Dear Katie: Survivor Stories

S5E18 Decolonizing and Questioning for Healing

This week, we get to know Dr. Shena Young, a psychologist healer and mental health futurist in LA. We listen as she talks about her life role to hold space for Black individuals healing from trauma, and she puts into perspective how important it is to understand the mind, body, and spirit.

For more information on Shena and her work, visit www.embodiedtruthhealing.com

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Benter Oluoch

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E17 Victim Centered Justice

In this week’s episode, Guy D’Andrea, attorney at LBK, dives into his advocacy and how he navigates sexual assault cases in institutional settings. Sharing his expertise, he sheds light on how the legal system operates and the connections he can make with his clients.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E16 Law and Order Canada

Ben Perrin, a law professor at the University of British Columbia, shares his work breaking the cycles of trauma and abuse. He gives insight into his personal experiences working with his wife, who is a victim of childhood abuse, and how this development has shaped his life and relationship. 

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E15 17 Years, a Baby, and a Guy in Nicaragua

Victimized by her college study buddy, Melissa spends 17 years in Nicaragua mentally paralyzed and avoiding memories of her assault. Finally brave enough to return to the United States, Melissa opened her mind to healing, and today, shares how she uses her experiences to inspire others.

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Benter Oluoch

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E14 Deck of Cards for Healing Mantras

In today's episode, Zahabiyah Yamasaki, founder of “Transcending Sexual Trauma Through Yoga”, gives us a glimpse of her work with trauma survivors. Due to her college stranger rape at the University of California - Irvine, Zahabiyah has dedicated herself to helping others who have also experienced trauma explore their mind body connection, feeling safe in their body, and healing. In her work, she emphasizes the importance of community through survivorship, where resilience and tenderness shine through.

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E13 Class Clown on Death Row

Meeting by chance on a plane, Katie interviews Brandy Jeffries, a stand-up comedian and actor who also works in a security prison on death row. Brandy talks about the importance of the delivery of her jokes and her calculated approach to death row prisoners, which, despite being very different job descriptions, have very similar race and gender judgments. Ultimately, through Katie’s experience with sexual assault, and Brandy’s experience with working with rapists in prison, they inspire their audience to be bold, courageous, and find their own community.

Hosts: Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan

Editor: Benter Oluoch

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E12 Scrumptious Bunches of Fresh Flowers

After losing her brother, her first perpetrator, Juliette tells the story of her family violence and five-man assault while studying abroad in Spain. Spending nine months in the hospital left her in physical trauma, shock, and with body image issues. Through her healing work, she becomes engaged in mind-body connections and uses her expertise to establish boundaries and communication with others. Within her journey to recovery, Juliette devotes her life to advocating for survivors, teaching them how to be selfish, take care of themselves, and strengthen their minds. 

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producer: Emily Wang

S5E11 Kicking Cats

This week, we discuss the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence with Phil Arkow, President & Secretary of the National Link Coalition. An internationally acclaimed lecturer, author, and educator, he is a consultant for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and chairs the Latham Foundation’s Animal Abuse and Family Violence Prevention Project. He trains internationally on interdisciplinary topics for animal shelters, child protection agencies, domestic violence programs, adult protective services, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and veterinarians. 

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Benter Oluoch

Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite

S5E10 Long Legal Walks with Luna the Therapy Dog

This week, we sit down with Darcilyn Hall to discuss the ins and outs of sexual assault litigation. She addresses the role of trauma-informed legal practices and the need for sensitivity when working with survivors, including her own practice's amenities such as Luna the therapy dog. 

Hosts: Katie Koestner and Emily Wang

Editor: Benter Oluoch

Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite

S5E9 200 Mile Run

"I remember the feeling of being undressed before being undressed."

A recovering people pleaser, Maeve ignores the red flags and her gut when she meets her Tinder date. She tries to be kind, fighting feelings of guilt as she lets him into her room. As he continues to push her boundaries, she calls for her roommate, but her roommate gets back too late. At first in shock, Maeve shares her journey from self-harm, through self-respect and healing. 

Hosts: Claire Kaplan and Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Emily Wang and Luiza Leite