The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: 204. Jeff Kohler: The Courage to Become The Vocal Minority

   Jeff Kohler enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 2005. Two years later, he received orders attaching him to the Army's 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, and deployed to Iraq for 341 days. He served his country honorably, returned home, earned a degree from The Ohio State University, and began trying to build the life he had expected to have after his military service. But Jeff's story is also one of sexual assault, institutional betrayal, and the devastating consequences that followed when the people and systems responsible for protecting him failed to do so. In this episode, Jeff talks openly about what happened to him, the struggle to be heard and believed, and the extraordinary toll that silence and institutional self-protection can take on a survivor. Jeff has now written his story in his memoir, The Vocal Minority. The title speaks directly to what he endured: the experience of telling an uncomfortable truth when powerful institutions and others would prefer that truth remain hidden. His book documents not only what was done to him, but what happened when he tried to prevent others from suffering the same fate. It is an unflinching account of persistence, identity, and the price a person may be forced to pay simply for refusing to disappear. Jeff's story is a powerful reminder that service, courage, and integrity do not guarantee protection from abuse or institutional betrayal. Sometimes the greatest test of courage begins after the uniform comes off, when a survivor must decide whether to remain silent or risk everything to tell the truth. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: [email protected] Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you and hearing your input on the stories and guests featured on this show. Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! https://thevocalmin.com https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-vocal-minority https://www.amazon.com/Vocal-Minority-Jeffrey-Kohler/dp/B0H73VLN9Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=9NC2904SRD3G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U-C9T6AqR8aeu2-A2PvevZBJeQnhYCqkSWCdfYa_tGSGkZR0y2tcCssyCEwOrAXxjaYeglAQVJ-RVKQc9jITtgy3u74kXp75kniBf_3twH3GFE2LLnfHqjQp_weNCLZDESau_kcRjhKoTyu3H-5wr_r2JKMDpdfCPM7TLrIdeJgkzpvkX57Ok-rt4HJs_4EK85KCcvOE5feH1jowEfkmqQ.2RWV4FyTWfcNcZKa_38OC1gs8_yJ3en7OtaZbaMFHMQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+vocal+minority&qid=1787699694&sprefix=the+vocal+minority%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1 https://goldinthecracksofficial.com https://1in6.org/ https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com www.arcigrey.com https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in. -Dave

   August 26, 2026·36min
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   Number 2: 195. Jason Patrick Berry: Some Episodes Are Worth Repeating

   Some episodes are worth repeating…this is one of them. Jason's story is one that quietly breaks your heart and then slowly helps rebuild it. On the outside, his childhood looked perfectly normal, even picturesque. But behind closed doors lived a painful reality of abuse, secrecy, and survival that no child should ever have to experience. In Secrets Beneath, Jason pulls back that veil and walks us through the lasting impact of trauma, including post trauma stress, anxiety, and emotional isolation, while also showing what it looks like to keep choosing healing day by day. This conversation is personal, raw, and deeply human. Born and raised in Connecticut and now living in Florida with his husband Shaun and their two beloved dogs, Jason brings not only his survivor voice into this space, but his heart for wellness, recovery, and holistic self-care. He speaks openly about how reconnecting with nature, creating mindful routines around health, and learning to nurture his body and nervous system have become essential parts of his healing journey. There is no polished recovery narrative here, only an honest reflection of what healing truly looks like. Layered, imperfect, courageous, and ongoing. The kind of truth that lets listeners exhale and quietly think, "I am not alone in this." What struck me most in this conversation is Jason's willingness to be completely seen. Not as some inspirational figure wrapped up in a neat storyline, but as a real person still walking the road of healing, still learning, and still refusing to allow his abuse experiences to define the rest of his life. His openness about living with anxiety and frequent memory activators brings powerful validation to experiences so many survivors silently hold inside. Jason does not minimize the pain, but he also refuses to ever give up hope. His voice is gentle, steady, and deeply relatable in all the best ways, and the motivation is to always help others who've experienced similar abuse. This episode reflects the very heart of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Amplifying survivor voices, dismantling silence, and reminding every listener that healing is not only possible, it's allowed. Jason shares the truth many are afraid to speak aloud, and in doing so creates space for others to discover their own courage. I am genuinely grateful for his vulnerability and for the trust he placed in this platform to tell his story. Secrets Beneath is not just a memoir, and this episode is not just an interview. It is a conversation that invites others to speak, to heal, and to believe that life can hold more than what trauma ever tried to dictate. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: [email protected] Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://www.jasonpatrickberry.com https://a.co/d/bQkH0IA (Order Jason's book on Amazon!) https://1in6.org/ https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com www.arcigrey.com https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in. -Dave

