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Join kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart and Elizabeth Smart Foundation Executive Director, Heather Stockdale as they speak with therapists, survivors, and experts as they share stories of empowerment, recovery, and hope. If you or someone you know has ever experienced the horrors of sexual assault, then this podcast is for you!
91 Episodes
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In this finale episode, Elizabeth Smart and Heather Stockdale provide a reflective recap of Season 5, exploring the complexities of grief and the challenges of supporting those who are mourning. They examine the shortcomings of common responses to loss and emphasize the importance of education in understanding survivor disclosures. Their conversation highlights the critical role of empathy and informed communication when navigating trauma. From all of us at the Elizabeth Smart Foundatio...
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Gabor Maté delves into the deep and lasting impact of trauma, explaining that trauma is not defined by what happens to us, but by the inner wounds those experiences leave behind. He unpacks the complexities of healing, the significance of memory, and the essential role of personal responsibility in recovery. Dr. Maté introduces compassionate inquiry—a practice of exploring one’s pain with openness rather than judgment—as a powerful pathway to healing. He e...
Survivor, Advocate, and Athlete Summer Willis reflects on her powerful journey of reclaiming strength in the aftermath of trauma. She opens up about how her experience has shaped her life, why telling her story matters, and what drives her to push for legal reforms that better protect and support survivors. Her dialogue underscores not only her own resilience but also the courage of others who have faced similar challenges, highlighting the transformative role of community in the healing proc...
Emily Kennerk opens up about the inspiring story behind BITCHSTIX, the lip balm brand with a bold mission: empowering women and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Emily reflects on the challenges of launching a purpose-driven business, the power of community in driving change, and the profound impact of giving back. She speaks candidly about the importance of believing survivors and how open conversations can be a vital part of healing. We are also excited to spotli...
Dr. Susan Madsen sheds light on the urgent and complex issues of violence against women — including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and child maltreatment. She underscores the critical need for increased awareness, comprehensive education, and unwavering support for survivors. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Madsen confronts the systemic barriers that hinder reporting and access to resources, calling for meaningful policy reform and greater community involvement. She also highlights the tran...
Tana Amen is a New York Times bestselling author, health expert, trauma survivor, and the vice president of the Amen Clinics. Her powerful story of healing and resilience continues to inspire others to reclaim their voices and rewrite their narratives. In this deeply personal conversation, Tana reflects on her journey from a childhood shaped by trauma and abuse to becoming a fierce advocate for mental health, healing, and self-worth. She opens up about the battles she’s faced — from eating di...
Actress, Entrepreneur and Fitness Expert Amanda Kloots opens up about her powerful journey from Broadway performer to entrepreneur, navigating the unimaginable loss of her husband to COVID-19 while raising their young son. With honesty and grace, she shares the complexities of grieving in the public eye, the challenges of solo parenting through heartbreak, and the profound role community played in her healing. Through her story, Amanda reflects on the importance of self-care, mental wellness,...
Dive into the critical topic of digital safety for children, exploring the innovative technology behind CyberDive’s Aqua One phone and the essential role parents play in guiding their kids’ online lives. Co-founder Jeff shares the powerful personal journey that inspired the creation of CyberDive, shedding light on the real dangers young users face today—like sextortion, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. The conversation spotlights how Aqua One is designed to not only protect chi...
Kate Casey shares her remarkable journey from aspiring politician to acclaimed storyteller and interviewer, offering insight into how her personal history and childhood experiences shaped her career and passion for uncovering truth. With depth and vulnerability, she explores the transformative power of empathy in storytelling, the art of meaningful interviews, and the lasting impact of the Milton Hershey School on her values and worldview. The conversation dives into themes of family dynamics...
In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Cami courageously shares her journey as a survivor of domestic and sexual violence, shedding light on the emotional and legal battles she faced in the aftermath. Her story reveals the painful gaps and systemic failures within the justice system—failures that too often leave survivors feeling unheard, unprotected, and retraumatized. Through honest reflection, Cammie emphasizes the transformative power of sharing personal stories to foster connec...
