Aware And Prepared

What happens when you're not able to listen to your intuition? Intuition is a survival mechanism. Listen to Mandi talk about 

• What intuition is
• What to do with what your intuition is telling you
• What impedes your intuition from working well

LESSONS

Lesson 1 = Intuition is our subconscious collecting clues that alert us to danger. 

Lesson 2 = If you've experienced trauma, your body may be stuck in fight or flight where your brain is addicted to struggle. 

Lesson 3 = To get your body unaddicted to fight or flight I recommend that you see a counselor, maybe even tell your doctor. It’s important to just start being aware. 

Lesson 4 = You're not alone because a lot of people go through this. Once you start peeling away the layers of the addiction to fight or flight, then your body relaxes and you can start to notice the helpful subconscious clues.

RESOURCES

NEW! If you'd like to support the podcast and help Mandi sustain the podcast project, buy her a coffee. Coffee Cheers!

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared.

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website).

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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Mandi pulls together a few different interviews for a panel discussion on teen dating. They discuss some things that most aren’t willing to talk about.

Special Guests for panel discussion:

• Caleb (Mandi’s son) and his fiance, Amanda
• Veronica, Education Outreach Dept. Manager at Laura’s House

LESSONS

Lesson 1 = Check the person's reputation before you start dating them. 

Lesson 2 = Remember to include boundaries and have your own space, freedom!

Lesson 3 = Have compassion on yourself as you learn and grow. 

Lesson 4 = Meet the family of the person you’re dating and pay attention to how they treat each other

Lesson 5 = Make sure it's safe to communicate with who you’re dating (respect)

Lesson 6 = Parents can model sharing feelings even when kids are young

Lesson 7 = Parents, make sure you’re a “safe” adult so kids can disclose without fear or judgment. This takes practice!

Lesson 8 = Begin conversations young regarding trust, respect and safety in ALL relationships  

RESOURCES

LaurasHouse.Org - Domestic Violence Shelter in Southern California

National DV Hotline

Covenant Eyes for Accountability


NEW! If you'd like to support the podcast and help Mandi sustain the podcast project, buy her a coffee. Coffee Cheers!

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared.

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website).

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

Mandi pulls together a few different interviews for a panel discussion on social media safety, especially for teens, especially given the recent announcement from our Surgeon General that social media can have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and wellbeing of children  and adolescents.

About 95% of teens today use some sort of social media. And one third of them said that they use it “almost constantly.” Our teens and tweens are facing a mental health crisis, a good deal of it due to constant social media use.

Special Guests for panel discussion:

• Caleb (Mandi’s son) and his fiance, Amanda
• Detective Robers and from the D.A. Office, Cyndi
• Veronica, Education Outreach Dept. Manager at Laura’s House

LESSONS

Lesson 1 = Really think about what you post, even on a “private” account

Lesson 2 = Be smart. Don't show personal information in the background of your photos or share your exact location either. Turn off “Location Services” in your phone.

Lesson 3 = With gaming and social media, make sure that you know who you're talking to and only connect with friends that you know, or friends of friends.

Lesson 4 = Don't photograph or share anything that you don't want your grandma to see!

RESOURCES

Recent news about teens, social media and mental health here and here

The Log Off Movement

Apps Habit Lab / Rescue Time / Bark / Moment / Covenant Eyes

NEW! If you've found help here and would like to help sustain the podcast project, buy the host, Mandi, a coffee. Coffee Cheers!

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared.

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website).

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

Today, Mandi gives you a chance to catch up and thanks you for listening! 

She gives a quick overview of past episodes so you can make sure you didn't miss anything. 

Most Popular Episodes:

1. Mandi’s Story shared in the very beginning. (Part 1 = overview / Part 2 = Detective Ryan)

2. Most Asked Women's Self Defense Q’s with A’s. (Guest is Mandi’s mentor, Joe)

3. Where Are Our Children Disappearing To? (Online grooming - an onramp to trafficking)

Other Favorites:

1.  Understanding the Tactics of Predatory Criminals: Kelly’s Story (All ages should listen to understand tricks and manipulations predators use!)

2. Emotional Abuse and Teen Dating Violence (Emotional abuse is not talked about enough!)

3. I Was Tracked by an Apple AirTag (My own personal and recent story) 

4. Victim Resources & also Restraining Orders (with Det. Roberts and Cyndi, D.A. Office)

5. Myths about DV shelters (Laura’s House)

RESOURCES

NEW! If you'd like to support the podcast and help Mandi sustain the project, buy her a coffee. Coffee Cheers!

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared.

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website).

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

Veronica, from our local domestic violence shelter Laura's house, joins the host of Women Aware and Prepared, Mandi. They discuss some of the myths about domestic violence shelters, such as:

1 = You have to live at the shelter to receive services

2 = Domestic Violence (DV) shelters ask you to leave your abuser 


3 = DV shelters only offer services to female victims


4 = Children are not allowed at the shelter


5 = No shelters allow victims or survivors to bring their pets


6 = Shelter services are only available to victims survivors, experiencing physical abuse


7 = The California DV hotline advocates are mandated reporters


8 = Police reports are required before seeking a domestic violence restraining order

LESSONS

1. DV Shelters offer so much to their community for free, even those who don’t live at the shelter. They offer classes for teens and adults to learn about healthy relationships and empowerment, complimentary counseling, family law help and so much more!

1. They meet their clients where they are at emotionally and don’t force them to do anything they don’t want to.

1. A DV shelter is a great place to get clarity (without judgement) on your relationships.

RESOURCES

LaurasHouse.Org - Domestic Violence Shelter in Southern California

National DV Hotline

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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

Cyndi from the San Bernardino District Attorney Office and Detective Roberts from the Chino Police Department join Mandi, the host, in discussing restraining orders. 

Mandi shares her own story of getting a restraining order and learning what it did and did NOT do.

They discuss what a restraining order is, what it does and does not do, the different types of orders, important things to know about these, how they are served, and so much more!

They also discuss the victim resources available to help a victim in the process of getting a restraining order and receiving other help.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. If you’re asking if you should get a restraining order, you probably need one. Learn the facts and make your decision.

2. A restraining order is simply a piece of paper that sets boundaries and gives the police grounds to arrest if the order is not heeded. It is for people 18 and older including yourself and family and pets living with you. There is an emergency protective order given by police, a temporary order that you then file for a permanent order. There is also a criminal protective order through the courts. No contact and no-negative contact.

3. A perpetrator is served the restraining order papers by someone 18 or older who can be a mutual friend or perhaps someone from the sheriff’s office. Check with your local county.

4. Recognize the cycle of violence with the honeymoon phase (tension builds, incident occurs, honeymoon phase, repeat).

5. Power and control wheel (co-ercion, threats, intimidation, emo abuse, isolation, minimize, deny, blame, financial abuse, using children or pets, using male privilege) How does one get out? By becoming empowered through resources offered through local authorities and shelters.

6. Main lesson - you’re not alone. This has happened to many and you don’t have to go through it alone. 

RESOURCES

Restraining Orders in the state of California

Power and Control Wheel 

DV Hotline

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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

Detective Roberts from the Chino Police Department and Cyndi A. from the San Bernardino District Attorney Office join Mandi, the host of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast, today.

They discuss the many victim resources available in their county and many others across the United States.

LESSONS

1. We have some AMAZING resources available to us! Who knew!? Check with your local DA or police office to know about the victim services available to you and your loved ones.

2. Marsy’s Law has passed in most states giving victims rights, such as the safety of victim and family considered when fixing the amount of bail, the refusal to be interviewed by the defense, and much more.

3. The police WANT you to call them when you need help!

RESOURCES

Marsy’s Law & Story of Marsy, a student at UCSB, stalked and murdered by her ex boyfriend.

16 Victim’s Rights on Marsy’s Card given to victims when police arrive

Victim’s Compensation Program in California

VINE is the nation's most reliable and confidential source for updated custody status and criminal case information

Mandi’s in person and online workshops for listeners

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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

The Women Aware and Prepared host, Mandi, wraps up a mini series on self defense tools. Today she shares about tactical flashlights, pens and pencils:

• What are they
• Why her students prefer them
• The brands she trusts
• And much more

LESSONS LEARNED

1. You can use an everyday item as a weapon. You can use a flashlight, you can use a pen, you can use a pencil if they are made with that very durable aluminum. Of course you can use a regular pen or pencil if you need to. But these tactical pens and pencils and flashlights are very durable. They should last a lifetime.

2. If you are purchasing one of these items, you get what you pay for. Remember with the flashlights you want 1000 lumens or more so it's bright enough to blind somebody if needed. 

3. If you're going to use a striking tool, like one of these, you have to be very quick, like how a snake strikes. And again practice, practice, practice. 

RESOURCES

Mandi’s in person and online workshops for listeners

Tactical Flashlight, pen 1, pen2 and pencil

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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

The Women Aware and Prepared host, Mandi, continues a mini series on self defense tools. Today she resumes the mini-series on self-defense tools and wraps up pepper spray, moving on to stun guns and personal alarms.

She shares a real life story of a stun gun that saves a 16 year old from being kidnapped and sexually assaulted.

For those who live in the areas of the world that don’t allow these self defense tools, please remember you can use what’s in your hands to gain a second to escape, such as a cup of hot coffee, an aluminum water bottle, etc.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. Choose a self-defense tool that you are going to be comfortable using that you know you can practice with. Just focus on one, maybe two tools that you will purchase and practice with.

2. Remember to keep the tool concealed, carry it in the same place, practice with it, keep the element of surprise and be situationally aware.

RESOURCES

Mandi’s in person and online workshops for listeners

Mandi’s book she mentions is on Amazon: “Two Things To Know Before Buying Pepper Spray”

Mandi carries and recommends Sabre pepper gel.

State laws and ask your local police about pepper spray use in your area 

Practice Pepper Sprays

Stun Guns and Personal Alarms

Recent News story of 16 year old saved by stun gun

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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

The host, Mandi, shares her story of being alerted that an Apple Air Tag was tracking her. Everyone needs to know about AirTags and their capability for stalking.

Please sign up for Mandi’s weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of her website) if you want the AirTag Guide she is drafting up. It’s not easy today to find help with preventing tracking and what to do after you find an AirTag, but she is gathering up material to email a mega resource for you soon!

LESSONS LEARNED

1. Be aware of the crime trends happening around you. That's how I already knew about the air tags and that I should call the police right away. 
2. Trust your instincts.
3. Set your iPhone settings so you can be notified if you are being tracked by an AirTag.  Under settings. Go to privacy insecurity. And toggle location services on scroll to the bottom of that page. Tap on system services and activate find my iPhone. Also search for the, find my app. Visit me in the bottom right corner. Then tap, customized tracking notifications to double-check that notifications are enabled. I did that on my phone and made sure that always is checked. And I have also. Gone to my settings and just turned off all location services.  Also, I did find out that there is a tracker app. Which is called tracker detect. So that's a good idea for people with the Android phones. And I myself, downloaded. The app tracker detect. So I have that scanner and I can try and scan my car again. 

RESOURCES

1. - What is an AirTag 
2. - Signs an AirTag is tracking you 
3. - What to do if you get an alert

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared or her website, WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can find out if you’re doing her 10 top tips to stay safer! Grab the free download at the bottom of the site!

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