In this episode we are tackling a sensitive yet crucial topic—drink spiking. Our guest, Ella, founder of the Chasing Red Flags community, shares her personal story of being drugged at a bar in Boston in 2022 and the life-changing effects it had on her. After a Bruins game, Ella unknowingly ended up with a drink that was tampered with, only to wake up in the hospital hours later with no memory of what had occurred. What followed was not only a battle with the physical and emotional aftermath but also a struggle against a flawed system that failed to recognize the severity of her situation.
Ella recounts how she, along with her mother, advocated for her health and safety, fighting against a system in Massachusetts where drug tests are not required unless assault is involved. This tragic experience sparked a fire in Ella to create Chasing Red Flags, a platform aimed at supporting others who've had similar experiences. Together with her mom, she has become an advocate for changing drink spiking laws and helping victims reclaim their stories and strength.
Throughout the episode, Shirah Benarde, founder of Nightcap, shares her own motivation for starting her drink spiking prevention product after a personal incident. Shirah discusses how her dream led to the creation of Nightcap, a scrunchie that doubles as a drink cover, a product that has helped prevent countless potential cases of drink tampering. Both Shirah and Ella reflect on the importance of education and awareness, not just for individuals but for society as a whole.
We also talk about the mental health impact of such traumatic experiences, where Ella opens up about the emotional toll that being drugged took on her life, including struggles with guilt, shame, and the long process of healing. She talks candidly about therapy, how she worked through the trauma, and the strength she found in being vulnerable and sharing her story. It was this vulnerability that led to the creation of Chasing Red Flags, a safe space where others can share their experiences, find community, and work toward healing together.
Ella’s mission through Chasing Red Flags is clear: to bring awareness to drink spiking, help others recognize red flags in their relationships and social interactions, and ultimately work towards legislative change. In Boston, Ella is actively speaking to lawmakers, pushing for a change in the way drugged individuals are treated in hospitals and fighting to ensure that victims like her get the care and attention they deserve, even if sexual assault is not involved.
In this episode, we explore:

The dangers and reality of drink spiking
How the current system fails victims of drink spiking
The importance of advocacy and legislative change
Mental health recovery and the power of vulnerability
Building supportive communities to raise awareness and promote healing

Whether you’ve experienced drink spiking yourself, know someone who has, or want to learn how to protect yourself and others, this episode is a must-listen. Ella’s courage in sharing her story not only highlights the flaws in our current systems but also offers hope and inspiration for others who may be struggling with similar experiences.
Follow Ella's journey and join the Chasing Red Flags community on TikTok and Instagram at @ChasingRedFlagsOfficial, or visit www.chasingredflags.com. You can also listen to the Chasing Red Flags podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tune in to this powerful conversation and help us spread awareness, support victims, and drive real change for a safer world.