The Invisible Cage: Tactics of Coercive Control Every Person Needs to Know

The Invisible Cage: Tactics of Coercive Control Every Person Needs to Know

Author: Mandi Pratt March 2, 2026 Duration: 35:45
Coercive control = any intentional pattern of behavior designed to control or dominate another person and is the umbrella over all forms of abuse. Bethany Jantzi, DPC, MSc. explains why intelligent, strong people fall victim to it, and the early red flags to watch for: from love bombing and commitment whirlwinds to sexual pressure and the slow erosion of your autonomy. She also shares her powerful FOG-C framework to help you recognize coercion in real time. And if someone you love is be...

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: 100

Aware And Prepared
Podcast Episodes
When Witnessing Domestic Violence: Rescue or Call 911? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
What would you do if you saw someone being kicked and beaten in broad daylight? Would you rush in to rescue them? Call 911? Freeze in shock, unsure of your next move? My friend found herself in that exact situation — tor…
Announcement: Less Lethal Self-Defense Class Coming in January [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
Exciting update about an in-person class scheduled for the end of January in Southern California! This will focus on a less lethal self-defense option for those who may not feel comfortable carrying a gun. The host empha…
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense - Part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:24
Wrapping up our series on self-defense with a weapon! We explore both lethal and non-lethal options. Mandi and Andrea dive into the real costs associated with self-defense, such as handguns, training, range fees, and con…
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:50
Listen to part 2 in answering the question I get: "What’s your stance on guns for personal protection?" I share honest insights for those considering firearm ownership, covering everything from the initial training neede…
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:18
Mandi opens up about her personal journey with firearms, from dealing with the vulnerability of her past to making the decision to own a gun for protection. Joined by her podcast editor Andrea, the two discuss the emotio…
When Being Nice Isn't Safe: A Local Crime Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:39
Hear this true crime story—a crime trend in my neighborhood. In this gripping episode of the Aware and Prepared podcast, we dive deeper into the importance of trusting your instincts when encountering overly friendly str…