Wildfires are no longer a seasonal threat—they’re a year-round reality in California.

In this episode of Unseen Impact, we sit down with Cal Fire Captain Robert Johnson to break down what most people don’t understand about modern wildfires: how fast they move, how embers can travel miles ahead of the flames, and why defensible space and home hardening can mean the difference between losing your home—or saving it.

We also discuss:

• Why California’s fire season never really ends
  
  
• How firefighters predict fire behavior using weather and fuel data
  
  
• What homeowners can do right now to reduce wildfire risk
  
  
• Evacuation warnings vs. evacuation orders (and why timing matters)
  
  
• The simple mistakes that cause homes to ignite hours after a fire passes
  
  

This conversation connects historical wildfire tragedies, like the Mann Gulch Fire, to the modern tools, technology, and preparation strategies used today—and what residents can learn from them.

Whether you live in a high-fire-risk area or just want to understand how wildfires impact real people, this episode offers critical insight that could save lives.

Listen on all podcast platforms
Rate, review, and subscribe for more conversations on the unseen impacts of law, safety, and public policy.

Resources:

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents

https://web.pulsepoint.org/

https://protect.genasys.com/search

https://www.alertsandiego.org/

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

00:00 – A Wildfire That Changed Everything

01:50 – Why This Story Still Matters

03:05 – Meet a Cal Fire Captain

09:51 – Fire Season Is Now Year-Round

14:26 – What Makes Fires Explode

18:11 – The #1 Way to Protect Your Home

22:56 – How Homes Burn Without Flames Nearby

30:24 – Why Firefighters Can’t Save Every House

33:14 – Evacuations: What Most People Get Wrong

36:16 – The App That Could Save Your Life

39:41 – Inside Fire Command Decisions

50:13 – Why Homes Ignite Hours Later

52:56 – Home Hardening That Actually Works

56:52 – Final Fire Safety Takeaways

 

#CaliforniaWildfires #CalFire #WildfireSafety #FireSeason #FirePrevention #DefensibleSpace #HomeHardening #EmergencyPreparedness #EvacuationPlanning #PublicSafety #UnseenImpact

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What happens after the accident, when the injury isn’t visible—but the anxiety, identity loss, and emotional toll take over your life?

In this episode of Unseen Impact, Rory and Kerrie sit down with Ben Coolik, a warm water somatic therapist, to explore the hidden trauma that follows personal injury — the part no one prepares you for.

We dive into:

• Why anxiety often begins after the physical injury
  
  
• How trauma gets “imprinted” in the body
  
  
• Why money alone doesn’t make someone whole
  
  
• The power of co-regulation, breath, and the nervous system
  
  
• How warm water somatic therapy helps people release what words can’t
  
  

This episode is for anyone who has been injured, supports someone who has, or feels stuck in anxiety they can’t explain.

🎧 Listen, breathe, and discover the unseen impact that could change how you heal.
 📌 Subscribe for more conversations beyond the fight.

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

00:00 – A construction worker’s life changes overnight

02:12 – Anxiety, identity loss, and the unseen injury

03:20 – What Unseen Impact is really about

04:00 – Introducing warm water somatic therapy

05:04 – How floating calms the nervous system

08:00 – Trauma imprints on the body

10:14 – Why meditation is a practice, not a fix

12:18 – How anxiety affects sleep, health, and relationships

15:00 – Co-regulation: why calm people help us heal

19:10 – Modern life and constant nervous system overload

27:00 – Healing beyond the water session

30:00 – The danger of denying “minor” trauma

33:40 – Bottom-up healing: body before logic

36:00 – “I felt like I was back in the womb”

42:16 – Making people whole, not just winning cases

#UnseenImpact #HiddenInjuries #TraumaHealing #AnxietyAfterInjury #SomaticTherapy #NervousSystemRegulation #PersonalInjuryRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #BodyKeepsTheScore #BeyondTheFight #HealingJourney

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In this powerful episode of Unseen Impact, hosts Rory and Kerrie sit down with Jane Doe, a courageous survivor who took a former Major League Baseball player, Jacque Jones, to trial after he weaponized her private photos against her. With the support of clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Savarese from BrainWorks Behavioral Health, we break down the red flags, the psychological manipulation, the trauma response, and the legal protections available under California Civil Code 1708.85 — the law protecting victims of non-consensual disclosure of intimate images (“revenge porn”).

