Trauma is a heavy burden, but healing and transformation are possible. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this powerful episode featuring Amanda Carrasco, a survivor of homicide and sexual assault, author, and restorative justice advocate whose journey from unimaginable loss to empowerment has shaped her life’s mission.

Amanda shares her traumatic experiences, including the murder of her sister and twin boys by her brother-in-law, and her own experiences of sexual assault. Through immense grief and pain, she has transformed her life into a mission of advocacy, community building, and healing. Her book, Becoming the Brave One, details her journey from trauma to self-empowerment, highlighting the importance of empathy, accountability, and restorative justice in supporting survivors and transforming lives.

Together, we discuss:

• The emotional and psychological impact of surviving homicide and sexual assault

• How trauma affects family relationships and the process of healing

• The importance of community, support systems, and self-compassion

• Amanda’s journey to self-empowerment through therapy and personal reflection

• The principles and power of restorative justice in addressing harm and fostering accountability

• Lessons from her sister and the role of empathy in personal and community transformation

If you’ve ever wondered how someone can survive profound loss and trauma—and use that experience to inspire change and empathy—this conversation will leave you deeply moved and inspired.

00:00 Preview

01:16 Introduction 

01:44 About Amanda Carrasco

05:06 Amanda’s backstory

09:35 When Amanda discovered the man she loved was a murderer

12:25 Why do teens need support after trauma?

16:51 Warning signs of an abuser that should never be ignored

23:11 Why healing is an inside job

25:41 How trauma shows up in everyday life

31:37 Role that community plays in healing

36:56 The healing power of friendships

42:31 Amanda’s book, Becoming the Brave One

48:36 Amanda Carrasco’s Purposeful Empathy story

53:03 Amanda remembering her sister’s radical love

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-carrasco-48b377173/ 

✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amanda_the_brave_one/ 

✩ Website http://amandacarrasco.com 

SHOW NOTES

✩ Becoming the Brave One https://amandacarrasco.com 

Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio