Aware And Prepared

With romantic life happening online, it's crucial to discuss how to set and maintain digital boundaries just as we do for physical interactions. Drawing from insights shared by Adam and the team at EndTAB, we explore how smartphones, social media, and AI companionships are reshaping relationships. 

From location sharing to password exchanges, we unpack the risks and the importance of clear, proactive boundary-setting. Think ahead to avoid future problems like stalking from a partner! Tune in to learn how to navigate online relationships with safety, respect, and confidence.

LESSONS LEARNED

Being constantly connected means it’s important to set clear expectations about communication times, frequency, and boundaries.

Intimacy looks different online. Sharing passwords and locations can blur lines of trust and safety, sometimes leading to digital stalking or harassment.

Breakups and Relationships Are Public. Social media adds pressure and can expose personal moments to public scrutiny, making digital boundary conversations essential.

Proactive Communication is Key. Discussing digital boundaries early can prevent misunderstandings, discomfort, and potential harm.

AI Companionship and Digital Consent: Even in virtual relationships, the same principles of respect and consent apply.

RESOURCES

EndTAB – Learn more about digital safety and boundaries: www.endtab.org

Love Is Respect – Digital boundary conversation starters: www.loveisrespect.org

Previous Episode with Adam on Digital Safety – Part 1 and Part 2

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“How do you trust again after betrayal, abuse, and heartbreak?” It’s a question so many survivors ask, and in this episode, Mandi and her partner open up about their journey of finding love after trauma. Mandi shares how she rebuilt trust after leaving an abusive marriage—only to discover her ex was wanted by the FBI for multiple bank robberies. 

Together, Mandi and her hubby discuss the fears, challenges, and unexpected joys of starting over, blending a family, and creating a relationship built on safety, respect, and love. If you’ve ever wondered whether love after trauma is possible, this conversation is for you.

LESSONS LEARNED

Rebuilding Trust Takes Time and Intuition – After a traumatic relationship, rebuilding trust required deep self-reflection, personal growth, and learning to trust intuition when evaluating a new partner’s character.

Recognizing Red Flags and Green Flags – Signs of trustworthiness included consistency, integrity, and genuine interest, while red flags (like love bombing or lack of emotional regulation) were now easier to spot.

Healing Before Entering a New Relationship – Time spent working on personal healing and emotional growth was crucial before stepping into a new relationship to avoid past mistakes.

Navigating Dating as a Parent – Introducing a new partner to a child was done carefully and gradually to ensure emotional safety.

Managing Fears of a New Relationship – Fears of repeating past trauma or being "too damaged" were addressed through open communication, therapy, and patience.

Blended Family Challenges Require Flexibility – Adjusting to new family dynamics was a process that required patience, open dialogue, and a willingness to adapt.

RESOURCES

EHarmony.com Dating App

JOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Wondering if self-defense insurance is worth it, even without a CCW (concealed carry weapons) permit? YES! Get expert insights from an attorney on protecting yourself legally in any self defense situation.

LESSON LEARNED

Don’t leave this up to chance! Get insurance if you plan on fighting back in self defense, whether it’s with a water bottle, pepper spray, or firearm.

RESOURCES

USCCA (U.S. Concealed Carry Association) – Offers legal protection plans and educational resources on self-defense laws.
usconcealedcarry.com

CCW Safe – Provides coverage for legal defense after self-defense incidents, regardless of CCW status in some cases.
ccwsafe.com

Byrna.com – Less lethal launcher (alternative to firearms). Mandi teaches a class on this! Ask her.

Artemis Defense Institute – Training facility for self-defense and use of force scenarios.

JOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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What would you do if you saw someone being kicked and beaten in broad daylight? 

Would you rush in to rescue them? Call 911? Freeze in shock, unsure of your next move? 

My friend found herself in that exact situation — torn between helping and staying safe. In this episode, she shares the heart-pounding moment she witnessed a domestic violence incident and the tough choices she faced. You'll also hear critical advice straight from law enforcement on how to safely and effectively help victims in moments like these.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

RESOURCES

National Domestic Violence Hotline in the U.S. 1-800-799-7233 or TheHotline.org

JOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Exciting update about an in-person class scheduled for the end of January in Southern California! This will focus on a less lethal self-defense option for those who may not feel comfortable carrying a gun. The host emphasizes the importance of learning how to feel safe in your body as well as feeling safe while out and about, and highlights the benefits of this self defense tool she will share. Stay tuned!

Please sign up to be notified at AwareAndPrepared.Life. 

Scroll to the bottom of that website and enter your info to be notified of class specifics (and other helpful resources)!

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Master The Art of NOT “Biting The Hook” with Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and meditation instructor.  She shares wisdom from her personal journey of co-parenting with a narcissist. Building on last week’s conversation about her challenges, Dr. Dorian dives into practical mindfulness strategies to help anyone avoid being emotionally "hooked" by others' triggering behaviors. 

She shares about our tendency to get attached or triggered—and provides actionable steps to recognize and interrupt emotional reactivity. Whether you're dealing with difficult co-parenting dynamics or simply navigating daily stressors, her advice is universally valuable.

Dr. Dorian also explores the power of self-compassion and loving-kindness meditation as tools for grounding and emotional resilience. Listeners will learn how to redirect their energy and cultivate inner peace amidst external chaos!

LESSONS LEARNED

Mindfulness can help you stay grounded. Simple practices like focused breathing and observing emotions without judgment can reduce stress and help you respond thoughtfully to difficult situations.

Learning to protect your energy is essential, especially in challenging co-parenting dynamics.

Recognizing and addressing your emotional responses can lead to greater self-awareness and resilience.

You don’t have to engage in every conflict. Choosing when and how to respond can give you control over your emotional energy.

Focus on what you can control: Shifting your attention from the narcissist’s behavior to your own actions empowers you to navigate co-parenting with less frustration.

RESOURCES

Commonly recommended resources for dealing with narcissistic relationships and co-parenting include:

Books:

"The Parallel Parenting Solution" by Carl Knickerbocker

"Will I Ever Be Free of You?" by Karyl McBride

"Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex" by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine

Websites and Support Groups:

One Mom’s Battle website and IG: Navigating family court with a narcissistic ex

Narcissistic Abuse Support: website with articles, forums, and recovery tips

Therapists and Legal Experts: 

Seek a therapist (contact Dr. Dorian) and / or lawyer specialized in narcissistic abuse 

Apps: 

OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents: Communication tools designed to keep co-parenting interactions business-like and on record

Dr. Marina Dorian Instagram

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Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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What happens when the person you most trusted turns out to be the source of your deepest pain? Hear Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and mindfulness-based counseling professor share her powerful journey of reclaiming her life from narcissistic abuse. She unveils the psychological and physical toll of living with and co-parenting alongside a narcissist, offering a profound exploration of manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive communication. 

What are the different types of narcissists, the signs of abuse, and its complex impact on survivors? Learn invaluable tools for healing!

LESSONS LEARNED

Recognizing Manipulation: Understand the subtle tactics of narcissistic manipulation and how they erode self-trust and independence.

The Power of Awareness: Awareness is the first step to breaking free from unhealthy dynamics.

Reclaiming Self-Worth: Healing begins with realizing your inherent value and setting boundaries to protect it.

Healing Is a Process: Recovery from abuse takes time, patience, and self-compassion, but it’s possible.

Building self-awareness and emotional resilience helps in recognizing and preventing future toxic relationships.

Parallel Parenting Over Co-Parenting: Minimize conflict by maintaining clear boundaries and limiting direct interaction. Focus on your child’s well-being without engaging in the narcissist’s manipulations.

RESOURCES

Commonly recommended resources for dealing with narcissistic relationships and co-parenting include:

1. Books:
   • "The Parallel Parenting Solution" by Carl Knickerbocker
   • "Will I Ever Be Free of You?" by Karyl McBride
   • "Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex" by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine
2. Websites and Support Groups:
   • One Mom’s Battle website and IG: Navigating family court with a narcissistic ex
   • Narcissistic Abuse Support: website with articles, forums, and recovery tips
3. Therapists and Legal Experts: Seek a therapist and / or lawyer specialized in narcissistic abuse 
4. Apps: OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents: Communication tools designed to keep co-parenting interactions business-like and on record

Dr. Marina Dorian Instagram

JOIN Mandi’s email list so you are notified of when her self defense course is live again and for workshop info. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Want to feel safer in your body, embrace your voice, and be ok with taking up space? Listen in as Mandi and Keean explore how being present and reconnecting with your body can transform emotional wounds into self-love. 

