Today's special guest is my childhood friend and Senior Assistant Solicitor for the 10th Circuit in Anderson, SC, Kristin W. Reeves. Kristin prosecutes domestic violence cases in a state that ranks 6th in the United States for what are called, Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV) cases.

[National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or Text START 88788]

Please note that this episode contains subject matter that may be triggering, such as: coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual assault (rape), murder, and child pornography.

As a CDV solicitor, this is Kristin's world, and I am proud of her for working on CDV cases and putting her heart and drive for justice into her work. My novel, Wild Woman, features these experiences and tells of the women who have survived and are healing from the trauma inherent in abusive relationships. I, too, am a survivor of sexual assault (had experience with the legal system around my case), and I have been in relationships that were not safe.

In my conversation last July with Kristin, she and I talked about why she became a lawyer. It was a lighter conversation, for sure. In this episode, Kristin shares more about why she chose to become a Domestic Violence attorney and the nature of the cases she prosecutes and the reality of the legal system for victims of these horrible circumstances and crimes.

It is a bit like True Crime, in that there is a fascination with the “how” factor, and many times that is from the POV of the perpetrator. Here, we are looking to people like Kristin, to understand how she carries the torch of justice, how she carries the stories of the women, children, and men, and how she carries the commitment she made to serve them.

Please, please, if you are a survivor, seek help and continued support for your healing. 

Additional resources for understanding abuse and trauma healing:

www.ingridclayton.com — Dr. Ingrid Clayton, Clinical psychologist and author of Believing Me

www.doctor-ramani.com — Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical psychologist and author of It's Not You

-->They both have a LOT of helpful and free content online! 

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Join us today as we explore the intersection of anger and spirituality. We've all heard that suppressing anger isn't healthy, but what if there's a transformative power in letting it flow through us? In today's episode, I'll share a personal journey where anger became a gateway to letting go. Tune in as I recount a profound experience during a Yoga Nidra meditation and discuss how it reshaped my perspective. Discover with me how embracing emotions can lead to unexpected spiritual growth.

Yoga Nidra with Marci Sheer: www.findingyouryoga.com 

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Ever feel trapped by those internal rules your brain insists on? I do. So today, that is what I'm talking about on our latest episode, Break Your Own Rules. Join us as we explore where they come from, why they’re so persistent, and how to initiate breaking free. Understand that some of these rules affect us on a deep level, and why simply wanting to change isn’t always enough. Ready to nudge the status quo, to spark curiosity, and to simply wonder if there is another way to explore life? Tune in and start breaking your own rules today. 

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Step into the realm of personal empowerment and choice in my latest episode, "Power and Choice." No politics here—just a deep dive into our ability to make decisions for ourselves. Ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or stressed when faced with a choice? You're not alone. Join me as I share my theory as to why we tend to do what's easy, even when it's tough, and how our unique approaches to "challenges" shape our lives. Let's navigate through the maze of decision-making together and discover how to harness our personal power. Tune in now for insights on overcoming inertia and embracing the freedom of choice. 

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Why did I name my podcast, NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS?

Until we figure all of life out, we might as well share our stories with each other.
And I love talking to folks and hearing their stories.
I love the exchange that takes place when people share their ideas about life TODAY.

NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS holds the greatest gift that LIFE showed me about LIFE.

I treasure it and share it's worth with you!

We. Are. Worth. It. - Rachel Margaret Drews 

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Today's special guest is my childhood friend (does since 9th grade count?) and Senior Assistant Solicitor for the 10th Circuit in Anderson, SC, Kristin W. Reeves. Kristin prosecutes domestic violence cases in a state that ranks 6th in the United States for what are called, Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV), cases. 

[National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or Text START 88788]

Kristin secured a conviction in April of this year for a man who brutally murdered his wife in front of their toddler. I'm particularly proud of her for working on CDV cases and putting her heart and drive for justice into her work because of my own story of sexual assault when I was 15 years old and my experience with the law. But mostly, I am proud of her for being a voice for the victims of these horrible crimes. 

In this episode, we are just getting to know Kristin and learning how she decided to become a lawyer. Despite Kristin's work being so comprised of the harsh realities of the kind of cases she sees on a daily basis, she is witty and fun to talk to and be around. I'm grateful that between her work and being a mother of two, she was willing to share some of her story with me and my audience. This conversation is us just getting started, as there is so much more to learn about Kristin and her work! 

