January can be loud.

Full of resolutions, expectations, and pressure to start fresh—before we’ve even had time to catch our breath.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Maci offers a softer start to the year. One rooted in honesty, rest, and compassion—for ourselves and for each other.

We talk about arriving in January already tired, why “new year, new you” doesn’t work for everyone, and how healing, survival, and care don’t follow a calendar. This episode is for helpers, survivors, and anyone who feels like this year has already asked a lot.

Instead of resolutions, we explore intentions.
Instead of pushing through, we talk about grace.
Instead of doing it alone, we sit together.

If you’re feeling worn down, overwhelmed, or just human—this one’s for you.

🖤 Gentle grounding included
🖤 Survivor-centered, trauma-informed conversation
🖤 A reminder that you don’t have to carry it all

This end-of-year episode of Sitting in the Dark is an honest conversation for survivors, current advocates, and anyone curious about stepping into this work. Maci reflects on the moments that shaped this year — the heavy ones, the hopeful ones, and the ones that didn’t make it to social media.

Together, we talk through:

• what advocacy really looks like behind the scenes,

• what survivors may have faced or felt this year,

• the emotional reality of supporting others through trauma,

• what it means to rest, reset, and rediscover your strength,

• and how to know if becoming an advocate might be your next step.

This episode is an invitation to breathe, reflect, and carry only what’s meant for you into the new year.
Whether you’re healing, serving, or learning — you belong here.

If you or someone you love needs support, the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas is here 24/7 at 903-454-9999.

Holding Space Through the Holidays: Supporting Loved Ones & Stepping In With Courage

The holidays can be beautiful… and heavy. Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or navigating complicated family dynamics, this episode offers a gentle guide for getting through Thanksgiving week with compassion and courage.

Join Maci as she explores trauma-informed ways to check in with loved ones, create soft exits, validate emotions, and intervene safely when something feels wrong. You’ll also learn how to recognize overwhelm, protect moments of joy, and show up for yourself if you’re the one carrying pain into the holiday.

This episode includes a grounding exercise at the beginning and a holiday self-care checklist at the end — because you deserve softness and support, no matter what this season brings.

If things feel heavy, you’re not alone. We’re here to sit with you in the dark, one breath at a time.

🎙️ Breaking the Silence: Race, Trust, and Identity After Sexual Assault

When we talk about sexual violence, we have to talk about power—and power is shaped by identity.
In this episode, host Maci Torres and guest Sarah Enderlein, a sociology graduate student and volunteer advocate, explore how race, ethnicity, and sexuality influence survivors’ experiences after sexual assault.

Drawing from research by Kimberlé Crenshaw, Joane Nagel, Charles Gallagher, and Sophie Lanthier, they unpack how stereotypes, systemic racism, and cultural stigma continue to silence survivors of color and LGBTQ+ survivors. Together, they discuss concepts like intersectionality, intersectional sexual-assault stigma, and cultural humility, translating academic insight into real-world advocacy.

Listeners will hear about how stereotypes such as the “Strong Black Woman” trope, the “model minority” myth, and immigration fears affect reporting; how media bias shapes public empathy; and what true allyship looks like inside survivor-support systems.

Whether you’re an advocate, student, or survivor, this conversation invites you to confront discomfort with compassion and move from awareness to accountability.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, racial discrimination, and systemic injustice. Please take care while listening.

📘 References:
Crenshaw (1989); Nagel (2003); Gallagher (2012); Lanthier (2023); Journal of Interpersonal Violence (2024).

If you or someone you love needs support, visit www.ccnetx.org/podcast or call our 24/7 hotline at 903-454-9999.
You are not alone.

Rape Culture & Sexism in the Media
Headlines. Movies. Music. Ads. Everyday conversations.
The media doesn’t just reflect our culture—it shapes it. And too often, what it reflects is a world where sexual violence is normalized, excused, or ignored.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, we break down how rape culture shows up in the media we consume, how silence fuels the next generation’s beliefs, and why calling it out matters. With real-world examples and survivor insights, we’ll talk honestly about what needs to change—and how each of us can be part of shifting the narrative.

Because the stories we tell matter. And survivors deserve better.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and survivor experiences. Please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace.

When survivors of sexual assault are ready to tell their story, the process of reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Seek Then Speak is an innovative, online tool designed to change that—giving survivors the chance to share their experiences safely, in their own words, and at their own pace.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, we sit down with our guest from End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and a Victim Advocate who championed the tool to talk about how Seek Then Speak works, why it matters, and how it can make the first steps toward healing and justice less intimidating.

Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or someone who wants to understand how to support loved ones better, this conversation is about choice, empowerment, and making sure every voice can be heard.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, we welcome Shahd Alasaly, founder of Blue Meets Blue and the voice behind the Shattered Vows series. Through her work as a social researcher and humanitarian entrepreneur, Shahd creates spaces of empowerment, dignity, and healing for refugee women and survivors of emotional abuse.

Together, we explore the intersection of resilience and vulnerability—how strength and softness can coexist—and the importance of honoring cultural context in the healing process. This conversation sheds light on what it means to reclaim identity, embrace collective strength, and move forward after betrayal and loss.

Tune in for an inspiring dialogue about compassion, creativity, and the courage it takes to transform pain into purpose.

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Nikki Barnett from Student Advocacy and Support and Amanda Berry from the Title IX office at East Texas A&M University. Together, we explore what real support looks like for student survivors of sexual violence—both on campus and through off-campus partnerships like ours at the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas.

We discuss safety planning, Title IX protections, accommodations, reporting options, and the importance of trauma-informed advocacy. If you’re a student, survivor, or someone working in education, this conversation is for you.

📞 Need help or want to learn more? Visit www.ccnetx.org or call/text our 24/7 support line at 903-454-9999.

For many survivors, healing begins in silence—but it doesn’t have to stay there.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, we explore the power of creative expression in the aftermath of trauma. From painting and journaling to music and movement, creative healing gives survivors a way to process what words alone can’t always hold.

Whether you're a survivor yourself or supporting someone on their journey, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and gentle reminders that healing can look a thousand different ways—and art is one of them.

If you need support, call the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas anytime at 903-454-9999.

Swipe Safe: Online Dating & Digital Boundaries
Online dating can open doors to connection, community, and companionship—but it also comes with real risks. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Maci explores how to navigate dating apps and digital spaces with confidence and care. We’ll talk about setting clear boundaries, recognizing red flags, protecting your privacy, and trusting your intuition—so you can build connections without losing your safety or peace of mind. Whether you’re a seasoned swiper or just thinking about dipping your toe into the world of online dating, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to swipe safe.