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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 Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
“It starts with rolling a stone and getting it tumbling and then building this avalanche. That’s my call to action.”
Blake shares the destructive force of his first sexual experiences; betrayed by the prince of his dreams, he finds himself questioned and doubted by those he reaches out to for help. He is ignored and silenced, drowning in incredible pain, when a chance TV moment sparks his will to survive and speak his truth.
If you are a journalist or an agent of change interested in contacting Blake to answer his call to action, reach out to us at katiekoestner.com.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Her family served as the perfect hunting ground for a predator. Until the age of 11, Jeannie is stalked by a man who has inserted himself into every aspect of her home life. Filled with shame about her sexual history, she seeks validation in sexual attention. Living today with the vivid and raw moments still etched into her mind, Jeannie teams up with her children to share resources and help strengthen her community. On her own journey of healing, she voices her passion for supporting others by naming stigmas and sharing her story.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Evan Mader
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
"I was aware what sex was and I was also aware that what was happening was wrong."
At 7 years old, Kerri learns to shut up. She takes on the job of taking care of her baby brother, suffering in silence when she is abused by her older brother. Through an incredible journey of healing and resilience, Kerri speaks with us today about how to develop a toolbox to set boundaries and let go of others' messes.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Tyler Thomas
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
At 17, Georgia is drawn to the independent allure of an older man. Brutalized in her new relationship, she finds herself subject to horrific sexual experiences that leave her intimidated and fearful. She bottles up her feelings, letting them sit on the back burner until she can no longer ignore them, finding herself sitting in her garage and attempting to end her own life. To pull herself out of the darkness, she throws away everything that doesn't work for her.
Georgia Reash is a visual artist and author who uses her work to heal and prevent sexual trauma. In her #53 Vaginas and Vulvas exhibition she advocates for survivors and hopes to launch a healing arts movement
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Basking in kindness from a teacher, Aaron finds a mentor in this new friend. Grateful for his support, Aaron regularly meets with him and he becomes a father figure; but one day, this teacher rapes him. Filled with shame, Aaron lies about his experience to his mom. Today, as a parent, educator, and veteran, he speaks up about his experiences with grooming and the culture of silence around sexual violence between men.
Check out Aaron's amazing work at 18winters.com
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Evan Mader
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
'I had no context for what was appropriate behavior. At the time, it was so confusing I didn't know what was happening.'
A former circus performer, Aly shares her experiences with discrimination and sexual harassment working on a cruise ship. Facing constant targeting over the course of a year, she eventually left the ship after being diagnosed with PTSD. Today, Aly shares her journey with us, bringing to light the difficulties of working in a field where abuse and silence are normalized.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Chloe was in the house of the man she was seeing when his landlord came down the stairs completely naked. Their intentions were clear. “Not gonna happen,” she said, but she could tell it was all planned. The two men cornered and raped her. Like many other survivors, she repressed the memories of the abuse until they became too loud to ignore. One day, the word RAPE flashed in her head and she decided to get help.
Today, she shares her experiences living with PTSD and how trauma affected her sexuality and relationships. Now, her journey is about learning who she is and what makes her happy, whether by lying on the grass, singing opera, or supporting other survivors of trauma.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Neglected and abused by her parents, child Emma finds solace in the housekeeper. Her mother is violent towards her, and her father sexually abuses her; knowing that husbands and wives have sex with each other, young Emma assumes that when her parents divorce she is next in line. Her misunderstanding of sexuality and external pressure to be normal pushes her to navigate the world without boundaries and she comes into her adulthood through chaos and instability. Emma Goldman-Sherman, an accomplished playwright and holistic health coach, shares her experiences with autism and healing with us today.
Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Like any other seven-year-old, Simi teases her bus conductor and annoys him, playfully pointing out that he is unmarried. He hits her in front of other students and teachers, and she apologizes. But his resentment grows, and he later follows her into the bathroom and rapes her. Simi cleans herself up as best as she can, goes home, and goes to bed, coping with her pain in silence. Worried about her family's honor, she stays quiet, until she finds strength and support in her new friends and community.
Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Meeting by chance on a flight, Katie is joined by Brad Friedel, who played all over the world for the US national soccer team as a goalkeeper. Now, he works in media and consulting for professional teams and represents players. Because of his career, Brad offers an interesting perspective on the issues facing women in sports. In this episode, he discusses the differences he witnessed for women and other minorities as players, referees, and commentators in contrast to what he lived and saw as a man.
Host: Katie Koestner
Editor: Benter Oluoch
Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite