Today Dr. Dan welcomes Polo Tate, the author of DEEP DARK BLUE: A MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL (www.polotate.com). A warning to our listeners: today’stopic is not appropriate for young listeners and could be triggering for sexual assault survivors.

Dr. Dan and Polo Tate discuss her memoir and her harrowing story of survival – of losing her sister at a young age (in a tragic horse riding accident) and as a sexual assault victim (twice) at the US Air Force Academy.

Polo’s story is one of resilience and victory and her advice and advocacy is helping young men and women find their voices, speak out, and not just survive but thrive.

In this episode, Dr. Dan and Polo discuss important and sensitive topics including:

Sexual assault and PTSD

Warning signs of a sexual predator  

How writing can be a path to healing

The importance of not letting others take your joy and trusting your inner voice

And more (including Polo’s Parent Footprint moment)

Polo Tate was born in Lansing, Michigan, where her family has deep ties to the community. Her Great Great Grandfather was Ransom Eli Olds (R.E. Olds), a pioneer and prolific inventor most notably responsible for inventing the first American internal combustion automobile—the Oldsmobile.

Growing up, Tate used her academic aptitude and athletic prowess to earn appointments to both The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs (USAFA). She decided to accept the challenge to attend USAFA out of high school, where she played varsity volleyball in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Tate left during her second year, and her harrowing journey at one of our nation’s most challenging institutions can now be found in her gritty, honest and dynamic debut memoir, Deep Dark Blue.

After leaving USAFA, Tate restarted her college career at the University of Notre Dame. She played Volleyball for the Irish in the Big East Conference and eventually graduated with a B.A. degree in Film, Television, and Theatre.

Today Polo Tate is an actor, author, writer, and comedian, performing all over New York City and Los Angeles. She is a passionate public speaker, with a mission for all to see, feel and understand their own self-worth, empowerment, and value.

For more information about Polo and her book please visit: www.polotate.com

Watch this free video to learn more about Dr. Dan and Parent Footprint Awareness Training®.