TRIGGER WARNING

This episode contains detailed discussions/depictions of sexual assault and rape involving minors. We understand this material is deeply disturbing and can be triggering for survivors. Please prioritize your well-being.

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Smart — and her story is one of both unimaginable hardship and incredible hope.

After being kidnapped at 14 and held captive for nine months, Elizabeth has gone on to build a beautiful life — as a wife, a mother, and a powerful advocate for survivors.

We talk about what healing has looked like for her, how she learned to move forward after trauma, and what it’s been like to find love and create a family of her own.

We also dive into what fuels her advocacy, the impact she hopes to make, and her perspective on forgiveness.

Elizabeth's IG: Elizabeth_Smart_Official

https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available and healing is possible.

You can reach the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at

800-656-HOPE (4673)

or connect online at rainn.org.

Or call 911. Reporting can save a life.

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Chapters:

00:36 - Choosing to share my story

04:51 - The night of the kidnapping

09:20 - what kept me going

12:17 - changing mentality around victims

20:06 - How to talk to your kids

26:31 - Accusing my family

28:22 - Victims and the justice system

37:53 - Forgiveness

40:28 - Finding out my captor was released

45:35 - Why I didn't run

51:51 - Trauma responses

55:02 - What the documentary left out

59:06 - Counting the days

01:02:02 - Concern of pregnancy

01:04:01 - Telling my story to my children

01:09:41 - Intimacy after sexual trauma

01:16:53 - Clinging to my childhood

01:20:57 - Supporting survivors through my foundation

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