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The Dear Katie Podcast features survivors of sexual assault, rape, and abuse; supporters; authors; celebrities; and agents of change about their survivorship and support. Learn how their journeys can help all survivors and their supporters. Delve into backlash, legal systems, campus reactions, family and friends, mental health, PTSD, substance use, body image, and the journey from hurt to healing and thriving.
After Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18 as the first person to speak out nationally and publicly as the victim of “date” rape, she received 100+ letters from others who had never told anyone about their own story. Katie wrote back to all of them, and some of them have now been guests on her Podcast 30+ years later to share their story with the world. The name “Dear Katie” honors all survivors in the power of sharing their story. Silence changes nothing.
Episodes
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
New college student Kiley does her best to deal with the Covid outbreak on campus, spending time with her boyfriend and his roommates. In love for the first time, she finds herself in uncomfortable situations with this group, until one of his roommates attacks her. She walks away, in shock, living in silence until months later. Kiley shares her journey from breaking her silence and dealing with the backlash to self-care and helping survivors today.
Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Author and ally Michael Emberger shares his voice and knowledge, advocating for men to take charge and act as true supporters for survivors of sexual assault. His book, Believed, focuses on the suffering of mermaid and college student Kelsea, who stands on a tail and two fins to fight the most painful trial of her life. Despite her trauma and a crisis of faith, she speaks the truth of what her rapist did, but will she be believed?
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Evan Mader
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
In today's episode, filmmaker and actress Emma Fitzpatrick discusses the the importance of telling stories that give a voice to the voiceless. As a writer, she has contributed to the success of multiple social media campaigns highlighting women’s issues and gender equality including #SHEPLAYSWEWIN which garnered media attention for its positive portrayal and message to young women in athletics. She most recently wrote and produced the feature film “Take Back the Night,” a monster movie that plays out as an allegory for the horrors of victim blaming in rape culture. The film was released in March of 2022 and has become a platform to launch conversations about the misconceptions and dangers surrounding victims of violent crimes, especially sexual assault.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Deb Grassman and Jo Jones share their vision of a world free of sexual violence and a path to healing from 'soul injury'. Often, trauma separates us from ourselves, and the process of healing reconnects us with the self, 're-membering'.
Deborah Grassman is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and author of two books, Peace at Last and The Hero Within. . She discovered a phenomenon that has become identified as “Soul Injury” – a wound that separates you from your own sense of self. Deborah then founded a non-profit organization called Opus Peace to bring the Soul Injury message to others.
Dr. Jo Wakeela Boston Jones, DHED, is a sexual violence survivor. She is a Registered Nurse with a Doctorate in Health Education from A.T. Still University and an Opus Peace Ambassador and Educator. Dr. Jones believes sexual violence is a Hidden, Unheard, and Unseen world-wide public health crisis that often leads to a Soul Injury. She lends her powerful voice, history, and presence to providing sexual violence awareness education to communities throughout the US.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Tyler Thomas
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Sandy shares a harrowing personal tale of the end of 17-year relationship; their ex displays a violent temper, lashing out at everyone in her path. They find themselves living in fear, seeking justice and searching for community, transforming their story into one of hope and friendship.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Graduating high school with her first child, Schenika misses the first signs of her partner's abuse. After years of living subject to his violence, she is finally pushed to free her family from his terror when her children begin sleeping with knives under their pillows. In a daring exodus, Schenika plans meticulously and finally paves the way to her family's freedom, breaking away from her abuser. Years of hardship and silence later, she finds herself sharing her story and speaking her truth to help other survivors.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Evan Mader
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
stephani candelaria (she/her/ella) is a musician/activist and trauma-informed, decolonization-focused educator from San Juan Bautista, California (Amah Mutsun tribal land). They hold a Masters degree in Education from Mills College in Oakland, CA (Ohlone tribal land), and has more than 10 years experience in education spaces, from gender-based workshop development and implementation, to social justice-centered curriculum development and classroom teaching, to community engagement via her musical platform. Her work is centered around indigenous-informed healing for folks who identify as BIPOC, queer, women, and/or survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Tyler Thomas
producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
"God, please save me, I don't want to die."
Abused and in denial, Angeline is subject to constant terror from her husband; after being sent to the emergency room, she finally finds the courage to put her foot down and file for divorce. Throughout a year-long journey of healing and self-advocacy, she frees herself from domestic violence, carving a new path for herself into independence and strength. Today, Angeline Constantinou is an empowerment partner who works with others in the transition from victims to victors, sharing her story through her podcast and business. Find her work at https://letsbreakthesilence.com/
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
'You give them an inch, and all of a sudden it becomes a mile. And it happens in the blink of an eye.'
Sam is a young sophomore in college, excited for a movie double date with her friend. She goes to his room with him, where he takes advantage of her and assaults her. Unsupported by her friends, she navigates her experiences with a so-called 'nice guy' alone.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Evan Mader
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Like any 14-year-old, Ashley is excited when a guy takes an interest in her at a school dance. Her high-school meet-cute quickly becomes a nightmare as her boyfriend controls and stalks her. Unknowingly, this young relationship would set the foundation for her future abusers, until she finds empowerment through education and self-awareness.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Tyler Thomas
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite