Sexual Assault Survivor Stories

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories

Author: Dave Markel Language: English Episodes: 50
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.
Episodes
196. Susan Bisaha: When Trust Hides Abuse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:37
One of the most common misconceptions about child sexual abuse is the belief that children always know they're being abused. The reality is often far more complicated. In this episode, I sit down with Susan Bisaha, a lic…
195. Jason Patrick Berry: Some Episodes Are Worth Repeating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:04
Some episodes are worth repeating…this is one of them. Jason's story is one that quietly breaks your heart and then slowly helps rebuild it. On the outside, his childhood looked perfectly normal, even picturesque. But be…
194. Cheryl Wright: What Healing Really Looks Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:38
When Cheryl Wright first appeared on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories in January of 2024, she shared her experiences with honesty, courage, and a willingness to help others feel less alone. Today, Cheryl returns for a sho…
193. Dave Markel: Solo Part 2; Something You Should Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
For the first time in quite a while, I found myself without a guest interview ready to release. Between family visits, personal responsibilities, and the realities of life occasionally getting ahead of all of us, I simpl…
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…