Some stories demand to be told—not just for the sake of the storyteller, but for the change they can spark. Today’s guest, Sonia Orchard, is an award-winning author whose latest book, Groomed, is a raw and powerful memoir about facing past trauma, navigating a justice system stacked against victims, and asking the bigger question: how do we fix this?

Written in real time as she took her own case to court, Groomed unpacks the cultural, neurological, and evolutionary forces that enable abuse to persist. Sonia brings a sharp intellect and deep compassion to this conversation, drawing on her diverse background in music, literature, environmental science, and creative writing.

In this episode, we discuss the difficult but necessary work of confronting the past, the systemic obstacles that survivors face, and what real justice could look like. It’s an eye-opening conversation that challenges the way we think about power, accountability, and change. 



Sonia is the author of four books, find her latest here. In 2019, she founded the Mountain Writers Festival, Australia's first writers' festival to focus exclusively on the environment. The festival will next run in 2026 - find out more about the festival and sign up for updates here.

Key Takeaways

• Power dynamics in relationships are often overlooked.
• Consent can be complicated by power imbalances.
• Survivors may struggle to understand their experiences.
• Healing is a personal journey that varies for each individual.
• The judicial system can be re-traumatizing for victims.
• Justice is often elusive for survivors of abuse.
• Cultural factors contribute to the normalization of abuse.
• Teenagers need guidance and support from adults.
• Open communication is vital for protecting young people.
• Society must take responsibility for preventing abuse.

Sonia’s latest book is available here: GROOMED 

For more information about Sonia, check out these places;-

Website: Sonia Orchard

Instagram:   Sonia Orchard

Facebook: Sonia Orchard

Linkedin: Sonia Orchard

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