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Katie Koestner, who appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18 as the first to speak out nationally as the victim of date rape, talks with survivors of sexual assault, rape, and abuse about what they went through and how it impacted their life afterward. Katie is joined by her co-host Claire Kaplan, Ph.D., who is a victim advocate, educator, and activist, as they 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.
Episodes
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
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