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In this episode of the Breaking Silence podcast, we sit down with Shenea for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it truly takes to create safe spaces in sports and performance. Drawing from her journey as a former gold medal gymnast and professional Cirque performer, Shenea speaks to the importance of prevention, the power that language has in creating space for  cycles of harm to exist, and what advocacy looks like on stage, in the gym, and beyond.

Shenea is a force—an advocate, truth-teller, and educator—offering us the tools to recognize our right to ask questions and demand transparency in the environments where our kids are meant to thrive. Whether they are artists, athletes, explorers, or students, no space meant to develop them should ever be shrouded in secrecy.

To learn more about Shenea and the incredible work she’s doing, visit her website: https://circuspreneur.com/

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Welcome back to another season of the Breaking Silence Podcast!

In our first episode of 2025, we were able to connect with Zoey, the Policy and Grassroots Coordinator at RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Zoey shares insights into RAINN's multifaceted efforts to support survivors of sexual violence, including their operation of the National Sexual Assault Hotline and their advocacy work throughout the country on both local and federal policies. The discussion brings us into critical issues such as the backlog of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) tests, the impact of deepfake technology on survivors, and the importance of accessible healthcare for those affected by sexual violence. 

We hope this episode inspires all of us to take meaningful action in our communities: promoting justice, expanding access to support, and paving a clear path toward healing.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es. You can also learn more about their policy efforts at https://rainn.org/policy

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**Trigger Warning: Sexual violence and abuse are discussed in this episode**
 
Throughout this episode we hear from Julie Ann, Executive Director of The Army of Survivors (TAOS), and Dani, a Co-Founder and Board Member of TAOS. We discuss how being an organization created by athletes who have survived sexual violence for athletes allows them to bring awareness to the systemic problem of sexual abuse of athletes and to ultimately end this culture of abuse by ensuring all parties are held accountable.

The vulnerability, honesty and heart that they bring to the episode will allow everyone to connect to the power of holding institutions accountable and guide us through how we all can show up for the athlete in our lives.

To learn more about their work please follow them on social media @thearmyofsurvivors and visit their website https://thearmyofsurvivors.org/

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The post conviction process for a survivor of sexual violence can be a very lonely, overwhelming and confusing moment in their journey. In this episode, we have the amazing opportunity to learn more about what that is like for folks, what support is out there and how putting the survivors voice and story first is a major step in getting some of the power back. Casey, walks us through what it is like to walk along survivors and be the liaison between them and the offender, connecting bridges and helping bring as much clarity to the situation as possible. Going through the judicial system is never easy so having resources like Casey and the Blue Bench is not only necessary but something we need to work towards being a requirement in all states 

Resources: breakingsilence.org/resources

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Catcalling has been so normalized in our society that we often dismiss it and assume that it does not do any harm. Terra Lopez, host and creator of "This is What it Feels Like", joins us as she talks us through the often untold consequences that come from catcalling such as harassment, sexual assault and even murder. We walk through the power of learning  and owning what our words and actions may be doing to others and how being curious can often open doors that were closed in our hearts.

Her podcast and art installation, "This is What it Feels Like," puts people "in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society."  Terra has the incredible ability to shine light on topics that many struggle to talk through or even understand the fully gravity of,  and we are so thrilled that she was willing to share space with us and bring further understanding to the incredible work she is doing.

To learn more about the incredible work Terra is doing please listen to her podcast "This is What it Feels Like," and give them a follow  on instagram!

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Creating change and safe spaces in the beer industry takes time, commitment, maturity and a desire to always listen to what those working within it are telling us. Throughout the episode Ryan Stack and I talk through what his time at Prairie Artisan Ales was like and how they created a culture based on believing staff, showing up for one another as a team and the need to be constantly working at a culture.

If you are anyone you know may be interested in hosting one of our trainings, please reach out to us at breakingsilence.org or to Alli Meyerhardt directly at [email protected]

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Talking with Sonya, a Clinical Director and Sex Offender Management Board Clinical Supervisor for Juveniles, is a window into empathy for juveniles who are currently in the Youthful Offender System in Colorado. She shares with us not only her years of experience as a therapist, but the way in which her life and philosophies have helped shape her approach. She has centered herself and her work around bringing your full self to the table,  using humor even in times or moments when that seems impossible, and how we can give the children in our lives autonomy.  

Sonya is a kind, insightful, hilarious force and we are lucky to bring this conversation to the Breaking Silence Podcast

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Camil invites us into her story in a way that encapsulates what it means to face our stories. To face some of the hardest moments of our lives and those who acted within our world. It is not easy to give people the vulnerability that Camil does, and we know that her words will bring healing and understanding to so many.

Please know that this episode does go into detail about sexual abuse, drug use, and domestic violence so listener discretion is advised.

Learning to Cope Book

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Maya is a diversity, equity, and inclusion facilitator, who has joined us to talk through her expertise, how we can all continue the conversation around equity and inclusion, and what it means to be a true ally to others.

The journey of finding your power and privilege is not an easy one, and we hope the tools laid out in the episode will help in whatever DEI and violence prevention journey you may be on

Books and Resources:
How to be an Anti-Racist and Other Work from Author Ibram X. Kendi
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
The Social Change Map

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Connecting to ourselves is not always a straight line. How we find our journey through healing is immensely personal, which is why we are so grateful for the honesty and vulnerability that Jenna brings. Jenna is an emotional healing educator, meditation teacher, retreat leader, hypnotherapist, HeartMath Facilitator, and founder of the Emotional Healing System.  For the past two decades she has taught thousands internationally in group and private retreats.

We never know what might show up when we start to find infinite kindness towards ourselves.

Resources Mentioned:
Wise Little One Book
Wabi Sabi Ted Talk
Micheal Teachings: Soul Age