Aware And Prepared

SUMMARY

In this podcast episode, Mandi welcomes back Joe, her mentor and self-defense teacher, to address a scenario where a family friend faces an unwanted admirer who waits for her outside the gym and persistently intimidates her despite her rejections. 

Joe begins by emphasizing the importance of breaking predictable patterns and using group exits or tactical pauses to assess surroundings before leaving. 

He suggests carrying a defensive tool and employing code words with friends for assistance. Joe stresses the significance of situational awareness and analyzing the stalker's behavior, urging caution and vigilance beyond the gym environment.

Joe advises against confrontations. He emphasizes the need to prioritize personal safety and suggests documenting incidents, considering police involvement if the behavior persists or escalates. 

Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on empowering individuals to assert their boundaries and take proactive measures to safeguard themselves against potential threats.

LESSONS LEARNED

Pay attention to patterns and mix things up!

Take a pause before you go into the possible danger to assess the situation.

In assessing the level of a threat pay attention to the person's appearance, frequency and distance. 

Make sure that they aren't following you home and that you're not endangering loved ones. 

Ask for help from the person in charge of the location and / or ask for a male to be with you when you can possibly encounter the unwanted admirer.

Don't engage and get tricked into interacting with them. Quickly say no thanks as you're getting into your car or I'm busy.  

Document every occurrence and report that compilation to the police while telling them, “I'm afraid for my safety.” Keep reporting until you get help.

RESOURCES

To inquire about Joe’s self defense help, contact Mandi.

Book Mandi for your school, conference or workshop to share her real life story and how she healed.

Find out the top 10 things Mandi does to keep herself safe at the bottom of her website WomenAwareAndPrepared.com.

You can find Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

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SUMMARY

Mandi delves into the tragic story of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie, highlighting the red flags that were present in their relationship before it turned deadly. She discusses warning signs (red flags) of abusive relationships, such as control, jealousy, and isolation, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues. 

Additionally,a list of green flags—positive qualities and behaviors—that signify healthy and mature relationships are listed. 

Practical advice is provided for individuals who may find themselves in abusive situations, including reaching out to domestic violence hotlines for support and creating personalized safety plans. 

Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and seek help if needed in order to cultivate healthy relationships and lives.

LESSONS

Recognize Red Flags: It's crucial to identify warning signs of abusive relationships, including controlling behavior, jealousy, isolation, and manipulation.

Seek Help: Individuals experiencing abusive relationships should reach out to resources such as domestic violence hotlines and shelters for support and guidance.

Create a Safety Plan: Developing personalized safety plans can help individuals in abusive situations protect themselves and plan for potential emergencies.

Understand Green Flags: It's equally important to recognize positive qualities and behaviors in relationships that signify health and maturity, such as communication, empathy, and respect.


Prioritize Well-being: Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to prioritize their well-being and seek help if needed to cultivate healthier relationships and lives.

RESOURCES

National Domestic Violence Hotline: TheHotline.org

Domestic Violence Shelters: Google one near you (safely from someone else’s device)

TheMendProject.com

Local Law Enforcement: Dial 9-1-1 or google your nearest police station

Note: Red Flags List is from my DV Advocacy Training through my local DV Shelter

Green Flags List

2 articles about Gabby and Brian:

NY Post

People 

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered and receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

Send me a message

SUMMARY

In this podcast episode of "Woman Aware and Prepared," the host discusses the critical issue of teen dating violence during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This episode covers seven common myths about teen dating violence, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing that violence and unhealthy behavior are prevalent in teenage relationships. 

Real-life examples highlight the complex dynamics and red flags present in abusive relationships among teens. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves and their children on the signs of abuse and create awareness around the issue.

LESSONS LEARNED

Teenage dating violence is a prevalent and serious issue: The host emphasizes that it is an epidemic affecting the younger generation, and it is crucial to recognize its severity.

Teenage dating violence starts earlier than expected: Contrary to common beliefs, such issues can arise even in the pre-teen years, making early education on healthy relationships imperative.

Educate kids earlier, bit by bit, about recognizing red flags in relationships: It is crucial to educate children at an age-appropriate level gradually and help them identify red flags in relationships, even within friendships. The podcast stresses the importance of noticing possessiveness, jealousy, and other warning signs early on.

RESOURCES 

Dr. Jill Murray -  Book titled "Teens and Relationships: How Technology and Media Culture is Influencing the Way They Date."

Book Mandi for your school, conference or workshop to share her real life story and how she healed.

Send me a message

SUMMARY

In this podcast episode, Mandi introduces a small membership for listeners, sharing insights from their recent quarterly call. 


A member’s question prompts a discussion on how exactly to call the non-emergency police line and will you get dispatch on the line when you do? Listen to her Mandi answer the question.