Jane Doe shares her real experience: the love-bombing, the control, the threats, the extortion, and the moment she chose to fight back. Together, we unpack what image-based coercion looks like, how narcissistic abuse traps victims, and why so many people don’t know the warning signs until it’s too late.

If you or someone you know has experienced image-based abuse, harassment, or coercive control, this episode will give you insight, validation, and a path forward.

👉 If you need legal guidance or mental health support, please reach out. You are not alone.

 

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

00:00 – The shocking opening: “She’s mine… obey me.”
00:26 – Important disclaimer: sensitive content ahead.
01:00 – Introducing Jane Doe’s case and California’s revenge porn law.
02:12 – How the relationship began: charm, charisma, and trust.
03:17 – The breakup… and the shocking moment he sent her photos.
04:10 – “It was weaponized.” The abuse begins.
05:42 – Introducing Dr. Savories: the psychology behind coercion.
07:22 – Red flags Jane missed at the start.
10:44 – Control, constant texting, and surveillance-like behavior.
14:00 – Why narcissists expose victims first.
15:19 – The threats: “Obey or I send more.”
17:03 – Trauma symptoms: fear, nausea, paranoia, hypervigilance.
22:30 – Gaslighting explained: breaking down his deposition.
29:17 – Cognitive dissonance: “Who I thought he was vs who showed up.”
31:27 – Living in fight-or-flight for years.
34:24 – How victims can regulate their nervous system.
37:06 – What the law actually allows victims to do.
41:07 – Jane’s advice: turn to hope, not retaliation.
44:19 – Final thoughts and resources for survivors.

TAGS

#RevengePorn #ImageBasedAbuse #NarcissisticAbuse #SurvivorStory #UnseenImpact  #LegalJustice #CaliforniaLaw #TraumaRecovery #AbuseAwareness #CoerciveControl  #TrueCrimePodcast #DigitalSafety

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Get ready to dive into the revolutionary world of James Madison and the Bill of Rights! As we gather for Thanksgiving, it's the perfect time to reflect on what we’re truly thankful for—the fundamental freedoms that let us come together, speak openly, and live our lives freely. Join us as we explore how Madison’s Bill of Rights secured the Freedom of Assembly and Free Speech that we continue to cherish today.

In this episode of Unseen Impact, Rory and Kerrie reveal why these foundational documents—introduced in August 1789—are far from dusty relics. They remain essential protections for ordinary citizens right now.

Rory, dressed in his own revolutionary get-up, breaks down the core rights that still shape today’s headlines: Free Speech, Protection from Unreasonable Searches, the Right to a Jury Trial, and Due Process. You'll learn how the colonists’ deep distrust of the British government helped forge these crucial safeguards.

Discover the unseen impact of these 18th-century rights on modern life—from personal injury law to the everyday language we use around fairness and justice.

👉 And don’t miss the unforgettable story about the dueling gun lighter!

 

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

0:00 - Intro: The Revolutionary Outfit and the Dueling Gun Lighter Prop

0:30 - Introducing the Topic: The Constitution and The Bill of Rights

2:44 - Who Introduced the Bill of Rights and When?

3:08 - Why the Bill of Rights was created: A Safeguard Against Too Much Government Power

3:36 - The Key Rights: Free Speech, Jury Trial, Unreasonable Searches, and Due Process

4:15 - Why a Personal Injury Attorney is Talking About the Bill of Rights

5:36 - Britain Silencing the Colonies: The Spark for the Revolutionary War

6:12 - The Right to a Jury Trial in Civil vs. Criminal Cases

7:25 - These Rights Were NOT Abstract Ideas: Protections for Ordinary People

8:15 - We Take Our Constitutional Rights for Granted Today

9:06 - James Madison's Protections: Exchanging One Goliath for Another?

