Surviving-ISH Podcast

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As a survivor of sexual assault, Caleb has journeyed a path speckled with guilt, shame, and self-blame. His story magnifies the destructive power of religious trauma and the aftermath of his assault by an older man from his workplace. Fueled by his resilience, he crafted a beacon of hope from his suffering - "We're Not Powerless." A viral video about his assault gave rise to this platform that now serves as a lifeline for other survivors seeking solace and strength.

The power of language can't be underestimated, especially when it comes to addressing sensitive issues like sexual assault. Caleb and I ponder over the semantics surrounding the term 'victim' and its connotations. We share our personal transformations to the empowering label of 'survivor', and discuss the societal structures that often influence how attackers perceive their victims. Our discourse underlines the necessity of open conversations about these complex issues as an avenue to demolish systems of discrimination and oppression.

Concluding our discussion, we draw attention to the signs of grooming and its shattering consequences. Sharing a piece of my personal story, I talk about my struggle with mental health and the importance of advocacy in developing a society better prepared to tackle depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Caleb reveals his aspirations for "We're Not Powerless", aiming to normalize mental health dialogues and use it as a medium for advocacy and public speaking. Join us on this powerful journey of healing, resilience, and advocacy.

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We've got an incredibly powerful episode for you. It's the story of two women, Jamie Collins and Abigail, who have braved the storm of trauma and come out stronger on the other side. Jamie, an author and litigation paralegal, shares the heart-wrenching journey of penning her first book, a true account of her cousin Jessica's family's tragic end. We also hear from Abigail, a 35-year-old mother of six, who recounts her escape from a tormenting life of abuse to find laughter, freedom, and love. 

Abigail's tale is nothing less than a testament to the human spirit. Despite facing abuse, coercion, and being failed by the very system that was supposed to protect her, she managed to break free and save her children from a similar fate. We'll discuss the damaging effects of brainwashing, the fear that paralyzes victims from seeking help, and the societal neglect towards abuse and victim blaming. Abigail's moment of rebellion and subsequent escape highlights the resilience intrinsic to our human nature.

In a heartening turn of events, we see Abigail transform her life, finding strength, love and her identity. We talk about how she navigated discussing her past with her children and the pivotal role her husband Rudy has played in her healing journey. As we wrap up Abigail's triumph over trauma, we underscore the importance of self-love and finding joy amidst adversity. Listen in as we unveil more about Abigail's book and where you can find it. This is not just a story of survival; it's a story of triumph, resilience and the power of hope.

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Imagine surviving an attempted murder, kidnapping, torture and assault. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we sit down with our resilient guest Christy Ann Kanooble, "CA", who not only lived through this nightmare but also found the strength to rise above it. She fearlessly shares her experiences and emphasizes the importance of claiming the term ‘survivor’. Moreover, she discusses her encounters with censorship on TikTok, underscoring the need for change and the significance of not minimizing harrowing life experiences. 

This episode doesn't shy away from the hard-hitting reality of trauma and its impact on mental health. Our guest opens up about how she converted her trauma into fuel that powers her to live a fulfilling life. Her tale of recovery is a testament to human resilience, drawing attention to the distinction between justice and revenge. Tuning in, you'll realize the power of reclaiming one's narrative after surviving such atrocities. 

As we navigate through the episode, we delve deeper into the complexities of sharing one's trauma. From pinpointing the right individuals to confide in to understanding what we truly need, our guest provides priceless insights. Experience the power of positive thinking and gentle human interaction through her perspective. This episode is an adventure into the human spirit, resilience, and strength. Join us as we learn, grow, and find inspiration in our guest's incredible journey.

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Greetings, listeners! Let's sit down together and meet Shanna Forrestall, a beacon in the world of entertainment. Shanna, an acclaimed actress, producer, writer, and director, joins us to share her wisdom and experience from over two decades in the industry. Her incredible journey is interwoven with poignant themes such as mental health awareness, autism, diversity, and inclusion. Hear her compelling narratives in works like the Last Exorcism and Southern Fried Homicide, stories that resonate deeply, helping us to explore our own traumas and healing.

Shanna takes us along on her inspiring journey of self-discovery and healing, unveiling how she connects with her inner child and embraces her uniqueness. She delves into her own creations such as 'I Was a Journey to the Dragon Named Despair' and 'Lola the Princess Puggle', and how Madeline Lange's book 'Walking on Water' dramatically influenced her perspective on aging. Immerse yourself in a conversation about the transformative power of rituals, self-care, and the collective resilience we can tap into when we realize we are not alone in our experiences.

Ready to delve deeper into the human experience? Hear Shanna recount her journey to peace and grace in the aftermath of painful loss. Listen as she illuminates the importance of understanding and accepting that we may never fully comprehend each other's journeys. Shanna's testament to the healing power of art, connection, and community is nothing short of inspiring. Learn how she harnessed the power of self-love and kindness towards others to overcome adversity, along with the profound influence of laughter and joy in healing from trauma. This enriching episode is filled with shared stories, healing laughter, and a jubilant celebration of resilience. Let's get started!

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What happens when a homeschooled kid from a small working town in Northern BC grows up to become an advocate for social justice? Join us as we sit down with the insightful Jacob Fraser to discuss his extraordinary journey from a sheltered upbringing to the world of activism. With his unique perspective and ability to address tough topics with grace and humor, Jacob leaves us all with valuable insights and fresh viewpoints.

Together, we explore the concept of privilege and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us. Hear how Jacob's position of power and job security allows him to express himself without fear, unlike his coworker who is a young gay man. Learn the importance of recognizing privilege and motivating ourselves to better understand the world around us.

