Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

We're back with episode 3 of Lorena as the trial winds to a close and unexpected witness testimony comes to light.  Lorena's intersectionality continues to frame her experience, and the social commentary about domestic violence continues to work against her. Join us to find out why Emily and Shannon wanna "blame it on the edit." 

WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're paying homage to the brave pioneers on whose shoulders we stand. Join us as we talk to a pillar of the anti-violence movement in West Virginia, Sue Julian, about the origins of domestic violence programming and how anti-oppression work was built into its foundation. 

Emily and Shannon are downloading from episode 2 of the docuseries Lorena and continue to explore the historical significance of this case. Tune in as Shannon promises this will be the last time she does her ridiculous Foghorn Leghorn prosecutor impression. 

WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

Emily and Shannon are back talking true crime as they watch episode 1 of the docuseries Lorena. Join them as they explore the eccentricities of this case and how the media coverage surrounding it influenced the movement in America. 

WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

Join us as we discuss the intricacies of Substance Use Disorder and how stigma can be a barrier to safety with one of the smartest people we know, Keigan Aabel-Brown, MSW. 

Advocates Shannon & Sara team up with special guest, Trey Goldizen from our sister program the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) to discuss "The Gay Revolution" by Lillian Faderman.  This book is an illuminating chronicle of the history of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in America from the 30's forward.  Faderman's gift for connecting history with the story of the people that fought, lost, and triumphed along the way makes this an absolutely necessary read for anyone interested in the story of the struggle.   

Don't forget to check out the EPEC Echo to hear more from Trey and the work happening in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia! 

In this special episode, Branches advocates, Shannon and Sara answer questions posed to us from our local community members and our social media.  We are joined by a very special guest and Diane Reese advocate award winner of the year, Amanda McComas who graciously reads questions from the community. 

Shannon and Sara talk all things  motherhood and advocacy from this best-selling novel by Celeste Ng.   Spoiler alert!  We dive deep into the details of how motherhood is constructed in our society--what it means to be a mother, biological and otherwise, and the way women are defined by these relationships.   We also take a moment to explore how the book compares to the hit Hulu original television show and what you can read into both of these very different mediums.  

On this episode of "Root for Each Other", advocates, Shannon & Sara sit down and chat with Ray Blevins about how trauma can affect members of the LGBTQ+ community individually and collectively and how to seek help if you think you may be processing trauma.