11:05 - Understanding Due Process: Notice and the Opportunity to Be Heard

12:41 - The Fear of a New Government and the "Treason" Quote

14:14 - Why the Bill of Rights Matters in Everybody's Everyday Life

15:46 - The Role of Attorneys in Fighting for These Same Rights Today

16:06 - Conclusion and Outro

#BillofRights #JamesMadison #Constitution #FoundingFathers #USHistory #UnseenImpact #RoryLaw #FreeSpeech #DueProcess #CivicEducation

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Think you have “full coverage” on your auto insurance? You might be one accident away from financial disaster. 😬

In this episode of Unseen Impact, Kerrie & Rory bring back insurance expert Chad Colston to decode the most misunderstood parts of your auto insurance policy—from declarations pages to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), deductibles, OEM parts, teen drivers, claims, and more.

If you drive a car, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and protect you after a crash—whether it’s your fault or not.

What you’ll learn:
 ✔ Why “full coverage” is a misleading term
 ✔ The one policy item every driver must have (most people don’t!)
 ✔ When to file a claim with your insurer vs the other driver’s
 ✔ Why you may never want the at-fault driver’s carrier fixing your car
 ✔ The truth about deductibles, OEM parts & glass claims
 ✔ Insurance tips for parents of new teen drivers
 ✔ How to avoid paying out of pocket when the other driver has low coverage

If you like episodes that make you smarter and safer on the road, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more real-world insights!

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 - Welcome back + Chad gets recognized from the podcast

01:14 - Insurance game: “What does this even mean?”

03:42 - Why most adults don’t understand their auto policies

04:50 - What the Declarations Page actually tells you

07:08 - Liability limits & why 250/500 matters

11:16 - “Full Coverage” is a myth—what it really means

12:18 - Comprehensive vs Collision explained

15:35 - Why hitting a deer might be better than hitting a pole

17:06 - The most skipped coverage: UM/UIM (and why it matters)

20:51 - OEM parts & why repairs may not be equal

23:15 - Filing a claim: your insurer vs theirs

26:42 - Deductibles and getting reimbursed

30:34 - Insurance tips for parents of teen drivers

33:55 - How grades & driver training can lower teen insurance costs

37:20 - Final takeaways: protect yourself before the accident

#InsuranceTips #AutoInsurance #CarInsurance #PersonalInjury #UnderinsuredMotorist #UninsuredMotorist #UMUIM #ClaimsProcess #CarAccident #FinancialProtection #UnseenImpactPodcast

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What really happens after you survive getting hit by a truck? In this powerful episode of Unseen Impact, hosts Rory and Kerrie sit down with Ricky Sutherland, a former client who lived through every pedestrian’s nightmare — being struck by a commercial truck while simply crossing the street.

Ricky shares his story of shock, recovery, and the long legal and emotional road that followed — including the unseen brain injury that changed his life. Rory breaks down the personal injury process, what victims need to know about insurance adjusters, and why so many people don’t realize how serious their injuries are until it’s too late.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn:

• What it feels like to survive being hit by a truck
• The hidden impact of brain and soft-tissue injuries
• Why you should never talk to insurance adjusters right away
• How accident reconstruction and legal teams uncover the truth
• The emotional toll of recovery and learning you’re not invincible
  
  

💡 If you’ve ever wondered what really happens after a serious accident — or how to protect yourself — this episode will change how you see personal injury forever.

🔔 Subscribe for more unseen stories that pull back the curtain on real-life impact.
 📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

0:00:00 | Intro: Hit by a Chevy Silverado.

0:01:01 | Crosswalk, blinky lights, and the moment of impact.

0:04:35 | Introducing client Ricky Sutherland.

0:08:48 | Ricky's experience and why he was in denial.

0:13:31 | Driving home in shock and the pain setting in.

0:17:54 | The "charming" adjuster and why a quick settlement is a mistake.

0:21:09 | The cognitive impairment and brain injury.

0:25:28 | The struggle to accept his injuries and the need for an MRI.

