192. Dave Markel: After Nearly 200 Episodes, The Stories Are Not What Stayed With Me

This week's episode is a little different. There is no guest joining me behind the microphone tonight. Instead, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on something I've been thinking about as Sexual Assault Survivor Stories approaches two hundred episodes. Over the past four years, I've had the extraordinary privilege of speaking with survivors, advocates, counselors, researchers, physicians, attorneys, investigators, and educators from around the world. Together, we've explored some of the most difficult realities a human being can endure. Yet when I look back across all those conversations, what remains with me most vividly is not the trauma itself. It's the people. In this short, personal episode, I share some thoughts about resilience, human dignity, and the remarkable capacity people possess to move forward after profound suffering. I also reflect on the countless professionals and advocates who quietly dedicate their lives to helping others heal, and on the listeners who continue to make this community possible. If you've ever wondered what nearly two hundred conversations about trauma, recovery, and hope have taught me, this episode is my attempt to answer that question. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and 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. And if you're a victim or survivor and you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at dave@sasstories.com. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails 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. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://placesnowhere.com/victorious-voices https://the network studios https://www.stillwholewellness.com/ https://www.projectcallisto.org/https://documenttheabuse.org/ https://hassl.uk/ https://saprea.org/ https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wpcontent/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ 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. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in. --Dave