   June 23, 2026·48min
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   Number 3: 186. Joseph Born: The Hidden Reality of Child-on-Child Harm

   Joseph Born grew up surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska—a childhood filled with exploration, curiosity, and the kind of freedom that most people would associate with innocence. But beneath that backdrop was something far different. In this episode, Joseph shares the part of his story that rarely gets talked about with the clarity it deserves: child-on-child sexual abuse, and the lasting imprint it leaves long after childhood ends. What makes this conversation so important is not just what happened, but how it showed up—behavioral shifts, confusion, acting out—things that are often misunderstood, dismissed, or punished instead of recognized for what they are. We spend time unpacking what those early indicators can look like when a child doesn't have the language, the safety, or the understanding to say, "Something's wrong." Joseph walks through the weight of secrecy and shame that kept him silent, and how that silence shaped the way he saw himself and the world around him. This is one of those conversations that challenges the way adults think about behavior in children and forces a more honest look at what might be underneath the surface. It also brings attention to something that still doesn't get nearly enough discussion—how children can act out harm on other children, often without anyone recognizing the deeper context behind it. Joseph also takes us into his path forward. Therapy didn't erase what happened, but it gave him a way to understand it, to process it, and to begin to separate who he is from what he went through. We talk about what healing looks like in real life, and why awareness, education, and open conversations are critical if we're going to do better for the next generation. This episode isn't easy. But it's necessary. And if there's one thing to take from it, it's this: the conversations we avoid are often the ones that matter most. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at [email protected]. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails coming. I truly look forward to hearing from you. Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://havenspacecoaching.com/ https://documenttheabuse.org https://hassl.uk/ https://saprea.org/ https://whattheydontsay.com https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in.--Dave

   April 21, 2026·1h 33min
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   Number 4: 177. Daniel: Courage Doesn't Always Feel Brave

   In this episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, I sit down with Daniel—a listener who became a storyteller. Like many of the voices you hear on this podcast, Daniel didn't come to the microphone because he was certain or fully healed. He came because something in these conversations resonated deeply enough that staying silent no longer felt like the right option. What follows is a powerful, honest conversation about sexual assault, courage, and the complicated decision to speak when fear is still very present. Daniel first reached out to me unsure whether he was ready, or even capable, of sharing his story. We stayed in touch, talked it through, and over time he made the choice to step forward. That decision—made quietly, thoughtfully, and without pressure—says a lot about the kind of strength that often goes unseen. This episode explores what it means to sit with trauma, to question your readiness, and to eventually claim your voice on your own terms. This is a survivor-centered episode, and one that reflects something core to SASS: healing doesn't require certainty, polish, or confidence. It requires honesty and a safe place to land. Daniel's story is a reminder that courage doesn't always roar—sometimes it shows up as a single message sent, a difficult conversation, or the willingness to be heard. Listener discretion is advised. And if this episode brings anything up for you, please take care of yourself and reach out to someone safe. You are not alone. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at [email protected]. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails coming. I truly look forward to hearing from you. Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://hassl.uk/ https://saprea.org/ https://whattheydontsay.com https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in. --Dave

   February 17, 2026·34min
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   Number 5: 110. John Carey: Part 3; Making Lemonade