Join host Mandi Pratt and psychotherapist Keean as they discuss the role of movement, witnessing emotions, and reframing shame in finding freedom and empowerment after trauma. Discover practical tools to feel safer in your body, embrace your voice, and take up space again!

LESSONS LEARNED

Self-Love Requires Presence
Being present in your body helps you witness yourself and create space for healing.

Movement Heals
Reconnecting with your body through movement helps release emotions, build confidence, and take up space.

Shame Masks Deeper Emotions
Shame often hides emotions like anger or grief. Reframing it helps access and heal those feelings.

Emotions Aren't Threats
Separating emotions from past trauma lets you respond to them in healthier ways.

Healing Is Gradual
Recovery happens step by step with practices that feel safe and personal to you.

RESOURCES

Keean.org and Instagram @holistic.therapist 

JOIN Mandi's email list so you are notified when her self defense course (including nervous system regulation) is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Whether you're a trauma survivor or curious about the connection between mental and physical well-being, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on healing and empowerment.

In this episode, Keean, a psychotherapist and life coach, dives deep into the impact of trauma on the nervous system and how it shapes behaviors like taking up less space and silencing our voices. He shares powerful insights on unlearning these patterns through self-compassion, reconnecting with the body, and even embracing self-defense as a transformative tool. Together, we explore the journey from survival to thriving, emphasizing the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and awakening dormant parts of ourselves.

Tune in to hear practical strategies for easing into self-love, building resilience, and learning to take up space unapologetically! (Part 1 of 2)

LESSONS LEARNED

Trauma can create unconscious patterns that disconnect us from our bodies and suppress our voices.

Reconnecting with the body through self-defense or movement awakens dormant parts of the nervous system.

Self-compassion is essential for healing and easing into practices that challenge trauma responses.

Learning to take up space, use your voice, and set boundaries are acts of self-love and empowerment.

Emotional and physical safety are interconnected, and growth requires sitting with discomfort and resistance.

Self-defense begins with mindset shifts, such as recognizing the importance of self-worth and boundaries.

Healing involves unlearning fear-based responses and embracing self-awareness and love.

RESOURCES

Keean.org and Instagram @holistic.therapist

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Wrapping up our series on self-defense with a weapon! We explore both lethal and non-lethal options. Mandi and Andrea dive into the real costs associated with self-defense, such as handguns, training, range fees, and concealed carry permits, particularly in California. They address challenges faced by those who may feel less safe but also face financial barriers, making it difficult to access these resources. Additionally, they discuss tips for choosing the right handgun, emphasizing the importance of asking experts for advice and taking personal comfort and safety into consideration.

They also cover privacy considerations when carrying, advising listeners to keep firearm ownership discreet, especially if they’re in vulnerable situations like escaping abuse or facing stalkers. Mandi stresses the importance of securing firearms if mental health struggles are a concern and advises against carrying for those in high-risk mental health seasons. Listeners are encouraged to take baby steps towards their self-protection, respecting each unique situation while prioritizing safety and peace.

LESSONS

Self-defense costs can add up – Expenses for a firearm, training, range fees, and concealed carry permits can be significant, especially in places like California.

Seek expert advice for choosing firearms – It’s a good idea to consult instructors, gun range experts, or trusted store employees when selecting a self-defense weapon that suits personal needs.

Discretion is important when carrying – For safety, firearm owners should be discreet about their ownership, especially in cases involving intimate partner violence or stalkers.

Privacy laws protect firearm registration – In most states, firearm registration information isn’t public, which can be beneficial for those in protective situations.

Consider mental health when owning a firearm – People experiencing severe mental health struggles, especially suicidal ideation, are advised to avoid having firearms accessible for their safety.

Customization in self-defense is crucial – Every person’s self-defense approach should be tailored to their individual situation, needs, and comfort level with weapons.

A self-defense plan can increase confidence – Knowing that there’s a strategy in place can create a greater sense of peace and reduce feelings of vulnerability.

Baby steps toward self-protection – Building a self-defense plan can be gradual; taking small steps over time can help people feel more prepared without adding extra stress.

Victims deserve the right to self-defense – Being a victim does not mean staying vulnerable, and everyone has the right to defend themselves and regain control over their safety.

RESOURCES

Helpful article here and helpful website here

Helpful ebook: Concealed Carry For Women

https://ccwsafe.com/ One option for CCW insurance - a must have if you are carrying.

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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