Smart Talks

Tanya Kach shares her harrowing story of being held captive for ten years, the grooming process that led to her abduction, and her journey of survival and healing. She discusses the importance of sharing her story to help others, the challenges of the legal system, and the role of supportive relationships in recovery. Tanya emphasizes the impact of one person's kindness and the need for awareness in preventing abuse. Her resilience and hope shine through as she advocates for survivors and encourages others to seek help and support.

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This week, we’re excited to feature Dr. Daniel Amen-- world-renowned, Double-Board Psychiatrist and trailblazer in brain health and mental wellness!
 
Join Elizabeth and our executive director Heather Stockdale as they dive into Dr. Amen's innovative approach to mental health, exploring how trauma impacts our brains and what we can all do to promote better mental health in today’s world.
 
A little about Dr. Amen: he’s the founder of Amen Clinics, the largest database of psychiatric brain scans worldwide! He also launched BrainMD, a science-backed nutraceutical company, and Amen University, where he’s trained thousands of medical and mental health professionals.  With numerous TV shows, 12 New York Times best selling books and millions of followers, Dr. Amen continues spreading awareness and education on all things mental health. We are so grateful to him and his amazing team for being willing to share pieces of his vast knowledge with our Smart Talks listeners. 

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Welcome to season 4 of Smart Talks! After a little break, we are so excited to be back! Host Elizabeth Smart introduces our new co-host Heather Stockdale, the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF). They discuss Heather's extensive background in addressing sexual violence and human trafficking, the foundation's key programs, and the importance of community education and support for survivors. 

Smart Talks aims to share survivor stories and promote hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

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Thank you for joining us for Season 3  of Smart Talks! In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her main takeaways from the season and leaves us with some final thoughts.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-19.
-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

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In a continuation of last week's episode, Elizabeth is joined by the rest of the multidisciplinary team from Heroes Landing Children's Justice Center. In this episode, she talks with two victim advocates about their roles and common misconceptions the public has about victim advocacy. Elizabeth also talks with the team's forensic interviewer about the process of interviewing a child who has experienced abuse.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-18.
-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

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Children's justice centers (CJCs) are child-friendly facilities where child victims of abuse are interviewed and medically assessed by professionals specifically trained in the forensic investigation of abuse. Today, we are joined by two women from Heroes Landing Children's Justice Center, a CJC that recently opened in Muskingum County, Ohio. Evonne Saunders is the Executive Director of Heroes Landing, and Amanda McClelland is the SANE nurse. They both share more information on CJCs as well as what they want parents and survivors of abuse to know.

Join us next week to hear from more of the Heroes Landing multidisciplinary team.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-17.
-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

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Julie Whitehead is a survivor of child sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and human sex trafficking. Her story of abuse spans 31 years and was discussed in Smart Talks season 1, episode 14. Today, Julie joins Elizabeth to talk about the steps she's taken in her healing journey and what the future holds for her. She mentions certain tools she's learned to overcome triggers, her developing book, and her thoughts on her life purpose.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-16.

-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

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Through the Akron Municipal Court's partnerships with outside agencies, RISE provides services such as trauma therapy, drug rehabilitation, housing, vocational sessions and other community support. One partner organization, the Hope Meadows Foundation, provides survivors with equine therapy.

Judge Cable joins Anne Kichurchak and Lisa Borchert from the Hope Meadows Foundation in this episode to talk about how local government and local organizations can work together to provide help and healing for survivors.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-15.

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When they were children, Stephanie and her sisters suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a brother-in-law. After the abuse was brought to light, more focus and worry went toward helping the abuser recover than toward helping his victims heal. Stephanie's abuser is still married to her sister, and in this episode she discusses her journey through this difficult situation.

Stephanie is a mother to four and grandmother to two, and her greatest joy is spending time with her family. She loves to make and eat delicious food and has carried that passion into her small business, The Home Lab, where she teaches cooking and sewing classes to kids, teens and adults.

Show notes:
-Content warning: Today’s episode includes mentions of familial sexual abuse.

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-14.

-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

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The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading organization exposing the connections between all forms of sexual exploitation, including sex trafficking, prostitution, pornography, and child sexual abuse.

Dawn Hawkins is the CEO of NCOSE. She has centered the need to address buyer demand for commercial sex, called out corporate entities facilitating exploitation through the annual Dirty Dozen List, fostered an international movement, and constantly advocates for survivors. Her work has sparked change at Google, Hilton Worldwide, Comcast, Walmart, the Department of Defense, Instagram, TikTok, and other influential firms.

Elizabeth and Dawn discuss the current state of the fight against sexual violence, including hopeful progress.

Show notes:

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-13.

-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely those of the individual participant. They do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, the Malouf Foundation, or their affiliates. The information and opinions shared in Smart Talks do not constitute, and should not be construed as, mental health advice.  Smart Talks content is presented for informational purposes only; because each person and situation is unique, please consult a mental health professional for any questions.

Support the show