140. Violeta Bagia: An Author's Bold Truth – Overcoming Trauma and Telling Her Impactful Story

140. Violeta Bagia: An Author's Bold Truth – Overcoming Trauma and Telling Her Impactful Story

Author: Dave Markel June 3, 2025 Duration: 58:25
Today I have the privilege of hosting Violeta Bagia, an accomplished author hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Australia. Violeta joins me to share her profound journey, intertwining her experiences as a survivor with her passion for storytelling. Her writing career, marked by a poignant blend of resilience and empathy, has captivated readers worldwide. Today, she opens up about her personal ordeal with rape and manipulation, bravely navigating the aftermath and reclaiming her narrative through prose. Born and raised in Bosnia-Herzegovina she and her mother immigrated to Germany when Violeta was a small child, then to Australia, leaving her father behind to fight in the army. It wasn't an easy transition for Violeta. There were massive cultural changes to navigate and new languages to learn. Through all of this, she also had to endure bullying from her peers. Violeta's journey into literature began as a means of catharsis—a way to articulate the complexities of trauma and healing. Her memoir and fictional works not only resonate with authenticity but also serve as a beacon of hope for survivors seeking solace and understanding. In this episode, she reflects on the transformative power of storytelling in her own recovery journey and offers profound insights into the healing process. In this amazing and insightful interview, we delve into the broader implications of her work, discussing the societal impact of survivor stories and the evolving conversation on trauma and recovery. Her perspective is truly a pathway into the understanding of her resilience, shedding light on the intersections of creativity, advocacy, and personal empowerment. Violeta takes us on a journey of courage, compassion, and resilience. It's an understatement when I say that her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of narrative in fostering empathy and healing. You've got to give this a listen! These links will get you to all things Violeta! Please take the journey of checking out all of these! Violeta's main website : www.writepointcoaching.com Amazon AU : https://amzn.asia/d/3faEH26 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1763552594?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_JVCETR4FEJFBYM9ZP5QX Dragonfly Publishing: https://checkout.square.site/buy/WB4ZDMPWS7CO3U4KQ5S7YKNZ An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link: https://www.survivor-school.com/free?ref=SASS Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you'll take a look at and learn more about. https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org https://www.napanews.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ https://safeinharmsway.org My email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.

Hosted by Dave Markel, Sexual Assault Survivor Stories creates a necessary and nuanced space centered on personal narratives and expert understanding. Each week, this podcast shares firsthand accounts from individuals who have experienced sexual assault, offering a raw and respectful look at the journey from victim to survivor. These stories aren't just about the trauma itself; they delve into the complex path of healing, highlighting both the profound adversities faced and the hard-won victories, large and small. Listening provides a window into the emotional and psychological dynamics that define survival, moving beyond simplistic narratives to honor the full, often messy, human experience. Crucially, this isn't a resource only for those directly affected. The podcast deliberately expands the conversation to educate a broader audience. Episodes explore the principles of trauma-informed communication and break down the neuroscience of trauma and memory, explaining how these factors impact a survivor's recall and testimony. This approach fosters deeper empathy and insight, whether you're a supporter, a professional, or anyone seeking to comprehend these issues on a more informed level. By weaving together personal truth and psychological context, this podcast serves as both a sanctuary for shared experience and a vital tool for collective learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories
Podcast Episodes
191. Lee Cooper: The Conversation That Crossed an Ocean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:13
Before we get started, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to The Network Studios in Culver City for making this week's episode recording possible. From the ease of scheduling to their outstanding facilities and podcas…
190. Dr. Lori: Healing Every Day After Sexual Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
Dr. Lori from Still Whole Wellness returns to the show for a deeply thoughtful conversation about healing, spirituality, trauma, boundaries, self-worth, and the daily work of becoming whole again after sexual trauma. Thi…
188. Martha Gagnon: The Hidden Pattern Behind Coercion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:12
Martha Gagnon joins me for a deeply important and, at times, difficult conversation about coercion, control, and what she ultimately came to understand as rape within an intimate relationship. Her story doesn't follow th…
187. Sophie: "If I Said No Again…What Would Happen?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:41
Sophie was 14 when she entered a relationship that, at first, felt familiar and exciting. Over time, that relationship shifted into something she couldn't fully understand in the moment. What began as connection turned i…
186. Joseph Born: The Hidden Reality of Child-on-Child Harm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:15
Joseph Born grew up surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska—a childhood filled with exploration, curiosity, and the kind of freedom that most people would associate with innocence. But beneath that backdrop was s…
185. Sara Perry: This Changes How You Think About Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
This week's episode takes us into a part of the healing conversation that doesn't get talked about nearly enough. I sit down with Sara Perry, founder of Haven Space (https://havenspacecoaching.com/) in Houston, Texas, to…
184. Emily: I Was Living My Life Like Nothing Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
This week, Emily joins the show to share a story that has lived quietly beneath the surface while life continued to move forward around it. As a young woman navigating the early stages of adulthood, she opens up about wh…