A Mother's Worst Nightmare Became Her Mission: Making Sexual Assault Reporting Less Traumatic

A Mother's Worst Nightmare Became Her Mission: Making Sexual Assault Reporting Less Traumatic

Author: Mandi Pratt August 18, 2026 Duration: 40:39
What if the room a survivor is asked to sit in after a sexual assault could make the difference between being believed and being dismissed? Mandi sits down with Tracy Matheson, founder of Project Beloved, to talk about the soft interview rooms her nonprofit builds inside police departments across the country and why trauma-informed environments change outcomes for survivors and investigations alike. Tracy shares the story behind Project Beloved's founding and its two core programs: the ...

Hosted by Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate, Aware And Prepared comes from a place of hard-won experience. Mandi’s own life took a dramatic turn years ago when the FBI arrived at her door with news that her abusive ex-partner was wanted for multiple bank robberies, a story that played out publicly in the news. That moment, rooted in a past of domestic violence, sparked a transformation from feeling vulnerable to becoming empowered. This podcast is the result of that journey. Mandi now focuses on teaching women and other vulnerable populations practical, street-smart skills for safety and situational awareness. Each episode blends personal reflection with actionable advice, moving beyond theory to discuss real-world applications. The conversations here span personal health, mental resilience, physical fitness, and the cultural dynamics that impact our daily security. It’s not about fear, but about building confidence through preparedness. Tune in for honest talks that acknowledge life’s complexities while offering tangible steps toward stronger, more aware living. You’ll find a unique mix of advocacy, personal storytelling, and essential guidance in every episode of this podcast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Aware And Prepared
Podcast Episodes
Mastering Self-Care: Practical Tips for Burnout Prevention & Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:51
What if the key to preventing burnout wasn't a weekend retreat or a complete life overhaul, but a 30-second reset in the middle of your day? Dianne Andree, professional speaker, former school counselor supervisor, and se…
From Burnout to Hope: A Leader's Journey Out of Hypervigilence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her journey as a high-achieving leader when her body and mind finally say "enough" from the stress of leadership. She didn't just survive, she built a system to help others do the same: hope and p…
What Students Reflected on Victim Blaming and Boundaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
We have to stop teaching only potential victims and start asking what we're doing to prevent harm from being caused at all. In this episode, Mandi Pratt returns from delivering her keynote "End Victim Blaming: Creating S…
Use Your Senses to Find Joy in Chaos | Simple Steps to Feel More Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
SUMMARY Discover practical ways to foster joy, especially when the world feels chaotic. Helen Thompson, a seasoned life coach, shares actionable tips on using your senses, managing feelings, and cultivating more joy rega…
Beyond Calm: How to Heal Anxiety by Building True Safety in Your Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:48
True anxiety relief isn't about calm, it's about safety. We explore what it actually means for your nervous system to feel safe, how small, repeatable daily actions build that safety over time, and why your body may stil…