Dear MK

Dear MK

By Mya KermelewiczSociety & CultureRelationships
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Dear MK episodes

  • You’re NOT Crazy: The Neurological Impact of Trauma

    Today MK describes the neurological impact of trauma to take away stigmas around survivors being called or feeling CRAZY. Survivors of trauma often find themselves “stuck” in states of hyperarousal, feeling on edge and high alert even in situations that may seem comfortable to others, dealing with constant stomach or headaches even when they’re doing everything they can to feel healthy, and being triggered by elements in their daily life as they just try to make it by. These experiences are also often minimized, invalidated, and even simply misunderstood by those who have not experienced trauma or been educated on these topics. Without trauma-informed practices, it can be difficult for survivors to seek the help and sometimes justice that they deserve. Even survivors themselves might not understand the impact that trauma can have on their bodies, including their nervous system and brain simply because there is a lack of education around these topics!!!

    Topics include:

    • Audience Q&A
    • An overview of the limbic system and nervous systems, including their functions during and after trauma (the meaning behind “fight or flight”)
    • Normalizing trauma responses and behaviors instead of labeling them as “crazy”
    • The scientific reasoning behind trauma responses that explain “why you didn’t fight back” or “don’t remember” aspects of your trauma (including when trying to report an assault)
    • If you liked this episode please give us a 5-star review and follow us on our socials! XOXO

      36 min
    • MisconSEXtions: Busting Sexual Misconceptions

      Mya and K are sex busters today! They often discuss all the things NOT discussed in Sex Ed, and today is no different as they illuminate some of the most common sexual misconceptions. They might sound a little bit delulu in this episode because it’s 10 PM Thursday, and these busy girls are tired, but they never want to leave you episode-less on a Friday! <3

      Sex Myths Busted In This Episode:

      1. When women have sex for the first time they “pop their cherry” and bleed.

      2. Women need to shave all the hair on their bodies, besides their heads to be seen as attractive and sexy.

      3. Girls “lose” their virginity and boys gain respect and become men.

      4. Women’s vagina’s become “loose” with too much sex.

      5. All women orgasm with penetration.

      6. Women need to use products to clean their vagina and keep it smelling nice.

      7. Women have their normal period cycle on birth control.

      8. Women aren’t as horny as men and don’t like sex as much; or that men are always wanting to have sex.

      9. Penetrative sex is the only real sex.

      10. Birth control is 100% effective.

      11. Porn is an accurate representation of sex.

      12. Orgasm is always the goal, or that sex is always only about physical pleasure.

      13. It’s easy and normal to always finish at the same time as your partner as shown on tv.

      14. Some Articles This Episode References

        • https://www.draliabadi.com/womens-health-blog/myths-of-the-hymen/ 

        • https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/to-shave-or-not-to-shave-an-ob-gyns-guide-to-pubic-hair-care 

        • https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/loose-vagina#loose-vs-tight 

        • https://www.jordanrullo.com/blog/cant-orgasm-with-vaginal-penetration-youre-not-broken 

        • https://obgynmiami.com/blog/three-myths-about-vaginal-hygiene/ 

        • https://www.teenhealthcare.org/blog/you-asked-it-is-porn-like-real-sex/




        • 58 min
        • Conspiracies & Cancelled Celebrities

          This week's episode was very out-of-the-norm for Mya and K as they discussed celebrity gossip and conspiracy theories, but don’t worry—it was all on theme. From Diddy’s sex trafficking and abuse allegations to Brianna Chicken Fry’s blatant victim blaming, they covered everything happening in the media related to sexual assault and abuse right now. As always, MK advises you to do your own research and form your own opinions! <3

          Topics include:

          • Diddy allegations
          • Brianna Chickenfry’s cancelled
          • The Menendez brothers
          • Gypsy Rose Blanchard
          • Beyonce & Jay Z
          • Victim blaming, sexual assault, and sex trafficking



          • 50 min
          • Are Pap-Smears Triggering?

