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: 100

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories
Podcast Episodes
176. Pamela France: Faith, Trauma, and the Truth That Follows [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:25
In this episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, I sit down with Pamela France, author of the memoir Life Soup. Pamela shares her lived experience of childhood sexual abuse and the lifelong impact of trauma, alongside…
175. Amy Watson & HASSL: What You Allow Is What Continues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
There are some episodes of this show that don't revolve around a single survivor story, but they still land just as hard—because they force us to look at ourselves. This is one of those conversations. It's not about reco…
174. Gemini: First the Assault. Then Saprea. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:34
There's a distinctive aspect to this show that makes it different from most podcasts in this genre, and I consider it a privilege and honor to recognize those of you who make it that way. Sexual Assault Survivor Stories…
173. Beth: When "Normal" was Actually Rape and Sexual Assault [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:34
Beth is a survivor who reached out to me after realizing that memories she once believed were long buried were anything but inconsequential. As she explains, those memories began resurfacing as she engaged in EMDR—Eye Mo…
172. Erica: When a Husband's Power Became Sexual Violence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:32
In this episode I sit down with Erica, a survivor whose experience exposes the devastating reality of coercive control, rape, and sexual assault within a marriage. Erica reached out to share not only what she endured, bu…
171. Dave Markel:  When Showing Up Means Slowing Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:55
Today, this episode is a brief reflection from me, recorded as a pause in the regular rhythm of the show. Rather than a guest interview, I'm speaking directly to you, my listeners, about the weight of trauma-informed wor…