Smart Talks

Elizabeth answers listeners' questions about recovery and dealing with the personal, difficult questions that it often brings up.  The questions this episode were:

• I'm a new mom with PTSD. How do you cope with mom and wife duties on bad days? (02:08)
• How did you know that you were ready to talk openly about what happened? (06:48)
• How do I stop feeling weak for freezing and disassociating instead of fighting back? (10:14)
• How do I stop comparing my trauma? I feel like it wasn't bad enough to have PTSD. (13:06)
• What's your advice for someone who feels stuck in recovery and/or healing? (16:20)
• Did you ever feel like no one could understand your experience? Like you were alone in what happened to you? (18:18)
• How do you cope with hearing so many stories about assault? (21:32)
• How can I start working in advocacy? (26:03)
• What is the best way to support someone working through trauma? (28:03)

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

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-15

-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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Elizabeth experienced child sexual abuse as a child, and then she experienced the unthinkable—her own children were victimized. Elizabeth speaks from experience as a survivor herself and as a mother of survivors as she talks about how parents and safe adults can best help children heal. She is now the founder of Operation Innocence, an organization dedicated to stopping child sexual abuse in the military community.

Show Notes:
-Content warning: Today’s episode includes mentions of sexual abuse and pedophilia.

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-14

-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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After a traumatic experience as a child, Amber turned to substance abuse to treat her trauma. This eventually led her into a relationship with a man who trafficked her. At one of the lowest moments of her life, Amber had a spiritual experience in a prison cell, which gave her the strength to seek the treatment she needed. Amber now works with Utah Addiction Centers and is furthering her schooling to make a difference in the fight against sexual violence.

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

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-13.

-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

Brittney was raped in high school, but she didn't realize that her experience was rape until late into college. Why? Her sexual education had not taught her about rape, consent, and coercion. Now, Brittney is the founder of the We Will organization, a national nonprofit working to prevent sexual assault through education. In this episode, she discusses her story, her new children's book designed to teach children about consent, and why sexual education, when done correctly, can significantly lower instances of sexual assault.

Show notes:
-Content warning: Today’s episode includes mentions of rape.

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-12.

-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

Elizabeth answers listeners' questions about romantic relationships, supporting survivors, parenting, and dealing with guilt from abuse. The questions this episode were:

• Advice for someone who orgasmed from rape and is struggling. (02:03)
• How can I be comfortable to start dating again with a history of sexual abuse? (04:39)
• How do you tell your boyfriends or husband about past trauma? (07:51)
• How do I help a friend who doesn't want to come forward with her story and filed charges against her abuser? (11:06)
• Are you over protective of your kids after what you went through? (14:43)

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

-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-11

-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

As a survivor of child sexual abuse, Miyo struggled for years to find fulfillment in intimacy. Now, she has a happy, intimate relationship and two children.  In this episode, Miyo shares how she and her partner communicate about sex, develop healthy boundaries, and deal with triggers. She wants survivors and their partners to know that there is hope for a happy, fulfilling sexual relationship even after abuse, it just takes work.

For the next few episodes, Smart Talks will focus on healing sexuality after abuse. Whether you are a survivor, a partner of a survivor, or someone who simply wants to learn more, we hope these episodes provide you with new tools and resources. Please note that these discussions may be triggering for some survivors; listener discretion is advised.

Show notes:
Follow Miyo Strong on Instagram
Learn more about the Smart Defense program that Miyo directs.
Follow the Elizabeth Smart Foundation on Instagram and Facebook.
Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Read the full episode transcript at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-10

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Building off of last week's episode, Wendy Maltz,  a leading expert on sexual healing from sexual abuse, returns and explains more in-depth the ways that survivors of abuse can have meaningful sexual relationships. The discussion includes addressing triggers during sex, regaining a sense of control over one's sexuality, unwanted sexual fantasies, and more.

For the next few episodes, Smart Talks will focus on healing sexuality after abuse. Whether you are a survivor, a partner of a survivor, or someone who simply wants to learn more, we hope these episodes provide you with new tools and resources. Please note that these discussions may be triggering for some survivors; listener discretion is advised.

Show notes:
Visit Wendy’s website, www.healthysex.com.
Order Wendy’s book mentioned often throughout the interview, The Sexual Healing Journey.
Order Wendy’s book mentioned at various points of the interview, Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women's Sexual Fantasies.
View information on Wendy’s other books here.
Watch Wendy’s video, Relearning Touch: Healing Techniques for Couples, for free.
Follow the Elizabeth Smart Foundation on Instagram and Facebook.
Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Read the full episode transcript at https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-09.

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"How can I heal my relationship with sex after being raped or abused?"—survivors consistently ask Elizabeth this question. We brought in Wendy Maltz,  a leading expert on sexual healing from sexual abuse, to address this often-overlooked topic. In this episode, Wendy and Elizabeth discuss the difference between rape and consensual, healthy sex, how survivors can heal their relationship with their sexuality, and how partners can play an active role in healing.

For the next few episodes, Smart Talks will focus on healing sexuality after abuse. Whether you are a survivor, a partner of a survivor, or someone who simply wants to learn more, we hope these episodes provide you with new tools and resources. Please note that these discussions may be triggering for some survivors; listener discretion is advised.

Show notes:
Visit Wendy’s website, www.healthysex.com.
Order Wendy’s book mentioned often throughout the interview, The Sexual Healing Journey.
Order Wendy’s book mentioned at various points of the interview, Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women's Sexual Fantasies.
View information on Wendy’s other books here.
Watch Wendy’s video, Relearning Touch: Healing Techniques for Couples, for free.
Follow the Elizabeth Smart Foundation on Instagram and Facebook.
Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Read the full episode transcript at www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-08.

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As the founder and CEO of an event planning company, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a highly successful woman. She is also a survivor of child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and rape. In this episode, Melva shares her healing journey, including what helps ground her and how she found her personal worth.

Show notes:
Follow Melva on Instagram.
Read Melva’s interview with RAINN.
Watch an interview Melva did with Dr. Plummer of Onyx Therapy Group.
Visit the website for Melva’s event planning business, LaJoy Plans.
Follow the Elizabeth Smart Foundation on Instagram and Facebook.
Learn more about the Elizabeth Smart Foundation Victory Club.
Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Support the show

In this first of many "Answers with Elizabeth" episodes, Elizabeth Smart answers questions that listeners submitted. Here, she answers these questions surrounding recovery:

• Did you ever relapse in your recovery? (01:15)
• Did you ever feel like yourself again? If so, how long did it take you? (03:36)
• Did you ever really fully return to “normal” or did you learn to live with a new normal? (04:48)
• How do you get past being defined by what happened to you? (07:00)
• How are you so positive despite your experience? (08:18)

Show notes:
Follow Elizabeth on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow Elizabeth on YouTube for more answers to your questions.
Follow the Elizabeth Smart Foundation on Instagram and Facebook.
Read the full episode transcript at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-2-06.
Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Support the show