            This week, Mya talks about one thing she’s never talked about before - getting a pap-smear as a survivor. She shares insights on why women get these exams, how important they are, the process of getting them, and ways to feel empowered and in control before, during and after! It’s common for survivors to feel triggered and alone in this process, largely because it’s not talked about enough and unfortunately not every physician is trauma-informed. So MK is not going to leave you in the dark, but instead she gives tips that will help you feel empowered before your next visit to the OBGYN! <3

            Topics Include:

            • Cervical cancer screenings - paps & HPV testing
            • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations
            • What may be triggering about these experiences
            • Survivor stories and experiences
            • Your rights
            • Ways to prepare and comfort yourself before, during and after exams
            • RESOURCES

              OUR SOCIALS/WEBSITE

              Articles for more info/where I pulled from...

              https://www.healthline.com/health/navigating-medical-exams-after-sexual-assault#Tips-to-feel-safe-and-informed-during-your-exam

              https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening#:~:text=Women%20who%20are%2021%20to,%2Dtesting)%20every%205%20years.

              You can find a list of national rape crisis centers, who can act as a resource for referrals if needed (to help find a trauma-informed physician), here...

              https://www.raliance.org/rape-crisis-centers/





              35 min
            • DVAM: Why Don’t You Just Leave?

              Together Mya and K welcome you into October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and discuss all the different feelings that may come up for you during this time. Whether you’re a survivor, ally/loved one to a survivor, or you’re totally new to understanding what DVAM means we hold a safe space for you and reflect on what this month means to us. Mya introduces a few therapies for trauma survivors and describes emotional processing for those who may be interested in incorporating them into their healing journeys. They wrap up the episode answering a couple of listeners write-in questions! <3

              Topics include:

              • Mya & K’s experience with DVAM and working with survivors
              • Therapies: Talk Therapy, Pelvic Floor Therapy, EMDR Therapy
              • Emotional processing and it’s meaning
              • Q&A: “Do you need to tell your S/O or person you’re HU with that you have DV/SA in your past? Why don’t people just leave abusive relationships?”
              • RESOURCES FOR YOU

                If you enjoy these episodes give us a 5-star review and follow us on our other social platforms! We appreciate and love all our listeners! :)

                55 min
              • Fake Fights, Goodnights, & I Miss You's

                Mya and K are BACK baby! It's been a minute since we've talked to you and we're so happy to catch up. Today we're talking about those weird moments of anger? jealousy? that happen during long distance relationships and sometimes every day life as well as what constitutes the difference between unhealthy, toxic, or abusive relationships. It all comes down to doing what's best, most healthy and safe for you! <3

                Topics include:

                • Catching up :)
                • Unhealthy, toxic, & abusive verbiage
                • Fake fights because you're bored?
                • The classic "goodnight." text
                • Jealous moments / reverting back to old habits
                • Happy sad squid
                • Follow us on socials and our Dear MK Blog!

                  49 min
                • Tampon Trauma & Period Power

                  Mya and K are OUTRAGED by the research released on tampons and their toxic qualities, but sadly, not surprised! If you haven’t heard yet, the first ever study on tampons to detect metals was completed and 100% of their samples found toxic metals in them including organic and non organic brands. There is little research on the impact of them being absorbed vaginally and Mya and K want to share their experiences with finding out this information as well as the choices they’ve made to protect their own health! To quote High School Musical, “We’re all in this together!” <3

                  Topics Include

                  • research behind toxic tampon data
                  • saalt cup making us feel like we can take on the world with all it’s perks (including less cramps and better orgasms!)
                  • removing stigmas around periods and products
                  • advertisements that make us want to scream like full body deodorants 
                  • phases of our cycle
                  • loving and be comfortable with our bodies (including vaginas!)
                  • types of period products for alternate and safe practices