LESSONS LEARNED

• The non-emergency line is the police business line for less urgent situations

• This number can be found on your smartphone or web browser 

• Either save the number in your phone or do a test on how to find the number on your smartphone so you’re prepared

• Examples of non-emergencies include loud parties or suspicious parked cars

• Understand dispatch prioritizes calls based on urgency

• Consider joining the podcast membership for engagement opportunities and a deeper dive on safety tips

RESOURCES

Here is info on my membership to feel further supported and safer with empowerment! 

Click here to see all the goodies you get!


Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Website WomenAwareAndPrepared.com

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SUMMARY

In this podcast episode, Glenna, the dispatch supervisor at a local police department joins us again in part 2. She explains the dispatcher's training in active listening and asking questions in a specific order. Glenna emphasizes that dispatchers may appear to be cutting off callers to keep them focused and efficient in providing essential details.

The discussion delves into the advancements in technology, such as GPS location capabilities in cell phones, but Glenna stresses the need for callers to still verify and communicate their location accurately. 

The conversation also touches upon challenges faced by dispatchers, the stress of the job, and the importance of coping mechanisms and support systems. Glenna, who serves as a peer support coordinator, discusses the 911 Wellness Project.

Towards the end of the episode, Glenna introduces a new law related to domestic violence that is in support of victims.

The episode concludes with Glenna encouraging listeners to be their own advocates and seek help from higher authorities if needed.

LESSONS LEARNED

Provide specific information during emergency calls, such as addresses and details.

Expect focused questions to retrieve simply the facts and active listening so they often repeat what you just said.

Sometimes GPS capabilities in cell phones and programs like Rapid SOS and What 3 Words can help pinpoint the exact location of callers during emergencies.

Glenna, as a peer support coordinator, highlights the importance of education, training, and support systems for dispatchers. She introduces the 911 Wellness Project, her initiative supporting the health and wellness of first responders.

Callers are advised to verify and communicate their location accurately during emergency calls, especially in cases where phone services are tied to internet registration.

A new law on domestic violence reports is discussed, requiring police agencies to release reports, including 911 calls and pictures, to domestic violence victims at no charge within five days of the request. These records are visual reminders for domestic violence survivors to hopefully deter victims from returning to abusive situations.

Glenna encourages listeners to be their own advocates and seek help from higher authorities if law enforcement agencies are not providing necessary support.

RESOURCES

WeTip.com for anonymous reporting.

CrimeMapping.com shows recent crime activity reported in your neighborhood.

911WellnessProject.com “Building resiliency through training and education one hero at a time” - Glenna’s initiative to help first responders’ mental health. Follow her on Instagram or Facebook.

You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

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In this podcast episode, the host, Mandi, is joined by Glenna, Dispatch Supervisor at Mandi’s local police department. The episode covers:

- When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line

- Handling suspicious situations

- Providing tips for effective communication with law enforcement

Glenna emphasizes the importance of using 911 for situations involving imminent threats to life or significant property loss. The topic of reporting harm to pets is discussed as well as the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors.

Glenna provides insights into the dispatch process and encourages callers to be proactive in saving the correct police department number in their phones. They discuss anonymous reporting and more.

The episode concludes with a role-play scenario where Mandi calls 911 to report a car accident, highlighting how a dispatcher may respond in order to gather information and ensure caller safety.

LESSONS LEARNED

Some Examples of When To Call 911 for Emergencies:

Immediate Threat to Life or Property: such as accidents with injuries, medical emergencies, fires, crimes in progress, or any incident requiring urgent response.

Crime in Progress: a crime happening or have reason to believe that a crime is in progress, such as burglary, assault, robbery, or any criminal activity requiring immediate attention.

Medical Emergencies: if someone is experiencing a life-threatening situation, severe injuries, or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention.

Some Examples of When To Call Non-Emergency:

Noise Complaints: For issues like loud parties or disturbances with no drinking or fighting that are not an immediate threat, you can contact the non-emergency line to report the situation

Property Damage Without Immediate Danger: If your property has been damaged but there is no ongoing threat

Suspicious Activity Without Imminent Danger: If you observe suspicious behavior but there is no immediate threat, non-emergency services can be contacted to report the incident

If in doubt, it's generally better to err on the side of caution and dial 911 for immediate emergencies.

RESOURCES

WeTip.com: A resource for reporting information anonymously. It allows individuals to provide information about crimes without revealing their identity. (Note: Some limitations were discussed.)

CrimeMapping.com: This website provides some relevant information about crime incidents in specific areas. It can help individuals understand the safety of a neighborhood, school, or the timing of various activities.


You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sens

Send me a message

SUMMARY

Mandi announces an upcoming episode featuring a role play with a local police dispatcher named Glenna. To prep for that, Mandi covers topics such as when to call 9-1-1 versus the non-emergency number, emphasizing the importance of saving the local police department's number in your phone. 

Additionally, the host provides six tips for calling the police and two resources for anonymous reporting and how to view local crime activity. 

Overall, the episode aims to help listeners understand how to effectively communicate with the police in emergency and non-emergency situations.