   Before getting into the specific notes of this week's episode, I want to announce that this episode, on this date, marks the 2-year anniversary of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS podcast! To all of you guests that are permanent members of the SASS family, and to all of you in the audience who listen occasionally or to every single episode, a huge note of gratitude to you from me, thank you and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! This is the wrap-up episode of John Carey's 3-part series on this show…the closing of what has been one of the most difficult to hear stories of what can only be described as pure, horrific, family disfunction. From infancy to age 4, from what John remembers, his life was pretty good. Normal, by most standards. Certainly not abusive or damaging. But all that changed when John turned 4 and both parents suffered devasting, life-changing, brain injuries in that same year. That started what became a life of misery, poverty, physical abuse, mental anguish, filthy living conditions, rape, and sexual assault. And it didn't let up until John left that horrific environment when he was old enough to leave. If you haven't heard Episodes 108 and 109, I strongly encourage you to listen to those episodes prior to listening to this one. But if you're not inclined to do that, or just don't have the time, don't let that stop you from listening to this episode. Here, John brings everything together, and he does it in such a way that you feel a sense of amazing accomplishment and success on John's part. And well deserved that accomplishment and success are. Please go back and read the episode notes for the previous two episodes and learn about just a small part of what John has accomplished. John is nothing short of remarkable. If you care to reach out to John and thank him for his time and fortitude in telling his story, you can do so by emailing me here. Please rate this show and hit the subscribe button to be set up to receive a new episode weekly. Your positive ratings help this podcast grow and expand to new listeners. Ultimately it all adds up to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault; because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Here are some important links I hope you will take the time to explore and subscribe to also: www.twitter.com/JohnDijonCarey https://www.meetup.com/screenwriting-tribe/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/224849677934122/ https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Another-Recover-Reimagine-Your/dp/188470221X/ref=sr_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hz396pGPOLgq15LhNHZ0vrwDKPy52qI7T7P_KV345ZVgLY2Sg_xpvRkk5uyC1yeSomSrDqilglrVIgNMdBrUWOSXgiAVZ1PN0kkJCPD2tneiFZkgo1ldTwZS2W5etabEVC7GsYrsLiBWNJ5HgeboxajJXGCjFmzGFW3AYsIrXLtVMhowRxvAoFGeLaBNqi4rBGndb280Z7AmRitmSLIftMqEMwv_3fIJJCIU25rNPLE.hOLTykDO4MKUog2FzZ-isGdRrOHe4_2VuvbLh8RgmmY&dib_tag=se&qid=1729586423&refinements=p_27%3ADaniel+John+Carey&s=books&sr=1-7 https://www.amazon.com/Humanity-Final-Century-Holocene-Extinction/dp/1884702295/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hz396pGPOLgq15LhNHZ0vrwDKPy52qI7T7P_KV345ZVgLY2Sg_xpvRkk5uyC1yeSomSrDqilglrVIgNMdBrUWOSXgiAVZ1PN0kkJCPD2tneiFZkgo1ldTwZS2W5etabEVC7GsYrsLiBWNJ5HgeboxajJXGCjFmzGFW3AYsIrXLtVMhowRxvAoFGeLaBNqi4rBGndb280Z7AmRitmSLIftMqEMwv_3fIJJCIU25rNPLE.hOLTykDO4MKUog2FzZ-isGdRrOHe4_2VuvbLh8RgmmY&dib_tag=se&qid=1729586423&refinements=p_27%3ADaniel+John+Carey&s=books&sr=1-6 https://www.amazon.com/Screenplay-Repair-Manual-Formulate-Sharpen/dp/1884702430/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hz396pGPOLgq15LhNHZ0vrwDKPy52qI7T7P_KV345ZVgLY2Sg_xpvRkk5uyC1yeSomSrDqilglrVIgNMdBrUWOSXgiAVZ1PN0kkJCPD2tneiFZkgo1ldTwZS2W5etabEVC7GsYrsLiBWNJ5HgeboxajJXGCjFmzGFW3AYsIrXLtVMhowRxvAoFGeLaBNqi4rBGndb280Z7AmRitmSLIftMqEMwv_3fIJJCIU25rNPLE.hOLTykDO4MKUog2FzZ-isGdRrOHe4_2VuvbLh8RgmmY&dib_tag=se&qid=1729586423&refinements=p_27%3ADaniel+John+Carey&s=books&sr=1-5 https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Your-World-Fathom-Thrive/dp/1884702236/ref=sr_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hz396pGPOLgq15LhNHZ0vrwDKPy52qI7T7P_KV345ZVgLY2Sg_xpvRkk5uyC1yeSomSrDqilglrVIgNMdBrUWOSXgiAVZ1PN0kkJCPD2tneiFZkgo1ldTwZS2W5etabEVC7GsYrsLiBWNJ5HgeboxajJXGCjFmzGFW3AYsIrXLtVMhowRxvAoFGeLaBNqi4rBGndb280Z7AmRitmSLIftMqEMwv_3fIJJCIU25rNPLE.hOLTykDO4MKUog2FzZ-isGdRrOHe4_2VuvbLh8RgmmY&dib_tag=se&qid=1729586654&refinements=p_27%3ADaniel+John+Carey&s=books&sr=1-4 https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org https://arcigrey.com #kevintaylor #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

   November 08, 2024·38min
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