this experience and knowledge to bear in ‘Revelation,’ a thrilling novel about life after death. 

https://www.cranthorpemillner.com/product/nick-pease-revelation/

https://www.instagram.com/pease_nick/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R296C11

[email protected].

The Plot for "Revelation":

Life after death fascinates us all. So what would happen if someone could 100% prove it to be a scientific fact?

Set in Iraq and Washington D.C., Jack and Marty are two brilliant scientist friends who are working on a top-secret device for the CIA. Codenamed Revelation, the program fails. But later, working alone for their interest, they accidentally make the device work in a completely unexpected way, proving that life after death is an absolute fact.

But many in power see Revelation as a direct threat to their political and religious agendas and will do anything to destroy it – and its inventors! What follows is a thrilling rollercoaster of events as the plot grippingly unfolds towards its beautifully life-affirming conclusion.