In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Rowena Chiu, a former assistant of Harvey Weinstein whom he silenced for decades, along with her colleague Zelda Perkins. Chiu shares a range of valuable insights as a survivor, and describes the unusual experience of being portrayed in the recent movie “She Said,” based on the book by Jodi Kantor… Read More »Episode 36: Breaking the Silence: An Interview with Rowena Chiu
Kathryn Robb and I continue speaking with highly knowledgeable survivor/advocates, Chelsea Maldonado and Amanda Simmons who educate us on the so-called ‘troubled teen’ industry, an under-regulated system of residential youth treatment facilities that use behavior modification and abusive tactics on minors. Last week, Chelsea told us her story. This week, it’s Amanda’s turn. Show Notes Donate to CHILD USAdvocacy and… Read More »Episode 34: The ‘Troubled Teen’ Industry (Continued)
Our guests on this episode are survivor/advocates, Chelsea Maldonado and Amanda Simmons who educate us on the so-called ‘troubled teen’ industry: a system of residential youth treatment facilities & programs. Many of these facilities operate more like prisons where children as young as nine are routinely abused in an extreme system of behavior modification, prevented from telling their parents what’s… Read More »Episode 33: The ‘Troubled Teen’ Industry with Survivors Chelsea Maldonado and Amanda Simmons, Part 1
Andrew Pledger is 22 years old and on a mission to spread the word about religious trauma after being raised in a fundamentalist Christian cult. He has a gripping story to tell about coming to terms with the harm his family’s religion caused him and the extra layers of shame and fear he carried due to his LGBTQ+ status. He’ll… Read More »Episode 32: Andrew Pledger: Recovering from A Christian Cult
Kevin Hines tells the story of his attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19, informs us about suicidal ideation, suicide prevention, and the joys and challenges of advocacy work, and we share grief and loving memories over our mutual friend, the late Jeremy Richman, Ph.D. Read More »Episode 22: Suicide Prevention Advocate Kevin Hines
Po Murray Chairs the grassroots non-profit organization, Newtown Action Alliance which formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy–and which I helped found. Po explains the grassroots group’s efforts to stem gun violence through legislation and cultural change. We talk about activism as a means of addressing trauma, and the widespread effects of gun violence in America. Visit the Newtown… Read More »Episode 17: The Trauma of Gun Violence with Newtown Action Alliance Leader Po Murray
Nicole Potter was devastated when her best friend Kimberly died suddenly and under confusing circumstances. At first, Nicole was told it was suicide but the case was never officially resolved. In this interview, we learn about the ways Kimberly and Nicole supported each other through life’s challenges and how Nicole is navigating life after her friend’s death–which includes carrying on… Read More »Episode 9: Complicated Grief with Podcaster Nicole Potter