Netflix star Mary Bonnet from Selling Sunset opens up about her journey from a small-town upbringing in Indiana to becoming a recognized name in luxury real estate and reality television. She shares the transformative experience of becoming a young mother, the challenges that shaped her, and the unwavering support of her family. In a deeply personal and candid conversation, Mary reflects on the impact of sexual assault, the long path toward healing, and the vital role of awareness and support...
PLEASE NOTE: This conversation regarding Elizabeth's results starts at 22:30, with the first part of the episode containing the conversation Elizabeth and Heather have with Dr. Amen from this season's episode 2. In this conversation, Elizabeth Smart shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and the subsequent challenges she faced during and after her rescue. She discusses the fear of not being believed, the aggressive nature of the police during her rescue, and the trauma that...
In the finale episode of Season 4 of Smart Talks, the hosts reflect on the impactful stories shared throughout the season, highlighting the resilience of survivors and the complex nature of justice. They discuss the importance of sharing personal narratives to inspire others and emphasize the need for a compassionate society that supports survivors. If you have enjoyed this season of Smart Talks, we ask that you please leave us a review on whichever platform you listen! We welcome feedback an...
Taryn Evans shares her powerful journey as a survivor of sexual assault and her experiences navigating the criminal justice system as an attorney. She discusses her background in family law, the challenges she faced after her assault, and the importance of advocacy and awareness in supporting victims. Taryn emphasizes the need for systemic change and alternative avenues for justice, while also providing insights into the emotional and psychological impacts of her experience. Support the show
We are excited to introduce todays guest on Smart Talks, Dr. John Foubert! Dr. Foubert brings decades of experience and research in the areas of pornography and sexual violence. He served for 5 years as the Highly Qualified Expert for Sexual Assault Prevention for the U.S. Army. He also founded the national nonprofit organization, One in Four, an organization that worked for 20 years to apply research to rape prevention programs on college campuses and in the military. Dr. Foubert serves as a...
We are so excited to share our powerful conversation with singer, actress, podcast host and NY Times Best Selling Author, Jana Kramer. Jana shares her journey from experiencing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for survivors. She discusses the challenges of opening up about her past, the importance of understanding the complexities of abusive relationships, and the green flags she found in her current marriage. Our conversation with Jana also touches on her experiences in actin...
Meet the amazing Jessica Willis Fisher! Jess shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood as the oldest of 12 in a controlling and abusive environment to reclaiming her voice through music and storytelling. She discusses the complexities of growing up in a religious household, the impact of familial abuse, and the survival mechanisms that kept her going. Jess emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of abuse and the challenges of leaving such environments, while also highligh...
Join us for a powerful conversation with business leader and entrepreneur John Miller. In this episode, John reflects on the recent release of Hometown Betrayal. This book is based on the true story of his late wife, Valarie Clark Miller, who endured childhood sexual abuse, and the family’s fight for justice. John opens up about the lasting effects of generational trauma and the importance of breaking the silence around abuse. His dedication to healing and advocacy has led him to establish @...
Emily Fauver is a military wife, mama to two, and social media influencer! She shares her inspiring journey from a troubled childhood marked by abandonment and abuse to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. She discusses her experiences in the foster care system, the importance of vulnerability in sharing her story, and her commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma for her own children. Emily emphasizes the power of love, connection, and mental health support, particularly through therap...
Tanya Kach shares her harrowing story of being held captive for ten years, the grooming process that led to her abduction, and her journey of survival and healing. She discusses the importance of sharing her story to help others, the challenges of the legal system, and the role of supportive relationships in recovery. Tanya emphasizes the impact of one person's kindness and the need for awareness in preventing abuse. Her resilience and hope shine through as she advocates for survivors and enc...
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Sean your not alone with your fears as a parent. I’m a victim of sexual abuse and I’ve been through lots of therapy but I still live in fear of something happening to my kids. You sound just like me. My obsession to protect my kids and prevent them from being sexually abused use to consume me. I’ve learned to be better about it. Thanks for sharing your story. Your are brave for speaking out.