Episodes

  • 58. Ruthie Uhl: The Devastating Impact of Familial Sexual Assault: A Mother’s Gripping Perspective

    58. Ruthie Uhl: The Devastating Impact of Familial Sexual Assault: A Mother’s Gripping Perspective
    Nov 14 2023
    It’s never easy to talk about a child being sexually assaulted by another family member, a family member who is an older brother, who knows better, who manipulates, strangles, and holds down his younger sister is even more atrocious. No one wants to talk about that. But talking about is what we need to do to help put an end to this wreckage. Ruthie Uhl is willing to tell her perspective. With her now-teenaged-daughters permission, Ruthie describes what this horrific experience did to their family. She tells it without pulling any punches. She describes the complex devastation and desolation that almost caused her daughter to kill herself. And she tells how she and her daughter pulled together to make new lives for themselves out of the wreckage. As you listen to Ruthie’s narrative, you'll be struck by her incredible strength and fortitude in facing this harrowing experience. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the prevalence of such devastating situations in our society. Join me in gaining insights from Ruthie’s journey, and let her compelling narrative be a call to action through increased awareness surrounding familial sexual assault. Here are some important websites and organizations to make yourself aware of, and to financially support, if you’re at all able to; every little bit helps. https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/ https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    53 mins
  • 59. Dave Markel: Clarifying-Is it Rape or Sexual Assault? and, What it Means to Start By Believing!

    59. Dave Markel: Clarifying-Is it Rape or Sexual Assault? and, What it Means to Start By Believing!
    Nov 21 2023
    This episode is short but packed full of information. I wanted to clear up some confusion that has been brought to my attention regarding the differences between “rape,” and “sexual assault.” I won’t go into those differences here; you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out what those idiosyncrasies are. And the other topic of this short episode is what it truly means to Start By Believing, and why it’s so important. Both of these issues are topics that are central to the purpose of this podcast, so I wanted to clear up the confusion that exists in some people’s minds. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to this podcast, and please share it with everyone you know. You’re helping the podcast grow when you do those things! Here are a few websites I hope you’ll check out, and a few hashtags that you might find interesting! https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #evawi #endviolenceagainstwomeninternational #survivorsunite #rapevictim #retireddetective #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #thrivivors #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #ericbarreras #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #baylor #ashforduniversity #uofaglobalcampus #psychologymajor #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    10 mins
  • 60. A Pause This Week: Thankful for You!

    60. A Pause This Week: Thankful for You!
    Nov 29 2023

    Just a quick announcement explaining why there’s not a full episode this week, and to express my gratitude to you, my listeners!

    Don’t forget to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault.

    https://markel-consulting.com

    https://startbybelieving.org

    https://safeinharmsway.org

    #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    2 mins
  • 61. Ashleyann Garcia: Struggling, but Winning!

    61. Ashleyann Garcia: Struggling, but Winning!
    Dec 5 2023
    One of the most difficult components of the sexual assault/rape healing journey is mustering the courage and strength to tell someone else your story. It can be formidable. Daunting even. But many psychologists and sociologists agree that talking about ones own sexual assault or rape experience can help in processing one’s emotions, provide a community of survivors that support each other, and create a sense of accomplishment and self-encouragement that provides a strong foundation for ones healing journey. Through my own anecdotal experiences and education I’ve acquired through formal scholastic channels as well as through professional trainings, I’ve come to recognize that those victims and survivors of rape and/or sexual assault who choose to talk about a sexual assault or rape experience with someone who is empathic and supportive can lead to some very strong and beneficial outcomes, not the least of which include: 1. Emotional Validation: Sharing the experience with a supportive person can validate the survivor's feelings and emotions, helping them feel understood and acknowledged. 2. Reduced Isolation: Discussing the experience can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany trauma, as the survivor realizes they're not alone and have support. 3. Healing and Coping: Talking about the experience can be a step toward healing. It allows the survivor to begin processing their emotions, which can be a crucial part of coping and moving forward. “Moving forward”—this is where Ashleyann is: she’s struggling, but winning. And her winning is providing the ongoing platform she needs for that continued forward drive. Her decision to come on the Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast was the result of months of self-reflection, weighing options, and much contemplation. Ultimately, Ashleyann decided to come on the show, and at the end of her episode experience, Ashleyann said, “I am always, forever going to be so grateful for this.” Ashleyann joins many, many other SASS family members who have expressed very similar sentiments. Don’t forget to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 62. Yri Stafylaki: Part 1- A Narcissist’s Conniving Tactics Lead to Manipulation, Confusion, and Rape

    62. Yri Stafylaki: Part 1- A Narcissist’s Conniving Tactics Lead to Manipulation, Confusion, and Rape
    Dec 12 2023
    It never ceases to amaze me…my podcast listeners that reach out to me with courage, strength, fortitude, and powerful resilience who are hoping to share their stories, not for glory or attention, but to help others who may find themselves in very similar circumstances with very similar experiences, in order to offer a sense of comradery and community, and to help others on their own healing journey: Yri is no less amazing! In Yri’s “Part 1” episode, Yri has courageously shared her harrowing experience as a victim of narcissistic manipulation and abuse at the hands of an athlete colleague who is on a men’s basketball team in the mutual league setting as her own women’s league. Initially, their relationship seemed promising, with shared interests in music and his genuine concern for Yri's struggles with self-harm. However, behind this facade of care and charm lay a sinister truth: her partner was a skilled narcissist who knew exactly how to expertly manipulate her emotions and perceptions. As their relationship progressed, Yri found herself ensnared in a web of manipulation and confusion. Her partner's conniving tactics slowly unveiled themselves, morphing the once-loving dynamic into a nightmare of emotional manipulation and verbal abuse. The initial care and concern became a guise for controlling behavior, leaving Yri feeling trapped and isolated. The depth of the abuse took a devastating turn when the relationship turned sexually abusive and demeaning. Yri recounts the horrifying ordeal of being raped by her partner while she slept, a cruel and violating act that shattered her sense of safety and trust. This traumatic experience marked only the beginning of a series of escalating abusive behaviors, leaving Yri grappling with the emotional aftermath and the daunting reality of what lay ahead. As Yri's story unfolds, you will be left on the edge of your seat awaiting next week’s episode that promises to delve deeper into the escalating horrors of her abusive relationship. You’ll hear Yri bravely continue to shed light on the escalating abuse and manipulative tactics employed by her narcissistic partner, revealing the unimaginable depths of suffering she endured from the traumatic fall-out. It's all so terribly sad, yet so terribly true. And despite how brutally honest Yri is in her telling of these horrific events and experiences, there are those who will dis-believe and blame Yri for the nightmarish acts of her rapist boyfriend. We all need to take a good, hard look at the circumstances that are shared in this raw and frightful story and learn what it means to “start by believing.” If you’re not sure what that really means, read the Start By Believing webpages of End Violence Against Women-International. (https://startbybelieving.org) You’ll be doing your part to helping to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. Which is critically important because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    50 mins
  • 63. Yri Stafylaki: Part 2- Life Became a Total Disconnect, Then Came the Start of Healing

    63. Yri Stafylaki: Part 2- Life Became a Total Disconnect, Then Came the Start of Healing
    Dec 19 2023
    This is the concluding episode of Yri Stafylaki. It’s her continuing story of how her bad situation with an abusive boyfriend got worse. Worse because the fallout of what it means to be in an abusive, narcissistic relationship is often extremely messy. Yri had been living her athletic dream of being on a basketball team that meant the world to her. She wasn’t a shining star player, but she had worked hard enough to make the team, and even harder to realize her dream of becoming a player who had become instrumental in scoring points and helping bring wins to the team. Being a part of this organization was a big deal to Yri. But the problem became the fact that her once loving boyfriend, who was an athlete colleague on a men’s basketball team in the mutual league setting as her own women’s league, became abusive, even to the point that a rape resulted, Yri’s place on her team was brought to a traumatic culmination. When she let her coach know about the rape, he ignored the seriousness of the situation and continued to allow Yri’s boyfriend to be in the gym at the same time as Yri, against the agreement he had made with her. During an important game, when her boyfriend showed up in the audience, Yri became distraught, even to the point of tears during halftime in the locker room. Yri was kicked out of the locker room by her coach for being disruptive. Afterward, Yri made the difficult, but necessary, decision to quit the team in order to not have to see her rapist any longer. Then, things got even worse. You’ll have to listen to the episode to get the full story. There are no happily-ever-after endings in a rape story. But there can be healing and victories; such is the case with Yri. While she doesn’t play organizational basketball any longer, she is dancing, and drawing, and writing…and she discovered the Sexual Assault Survivor Stories podcast when she was looking for some reprieve from the rape experience. And because of others on the podcast who’ve been brave enough to tell their survival story, Yri reached out to me and asked if she could be on the podcast also. And you’re the fortunate listener who gets to hear Yri share her story here, in order to help bring justice to other victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. If you’re ready to tell your story, you can reach me at davemarkel@gmail.com, and we can talk about the possibility of you being on the show. And there are other ways to also help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault; one of the best ways is to Start By Believing. Learn more about the campaign at the Start By Believing website, published below. Do it for the victims and survivors, and do it for yourself…because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. And if you’re a victim or survivor who needs resources and help, find out what may be available for you at Safe In Harm’s Way website, also listed below. You can help this podcast by becoming a subscriber wherever you get your podcasts. It also helps if you’ll leave a rating, a comment, and tell others about the show! Thank you!! https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 64. Dave Markel: The 2023 Year-end Episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories

    64. Dave Markel: The 2023 Year-end Episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories
    Dec 28 2023
    64. Dave Markel: The 2023 Year-end Episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. 2023 has been an amazing year of growth for Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. It’s terribly sad that there is a need for this podcast to exist in our world. Yet, it’s a blessing to provide this platform for victims and survivors who willing to share their stories of rape and sexual assault. These narratives not only help the guests but also offer healing and growth to the listener. I’m also grateful to have professional guests who bring tremendous insights and education on trauma-informed approaches, teach us various tactics to stay safe, and how to thrive despite the horrors of rape and sexual assault. This week's list of clips are from the episodes of the following guests, in this order: Nicole Florisi; Von Kleam; Arci Grey; Haley Roma; Caroline Markel Hammond; Anne Winslow; Tracy Matheson; Amanda Coleman; Julien Jones; Alan Manwaring; Leanne Cameron; Donnell Cameron; Tim Cocanougher; McCall Allen; Katie Stewart; Cassie Nicholas; Nicole Snell; Mallory Tingey; and Joshua White. The growth of this podcast this year has been beyond my wildest dreams. And I truly hope it continues to grow and to bring help and healing to all my listeners, regardless of your reason for listening in. I hope you’re more than just a casual listener though. I hope you’re a regular listener/subscriber who is growing and healing, or growing in your knowledge and understanding of what it means to be trauma-informed, as well as provide trauma-informed responses and services to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. As always, please remember to Start by Believing, in order to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. And please remember to hit the subscribe button on the platform provider page that you use to listen to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org davemarkel@gmail.com #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    14 mins
  • 65. Dave Markel: The First Episode of 2024—Continuing the Good!

    65. Dave Markel: The First Episode of 2024—Continuing the Good!
    Jan 2 2024
    Last week’s episode featured a series of guests who, during their episode interviews, chose to recognize and celebrate the SASS format, its purposes and successes, and the healing benefits of being part of this podcast. I took clips of those episodes and compiled them into a succession of the comments that they made about the show. The episode was such a hit, and I received some great feedback and comments about the show, that I decided this week, as my first episode of this new year, to compile the remaining comments that the rest of my 2023 guests had made and put together a Part 2 as my first episode of 2024! As I mentioned last week, I couldn’t be more thrilled and appreciative of the comments these guests made because it shows that my goals and purposes for this podcast are being met. And I also want to repeat that it is a blessing for me to be able to provide this platform for victims and survivors who willing to share their stories of rape and sexual assault. These narratives not only help the guests but also offer healing and growth to the listener. This week's clips are from the episodes of the following guests, in this order: Cashaye Barrera; Jessica Pride; Caroline Markel Hammond (Part 2); Emily Stroia; Abigail Alvarado; Bailie; Scarlett Robinson; Lee Cooper; Ruthie Uhl; Ashleyann Garcia; and Yri Stafylaki. For me, as the host and producer of this SASS, I am elated at the success and growth of this show. 2023 truly was a year of growth beyond my wildest dreams. And because of the accomplishments that have been attained, I am looking forward to even more opportunities for not only growth, but an expansion of what this podcast will be providing in the coming months. 2024 is going to be an incredible year for exciting collaborations and alliances that will further the growth of community and camaraderie for both past and future guests, as well as for my entire listening community. You can be a part of the growth by subscribing to this show, giving the show a rating, and by telling everyone you know about the amazing healing that is taking place. As always, please remember to Start by Believing in order to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. And please remember to subscribe and rate Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on the platform you use. So, all of this helps the show to grow and reach more people; thank you! https://markel-consulting.com https://startbybelieving.org https://safeinharmsway.org davemarkel@gmail.com #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #awareness #boundaries #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #supportsurvivors #mysurvivorstory #confidence #violenceprevention #awareness #boundaries #empowerment #speaker #trainer #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #internationalspeaker #genderequality #equality #selfdefense #selfdefence #safety #youreworthfightingfor #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience
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    10 mins