Finally, we delve into challenging topics such as masculinity and sexuality. We discuss the damaging implications of phrases like "boys will be boys" and how they perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Jacob also shares his thoughts on the complexities of religion and how it's been weaponized throughout history. We wrap up by emphasizing the importance of exploring our sexuality in a safe, consensual manner, acknowledging the privilege we have in being able to do so. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that's sure to leave you with a fresh perspective and plenty to think about.

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"Echoing among the Blue Ridge Mountains were the cries of newborn babies that disappeared into the night. The screams of children nearly drowned out by the sound of crickets. A girl, hidden and waiting to be found, terrified, and confused. The fireflies sparkling in the woods, bringing light to darkled places."

"The bulk of Jesse’s memories were of growing up in the farm country of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The farm folks stayed pretty much outside of town, except for visits to the feed store causing random tractors to travel down Main Street. There were beatings and abuses, manipulation and terror carried out in spaces breathtaking in their beauty. There were twenty-seven Baptist churches, three non-denominational churches, and one Catholic Church."- Girl Hidden

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59856769-girl-hidden

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What if you could connect with millions of people on a deeper level by just being your authentic self? That's exactly what Missy, aka the nurse on TikTok with over five million followers, has managed to do. Her inspiring story of finding joy, connection, and authenticity amidst a pandemic shows us the power of vulnerability and the importance of showing up as our true selves, even in the most challenging times.

During our conversation, Missy shares her insights on resilience, the power of presence, and how we can make a lasting impact on the world through intentional action. We also discuss her unique perspective on Jesus and religion, challenging traditional beliefs and fear-based boxes, and the journey of self-awareness and empathy that comes with navigating feedback and perspectives.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we delve into the importance of authenticity and humility in creating content, as well as the power of choice in overcoming fear and limitations. Missy's experiences with perspective and healing serve as a testament to the importance of self-reflection and empathy in creating genuine connections with others. Join us for this uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling empowered and eager to embrace your own authentic journey.

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Get ready for a profound exploration, as we journey alongside Tim Lodgen, a man who has faced his fair share of battles and emerged on the other side stronger and more resolved. From abandonment and addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others, Tim’s journey is a testament to resilience and the strength of the human spirit. We navigate through the depths of masculinity, unravel the pernicious effects of emotional suppression, and underline the significance of breaking the cycle of abuse.

Our conversation takes a dramatic twist, as Tim bares it all about his grueling battle with alcohol addiction. He narrates his journey to rock bottom and the life altering aftermath that followed. The heedlessness, self lamentation, and self-destruction that Tim once endured serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of addiction. But, Tim’s tale doesn't end in despair. With the support of a childhood friend, he found the courage to seek help and embark on the path to recovery.

We accompany Tim through his metamorphosis from addiction to recovery, his newfound appreciation for life, and his determination to amplify conversations about mental health and addiction. We tackle the painful revelation of his daughter's abuse and his determination to be her rock. We also discuss the vital resources available for those on their recovery journey, particularly lauding the incredible work by Tim Lodgen (TLODG) in offering relentless support for those in need. Tune in and find inspiration in Tim’s grit and his message of hope, resilience, and the power of speaking up.

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What if you could use emerging technology to combat one of the world's most horrifying crimes - human trafficking? Our guest today, Chris Armated, a master's of science in homeland security and published researcher, reveals how we can utilize technology to bring about change. A veteran and a former candidate for the US House of Representatives, Chris shares his incredible journey and his commitment to ending this scourge, while Ashley Lawson lends her voice to the issue, sharing her experiences and concerns about human trafficking in Texas.

Weighing heavy on our hearts is the stark reality of how sex trafficking disproportionately exploits non-white women and children, with Native American women being particularly at risk. The predatory nature of this crime, accelerated by factors like immigration, poverty, and homelessness, is further explored as we delve into the grim details of abduction and forced servitude. But it's not all darkness; we also arm you with strategies revolving around group dynamics, situational awareness, and self-defense to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Bringing our discussion to a close, we highlight how we can extend our support to victims and raise awareness about this crime that lurks in the shadows. From shining a light on the commendable work of the Polaris Project, to advocating for increased government funding for organizations that aid victims, we stress the impact that even small steps can have. Tune in to our conversation, not just for an in-depth understanding of human trafficking, but also as a call to action against this terrible crime.

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An oldie but a goodie during the summer hiatus. All new episodes on August 24th! 

In our latest episode, we sit down with courageous survivor Mike Foreman for a heartrending conversation about his painful experiences of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. This is a powerful narrative of resilience and fortitude, revealing a disturbing reality about the Church's clandestine handling of child abuse. Mike shares the rollercoaster journey he endured with the Church's independent review board, unveiling deceptive tactics and betrayal he experienced from Archbishop Joseph Noman.

The episode also brings to light the Church's attempts to divert attention from the scandal through the release of a dubious list of 'credibly accused' priests. We examine the Church's stance on a bill designed to remove the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases – an instrument that has inflicted more pain and distress on survivors. This candid conversation aims to hold the Catholic Church accountable, highlighting the urgent need for justice for survivors.

Finally, we delve into the healing power of dramatherapy, emphasizing the importance of patience and taking steps towards healing at one's pace. Mike's story is a profound reminder of the strength and courage it requires to speak out against systemic abuse. His mission to help other survivors navigate through their difficult journey is truly inspiring. This conversation doesn't shy away from hard truths, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for survivors of abuse. Support survivors by tuning in and standing up against such gross injustice.

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