The Cocoon: A Safe Place for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Trauma

Did you know porn addiction can start as young as age 10? In this gripping conversation, counsellor Kendra King breaks down the hidden impact of early exposure, how it rewires the brain, and why parents often don’t see it coming. This clip from our upcoming full episode will make you rethink what you thought you knew about porn, sex, and addiction.

Full episode drop on August 31st.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Criminologist Dr Kathryn Whiteley returns to continue her powerful exploration of prison reform, rehabilitation, and the lived experiences of incarcerated women.

In Part Two of this special episode, Dr Whiteley dives deeper into the long-term impacts of incarceration — both on the women she’s worked with and on herself. From navigating grief and vicarious trauma to witnessing moments of profound change, Kathryn shares what she's learned about listening without judgement and the transformative potential of human connection inside the justice system.

This conversation challenges stigma, re frames justice, and reminds us of the power of empathy in spaces where it’s often forgotten.

If this series has moved you, please share it or leave a review — it helps us reach more people and keep these stories going.

Kathryn's Podcast: Self- Identities 'Conversations With Convicted Women'

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian Criminologist Dr Kathryn Whiteley shares powerful insights into prison reform, the realities of women’s prisons, and the emotional work of humanising incarcerated women in the U.S.

In our first-ever two-part episode, Dr Whiteley takes us inside the walls of prison to reveal how her work with some of society’s most condemned — and most forgotten — women began.

From her first encounters behind bars to the emotional weight of seeing the person beyond the crime, Kathryn explores what it means to truly listen and advocate for change in a system that often silences.

If this episode resonates, please share it or leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps us reach more people and keep these stories going.

Kathryn's Podcast: Self- Identities 'Conversations With Convicted Women'

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Cocoon, Ruby is joined by Hamish Whelan from ACON — a passionate advocate working within emergency response to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, they explore what it means to feel safe to serve and safe to be, even in systems that weren’t built with queer people in mind. This conversation is about quiet resistance, systemic change, and the radical act of showing up as your whole self. For anyone who’s ever felt unseen in uniform, or unsafe in their truth — this one’s for you.

Link to ACON website is below for all information regarding their support and programs.

https://www.acon.org.au/

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disclaimer: This episode contains content that could be distressing to our listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

For her birthday month, podcast host herself Ruby shares the truth behind her healing — surviving childhood grooming, redefining love, and learning to speak the words out loud.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disclaimer: This episode contains content that could be distressing to our listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Accessing help for abuse shouldn't depend on your postcode but for many in rural areas, it does.

In this episode, social worker and family violence advocate Evie Clayton joins me to discuss the challenges of supporting survivors in isolated communities, the urgent need for better counselling resources for kids and teens, and why we must push for faster rape kit results. It's a tough conversation, but one we need to have.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: This episode does contain themes and discussion of institutional harassment and violence, listener discretion is advised.
In this episode of The Cocoon Podcast, host Ruby Mikolaitis from the Blue Butterfly Institute sits down with Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and leading researcher on sexual violence. As the podcast’s first American guest speaker, Nicole shares groundbreaking insights from her book, On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.
The conversation uncovers how university policies and practices often harm survivors while shielding perpetrators, based on Nicole’s yearlong study with survivors, perpetrators, and campus administrators. Together, they discuss the cultural and institutional shifts needed to create safer, more equitable environments for students.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about dismantling systemic injustice and supporting survivors of sexual violence.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
Nicole Bedera Website: https://www.nicolebedera.com
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Cocoon, we sit down with Stacey Copas, a resilience expert who turned a devastating accident into a powerful mission to help others overcome adversity. Stacey shares her incredible journey of becoming quadriplegic at 12, the mindset shifts that shaped her success, and how we can all build resilience to face life’s challenges.
This is an episode about triumph, strength, and finding opportunity in even the toughest moments. Don’t miss Stacey’s inspiring perspective on thriving beyond setbacks.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

Stacey Copas: Academy Of Resilience
Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Cocoon, we welcome Jackie Durnin, a seasoned EFT practitioner and counselor with over 15 years of experience transforming lives. After overcoming her own trauma and challenges, Jackie created a groundbreaking healing retreat that combines traditional therapies with cutting-edge neuro-technology to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and PTSD.
Join us as Jackie shares her journey of resilience, insights into emotional healing, and the innovative tools she uses to guide others toward lasting transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and practical strategies for recovery.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:Hinterland Health Retreat: https://hinterlandhealthretreat.com

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special edition episode for the month of October with a heartfelt but inspiring journey of resilience and survival.
In this episode, Rach Mack, founder of the Broken Crayons Still Colour Foundation, opens up about her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and the ongoing struggles she faces. From the traumatic effects of strangulation to her recent diagnosis of stage four metastatic cancer, Rach shares her powerful story with unflinching honesty.
She discusses her organization's groundbreaking work in supporting survivors, the urgent need for medical intervention for strangulation victims, and her mission to enact meaningful change through advocacy. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that highlights the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support in the fight against domestic violence.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:Broken Crayons Still Colour Foundation: https://brokencrayonsstillcolour.org/

Rach's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/940c2d37

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark
Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au
If in need of help during an immediate crisis:
100RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.