                  • TO DISCOUNT YOUR SAALT PURCHASES

                    https://www.saalt.com/MYA37670 

                    USE CODE MYA37670


                    TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS STUDY - 

                    Full Study

                    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355#s0050 

                    Axois

                    https://www.axios.com/2024/07/09/toxic-metal-tampons-lead-arsenic 

                    Berkeley Public Health 

                    https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/news-media/research-highlights/first-study-to-measure-toxic-metals-in-tampons-shows-arsenic-and-lead 

                    New York Times

                    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/well/tampons-arsenic-lead-heavy-metals-toxic.html 


                    Follow us on socials and give us a 5 star review if you liked this episode! <3

                    45 min
                  • Creepers, Peepers, & Finding Keepers

                    Mya and K have been a part for a month and a half so they bonded over recording together again, and their passions behind this podcast. They returned to their why describing how Dear MK was made to be a vulnerable space to connect with others through shared experiences, and prevent and bring awareness to dating violence and sexual assault. They never want their message to be lost! After their catch up they dove right back in to storytelling including these topics:

                    • "you're not done until you're done"
                    • cheating vs. verbal abuse and its outcomes
                    • using snapchat to impersonate others
                    • creepers at the local pool & next door
                    • three left turns!!!
                    • “he was taking photos & videos of her for years”
                    • hidden cameras in airbnbs/hotels
                    • cute moments with our bfs this summer
                    • Follow us on socials and give us a 5-star review if you liked this episode! <3

                      51 min
                    • Safe Space Interviews: He Loved Her With No Teeth

                      Safe Space Interviews: A safe space for vulnerable conversations, collective strength & healed stories. In this segment MK conducts interviews that focus on deconstructing trauma, rebuilding the self, and healing together.

                      Overview: Welcome, Abby, who shares her dating history and trauma from being cheated on and verbally abused to finding the love of her life after an accident where she lost most of her teeth (yes he was still pining for her)!!! She was able to physically and mentally pull herself out of the most toxic relationship she had ever experienced and today she realizes she is worthy of real love. Abby wants all our listeners to feel a sense of self worth, love, and importance. 

                      Topics Include:

                      • the 3 loves in your life
                      • cheating / sex in high school
                      • wake up call red flags
                      • “I wanted to hide it from my mother”
                      • minimizing experiences out of fear
                      • verbal abuse and manipulation 
                      • nonstop texting & escalating fights 
                      • healthy relationships being positive for work too
                      • focusing on yourself to heal
                      • never doubt your self worth or importance!
                      • If you liked this please give us a 5 star review! <3

                        Check out our socials! :)


                        40 min
                      • Safe Space Interviews: Dating in Your 20s & Surviving Tinder

                        Safe Space Interviews: A safe space for vulnerable conversations, collective strength & healed stories. In this segment MK conducts interviews that focus on deconstructing trauma, rebuilding the self, and healing together. 

                        Overview: This person is a beacon of hope to all the daters searching for the one, going on dating apps and blind dates, being cheated on or played, and feeling like love is impossible to find. She longed to have her own fairy tale ending like the stories she saw in media and found herself “playing the game” as she tried to be the person she thought they wanted. It wasn’t until she stopped searching and pursued her own goals that she was able to truly find herself and eventually, the love she always wanted. This is an incredible story of self-love and discovery!

                        Topics Include:

                        • dating apps and game playing
                        • friends or FBI agents?
                        • values and red flags
                        • feeling like you need to be someone you’re not
                        • learning to love yourself and be comfortable alone
                        • achieving dreams and goals
                        • each persons journey is unique
                        • Follow us on socials for more content like this! :)

                          1 hr 1 min

                        About Dear MK

                        From the publisher's feed

                        Welcome to Dear MK, a safe and empowering space for survivors, allies, and anyone looking to learn, heal, and connect. We’re here to share real stories, amplify survivor voices, and remind you that you’re never alone. Whether you’re grieving the past, finding inspiration for your healing journey, or just looking for a place to laugh through the pain, we’ve got you. We dive deep into topics like dating violence, sexual assault, mental health, relationships, and recovery— sometimes sprinkling in celebrity gossip!