Thanks for listening, Y'all! With love, your host—Rachel 

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Take a listen. Subscribe for this adventure we are headed on together. See what connections we can make when we share our stories with each other.

www.racheldrews.com and ig @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018 she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

WHY BREATHWORK? This is the how and why for me. It is how I found it (how it found me) and why I continue to do it AND why I want to share it with you. 

I believe it calls to us. It definitely called to me, this unique three-stage pranayama (focusing the breath) that allows you to drop into a deep meditative state and connect to your own energy, cleansing and releasing. 

I have a special offer for 1:1 sessions in this episode and an upcoming event series at Brevard Yoga Center (check it out here:  Rachel's Breathwork Series 

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Take a listen. Subscribe for this adventure we are headed on together. See what connections we can make when we share our stories with each other.

www.racheldrews.com and ig @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018 she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Oh I am especially excited for this one. PART 2 of my conversation with my Pilates teacher and friend, Elaine Entenza.

This tiny fit woman is FULL ON energy and why I have continued my Pilates practice for the last year. She's passionate about the function, the effectiveness and the teaching of Pilates! And while her passion for it is drilled down into a focus that is contagious, her spiritual seeking and her playfulness is why I want to be her friend. She's a mother of two wee ones and the Founder of Pilates Brevard in Brevard, NC.

This two part conversation was SO much fun to have. If you're needing a boost of energy, get ready. Thanks for listening, Y'all!

Others mentioned in this episode:

Leah Webb - Visit her website to learn more about her cookbook and homesteading. 

Take a listen. Subscribe for this adventure we are headed on together. See what connections we can make when we share our stories with each other.

www.racheldrews.com and ig @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018 she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

Oh, I am especially excited about this one.
My guest today is my Pilates teacher and friend, Elaine Entenza.

This tiny fit woman is FULL ON energy and why I have continued my Pilates practice for the last year. She's passionate about the function, the effectiveness and the teaching of Pilates! And while her passion for it is drilled down into a focus that is contagious, her spiritual seeking and her playfulness is why I want to be her friend. She's a mother of two wee ones and the Founder of Pilates Brevard in Brevard, NC. 

This two part conversation was SO much fun to have. If you're needing a boost of energy, get ready. Thanks for listening, Y'all!

Others mentioned in this episode: 

Marci Sheer - Yoga and Ayuravedic Teacher Finding Your Yoga (The cleanse Elaine mentioned)

Bridget Shaeffer Pradella - Owner/Instructor of Brevard Yoga Center

Lauren Agrella-Sevilla - Mindfulness and Restorative Practices Educator

Lani Callison - Founder of The Center for CounterBalance

Take a listen. Subscribe for this adventure we are headed on together. See what connections we can make when we share our stories with each other.

www.racheldrews.com and ig @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018, she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews

This is Part 3 of a FOUR (maybe FIVE)-parter. **I wanted to note that what I am sharing is my experience and interpretation of my experience. I am not making blanket statements about Christianity, any other religion, nor religion as a whole. 

Thank you for traveling along with me. 

Part 3 

- Growing up Catholic in Clemson, SC, continued. 

- Turning points in my beliefs. (Too young to commit to a life of Catholicism and aren't there other religions who believe as strongly as            Christians? Wait. There's a whole host of beliefs out there.)

Part 4 

- Getting sober. (A God of my own understanding, aka. Higher Power)

- Old Testament class in college. (Yeah. The Bible may be a roadmap for some but used in a really jacked up way for others.)

- So many cool things to explore when Spirituality is about living with openness and wonder. (Love and compassion abound.)

Take a listen. Subscribe for this adventure we are headed on together. See what connections we can make when we share our stories with each other.

www.racheldrews.com and IG @rachelmdrews

RACHEL MARGARET DREWS is a teacher, an artist and the author of her debut novel, Wild Woman. She is originally from Clemson, SC (a big Clemson Tiger fan). She lived in Los Angeles for 11 years working in visual effects for feature films and commercials. Rachel has been a part of two Oscar-winning VFX teams! In 2018 she moved back to Brevard, NC, where she lives amongst the landscape she writes about in her work.

www.racheldrews.com | @rachelmdrews