159. David Wood: Searching for Answers—Finding Courage and Clarity; Part 2

159. David Wood: Searching for Answers—Finding Courage and Clarity; Part 2

Author: Dave Markel October 14, 2025 Duration: 1:05:23
This is the concluding episode of David Wood's horrific story and search for answers to his life-long confusion and turmoil. David is an Australian journalist and copywriter now based in Darwin, Northern Territory. He reached out to me by email after listening to several SASS episodes and recognizing his own story in the voices of others. I was immediately captivated by David's email…which turned into several emails through our ongoing efforts to make this episode happen. The bumps in the road as we struggled to put this together were well worth it for me. And I think you'll also find it well worth it to listen to David's episodes. I won't spend a lot of time here describing this episode…it's something so powerful and so impactful, you'll just have to listen to it to absorb its phenomenal importance. There is a previous SASS episode that I mentioned this week regarding Katie Stewart…if you're interested in learning more about Katie and the interesting connections between her story and David's, it is Episode 35. I also mentioned two books during this episode; one by Dr. Bruce Perry, and the other by concert pianist, James Rhodes. You'll find the links to where you can purchase these books listed below. If you're a survivor, a loved one, or a professional in the field of investigating or prosecuting sexual assault cases, this conversation is a reminder to keep looking until the story you're told matches the truth you feel. I love how David's through-line is simple and powerful: if the explanations you've been given don't make sense, don't stop. Keep asking better questions. Keep seeking better care. And keep choosing the kind of community that believes you, and stands with you. 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 Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already; and, if you're interested in guesting on the show, please mention that in your email or text, and provide me with a phone number where I can reach you. Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! https://a.co/d/dQKuGv8 (Instrumental: A Memoir of Madness, Medication, and Music by James Rhodes, Amazon.com) https://a.co/d/b3Z5ptj (The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, by Dr. Bruce Perry, Amazon.com) gofund.me/af648f46 (Kennedy Alley: A 100 Mile Journey; GoFundMe link) https://a.co/d/7P6Fmmc (Amazon link to I, Sean/a) https://open.spotify.com/episode/767HcMDnBlikjcNKA3rFuI?si=e15e510d70a9410e (SASS Episode 35, on Spotify) https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ My email address: dave@sasstories.com As mentioned and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

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: 50

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories
Podcast Episodes
206. Cat Wilson: Unapologetic, Unafraid, and Finally Heard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
After a week off, I'm joined by Cat Wilson, a survivor, advocate, and outspoken voice in the movement to end violence against women. Cat is a HASSL Pro Ambassador and serves as the organization's country representative f…
205. Vanessa Wulff: No One Knew What She Was Surviving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:53
Vanessa Wulff was working toward a future in chiropractic care when she became the victim of multiple sexual assaults and rape. In this episode, she shares what happened during that period of her life and the effects tho…
204. Jeff Kohler: The Courage to Become The Vocal Minority [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
Jeff Kohler enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 2005. Two years later, he received orders attaching him to the Army's 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Divis…
203. Dr. Peter Verdin: "Gold in the Cracks" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:45
For twenty-five years, Dr. Peter Verdin carried the truth of his childhood sexual abuse largely in silence. During those years, he became an accomplished athlete, playing four seasons for the University of Georgia and be…
202. The Betrayal Was Intimate: Understanding Coercive Sexual Assault [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:27
Several of my recent guests have described sexual assault that occurred within an intimate relationship and was accomplished through coercion rather than immediately recognizable physical force. Some of the responses I r…
201. Hannah King (Part 3): Still Hurting. Still Healing. Still Here. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:28
This week I conclude my three-part conversation with Hannah King. What began with the night she was drugged and violently sexually assaulted has become a much larger story about everything rape can leave behind. Hannah s…
199. Hannah King (Part 1): The Long Road Begins Here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:38
Some stories simply can't be told in a single conversation. This week begins a special three-part series with Hannah King, whose life changed forever after she was drugged and violently sexually assaulted while traveling…
198. Lyndsey Hackford: The Abuse I Thought Was Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:52
Domestic violence doesn't usually begin with violence. It often begins with what appears to be love. Small compromises become expectations. Isolation is disguised as protection. Control masquerades as concern. Little by…