TIPS

Six tips for calling the police mentioned in the podcast episode:

Tip 1: Provide your location and stick to the facts of the situation when calling 9-1-1

Tip 2: Calmly answer all questions from the police to help them understand and assist effectively

Tip 3: It's acceptable to call back if the situation changes or new information arises

Tip 4: If you accidentally call 9-1-1, be aware that they may still need to respond

Tip 5: Teach your kids how to call 9-1-1 and communicate their address

Tip 6: If you need help and the police are present, gesture for them to come to you rather than just waving

RESOURCES

WeTip.com for anonymous reporting

CrimeMapping.com shows recent crime activity reported in your neighborhood

You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

Send me a message

SUMMARY

Mandi continues a crucial conversation about online safety for children with Clay from the Cyber Safety Cop. Their discussion centers on the alarming issue of online grooming and how children, regardless of their family background, are susceptible to manipulation and exploitation. 

The conversation dives into the tactics predators use to exploit children's need for love and acceptance, creating a false sense of trust that can lead to severe consequences. 

Clay urges parents to stay vigilant, emphasizing the importance of monitoring their children's online activities and maintaining open communication. 

LESSONS LEARNED

Online Grooming Risks: come from the disconnect between online actions and real-life consequences making them susceptible to manipulation

Predator Tactics: exploit children's desire for love and acceptance, manipulating them into believing they are cared for, ultimately aiming to sexualize the relationship and coerce the child into producing explicit material or meeting in person

Parental Vigilance: is of utmost importance to monitor their children's online activities actively to prevent potential harm

Parents Bridge The Gap: educate kids about potential risks they face (use Clay’s material on his website CyberSafetyCop.com)

Open Communication: with your kids about online safety is crucial. Parents create a safe space for their children to discuss their online experiences and potential concerns

Sexting Challenges: need for parents to address this issue as part of the broader conversation about online safety

Multiple Layers of Protection: parental controls, online safety apps like Bark, and regular communication is essential for ensuring a child's safety 

Parental Rights: parents have the moral and legal right to monitor and set restrictions on their kid’s devices

RESOURCES

Clay’s website with MANY great practical resources (contracts, checklists, online training) to keep kids safer online is CyberSafetyCopy.com

He recommends Bark.us to monitor dangers on your child’s device. Use code CYBERSAFETYCOP to save. (OurPact.com for outside of the U.S.)

He authored the book "Parenting in the Digital World" and was recognized with the National Anti Bullying Award for his contributions

You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

Send me a message

SUMMARY

In this podcast episode, the guest is Clayton Cranford, a retired law enforcement sergeant from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who has expertise in internet safety for families. 

He emphasizes the importance of addressing online safety for children. Clay also discusses the challenges parents face in managing their children's digital world, especially during breaks when kids may have more unsupervised screen time. 

He stresses the need for open communication with children about online risks and the importance of establishing a trusting relationship. Clay also suggests tools like the Bark app to monitor and alert parents to potential issues on their child's device. Lastly, he covers using parental controls, which he says he walks through step by step in his book.

LESSONS LEARNED

Delay Device Introduction as long as possible before introducing smartphones and social media

Open Communication is Key to encourage kids to discuss their online experiences and mistakes without fear of judgment

Use Monitoring Tools like Bark to monitor a child's online activity and alert parents to issues

Limit Screen Time, especially during breaks, helps maintain a balance between online and offline activities

No Devices in Bedrooms while sleeping to minimize unsupervised online activities and potential risks

Educate About Risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content

Set Parental Controls on devices to filter and block inappropriate content

Choose Safe Apps - vet and approve each app before your child downloads it, like Snapchat.

Consider Alternative Devices for preteens, like smartwatches instead of phones

Address Impact of Pornography and it’s harm caused by early exposure to pornography and engage in open discussions about healthy relationships

Remind kids that their device is paid for by you and you own it!

RESOURCES

Clay’s website with MANY great practical resources to keep kids safer online is CyberSafetyCopy.com

He recommends Bark.us to monitor dangers on your child’s device

He authored the book "Parenting in the Digital World" and was recognized with the National Anti Bullying Award for his contributions

You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

Send me a message

SUMMARY

In this podcast episode, the host takes a break from the regular content to offer listeners a chance to get to know her better. She shares personal details about her life, such as living in California, being married for 16 years, having a 22-year-old son, and being a passionate pet lover with a business related to photographing and creating custom fine art of pets. 

The host also discusses her main business, "Women Aware and Prepared," which she sees as her life purpose. She outlines her professional speaking engagements, keynotes, and workshops that focus on personal safety, mental health, and self-advocacy. 

Towards the end, she encourages listeners to provide feedback, ask questions, and share their thoughts through reviews, direct messages on Instagram, or emails. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming episodes and a reminder that everyone is worthy of a safe and peaceful life.

RESOURCES

Mandi's website page with information on booking her to speak


You can say thank you here if this podcast is helpful to you.

You can find your podcast host, Mandi, on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Send me a message