0:29:46 | Losing his stress relief: mountain running.

0:38:10 | Ricky's advice: Trust the experts and your support team.

0:41:45 | Girlfriend's candid realization: "I want that guy back."

0:44:09 | Final thoughts: You're not invincible.

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How MC Hammer's Story Reveals the Hidden Dangers of Sudden Wealth | Financial Planning After Personal Injury.

In this eye-opening episode of Unseen Impact, we sit down with Manny Valdez, a pioneering structured settlement broker who revolutionized how injury victims protect their financial future. Learn how his fight against industry giants led to better protection for injury victims and their settlements.

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

00:03:14 - The birth of structured settlements

00:15:33 - How financial predators target injury victims

00:25:11 - The "Vegas Test" - A powerful lesson about money

00:35:02 - Building the right financial team

00:42:09 - Modern challenges & protecting your settlement

 

#PersonalInjuryLaw #StructuredSettlement #LegalAdvice #FinancialPlanning #InjuryLawyer #LegalPodcast #PersonalInjury #CarAccident #LegalTips #LawyerLife #LawFirm #Settlement #MoneyManagement #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvice #LegalEducation #CaliforniaLaw #TexasLaw #SanDiego #InjurySettlement

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In this episode of the "Unseen Impact" podcast, host Rory Pendergast and co-host Kerrie welcome insurance broker Chad Colston to discuss the importance of proper insurance and how to protect yourself from potentially life-altering financial loss. They use real-life examples to illustrate how a single, unexpected event—like a car accident or a dog bite—can lead to immense financial ruin, even costing people their homes.

** SUBSCRIBE for weekly insights on protecting your rights and future! FREE CONSULTATION: Visit www.rorylaw.com or call 1-800-RORY-LAW

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Unseen Impact  
00:04 A Shocking Dog Attack Story  
00:44 How to Lose $1 Million in a Split Second  
01:08 The Myth of “Full Coverage”  
03:18 When Your House Is on the Line  
05:05 Meet Chad Colston, Insurance Broker  
06:59 Dogs, Liability, and Homeowner Risk  
13:26 Why Auto Insurance Is Really About Liability  
25:32 The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage  
43:49 Claims, Accidents, and Protecting Your Future  

#PersonalInjuryLaw #InsuranceTips #LegalAdvice #CarAccident #PersonalInjury #InsuranceCoverage #LegalEducation #AutoInsurance #PropertyInsurance #SanDiegoLawyer #CaliforniaLaw #LegalTips #InjuryLawyer #AccidentAttorney #InsuranceBroker #RoryLaw #LegalPodcast #CarInsurance #HomeownerInsurance #LiabilityInsurancE

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In this episode of Unseen Impact, Rory and Kerrie dive into a shocking hypothetical: discovering your child’s face at a makeup counter, used in advertising without consent. What feels like a proud moment quickly turns into a personal violation, raising important questions about the use of likeness, image rights, and the power imbalance between everyday people and massive corporations.

From real-life stories of unauthorized photo use to the legal protections that exist (and why they matter), this conversation sheds light on what you can do if your image is used without your approval.

Whether you’re an aspiring model, a parent, or just someone who posts photos online, this episode will change the way you think about ownership, consent,and control over your personal image.

** Learn what “use of likeness” means

** Find out when you should call an attorney

** Discover why even small cases can lead to big consequences

** Don’t miss this powerful discussion on personal rights in the digital age.

** Subscribe for more episodes of Unseen Impact where we uncover the unseen stories behind personal injury, trauma, and life’s toughest moments

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In this episode, Rory Pendergast and co-host Kerry unravel the rise and fall of Thomas Girardi, once a high-profile attorney celebrated for landmark cases like Erin Brockovich, and later exposed for running a massive Ponzi scheme. From Hollywood glitz and Real Housewives cameos to stolen settlements and betrayed clients, this case reveals how trust—betweeN attorney and client, and within the justice system—can be built over decades but destroyed in moments.

Join us as we explore true crime through a legal lens, spotlighting both the corruption that taints the profession and the integrity that defines good attorneys

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