Fighting Back | Meg Stone on Self-Defense Myths, Intuition, and Evidence-Based Prevention - Advocacy in Action

Fighting Back | Meg Stone on Self-Defense Myths, Intuition, and Evidence-Based Prevention - Advocacy in Action

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Aspire, Advocacy in Action, Chessy Prout and Ray Epstein are joined by student co-hosts Amyra Basu and CJ La Mar, for another conversation with Meg Stone. Meg is the executive director of Impact Boston and author of The Cost of Fear, and recently released Don’t Fight Back And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence. Together they explore empowerment self-defense, survivor-centered advocacy, and the evidence-based strategies that challenge fear-based myths about safety. Meg explains how years of teaching self-defense and working as a court advocate showed her that many common “safety tips” are based more on stigma and control than on research. The conversation covers myths about intuition, victim-blaming, resistance, and how media narratives often erase survivors’ agency. They also dive into the dangers of fear-based advice online, and why fact-checking matters in prevention work. Throughout the conversation, Meg reinforces her principal message: that safety should be grounded in evidence, agency, and community, not fear.  For Meg's books, visit https://megstone.org/books To learn more about Impact Boston, visit https://impactboston.org/ To join I Have The Right To's fight for a world free of sexual violence, visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/support] Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

E74: Healing Through Horses | Robert Goodland on Equine Therapy, Trauma Recovery, and Emotional Literacy - Real Men, Real Conversations

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/fan_mail/new] In this week’s episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout is joined by student co-hosts Anna Turhan and Ryan for a powerful conversation with Robert Goodland, an equine-assisted therapy practitioner and coach. Robert shares how his lived experiences as a childhood sexual abuse survivor, firefighter, and first responder inspired his work helping others heal from trauma through an unorthodox approach. Robert describes the unique role horses can play in supporting emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-reflection. He explains how equine-assisted therapy creates opportunities for deep insight, self-compassion, and meaningful healing, particularly for trauma survivors and those in recovery. Throughout the episode, the group highlights the importance of reframing trauma through resilience and growth rather than shame. Robert, Alex, Anna, and Ryan discuss vulnerability, masculinity, accountability, and the transformative power of sharing our stories to foster connection, hope, and healing. To learn more about Robert's work, visit www.theheartofahorse.com To learn more about I Have The Right To's programming, visit www.ihavetherightto.org Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/support] Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

E73: The Science of Healing | Peter Pruyn on EMDR, Trauma Therapy, and Emotional Literacy - Advocacy in Action

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/fan_mail/new] In this week’s episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, hosts Chessy Prout and Susan Prout are joined by graduate student intern Meghan Boudreau and trauma therapist Peter Pruyn for a thoughtful conversation about trauma recovery, healing, and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors. Peter shares how his journey into psychology and EMDR therapy was shaped by years of working alongside trauma survivors, and explains how healing begins with trust, collaboration, and empowering clients to remain in control of their own recovery. Together, they discuss why choosing the right therapist matters, how trauma therapy differs from other forms of care, and why slowing down is often an essential part of the healing process. The conversation explores practical tools that anyone can use to support healing, including a simple grounding exercise, the role of emotional literacy, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Peter introduces his "No Game," an exercise designed to help people practice saying no with confidence, prompting a broader discussion about consent, survivor empowerment, and the need for society to become more comfortable both expressing and respecting personal boundaries. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that survivors are the experts on their own experiences and that meaningful healing comes through collaboration. They close by discussing the larger cultural changes needed to prevent gender-based violence, from raising emotionally literate boys to encouraging healthy allyship and challenging systems that perpetuate inequality. Peter reflects on the power of storytelling to reduce shame, normalize conversations about trauma, and inspire change, while sharing his hope that future generations will continue creating communities where every person feels heard, respected, and empowered. It is a conversation that offers both practical guidance for survivors and a hopeful vision for building a more compassionate and trauma-informed world. To learn more about Peter Pruyn and his work, please visit www.emdrforwomenshealth.com For resources on mental health that Peter mentions, check out: www.equimundo.org www.whiteribbon.ca www.coachescorner.org www.maineboystomen.org www.joinonelove.org To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit www.havetherightto.org Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/support] Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

E72: Aspire to End the Cycle (ft. Judge Charles Ehrlich) - Real Men, Real Conversations

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/fan_mail/new] In this week’s episode of Aspire - Real Men, Real Conversations, host Steve Peacock and co-host Jonas Wahl sit down with Judge Charles Ehrlich of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for a thoughtful conversation about masculinity, accountability, and the role of the justice system in creating lasting change. Drawing on decades of experience presiding over criminal cases, Judge Ehrlich reflects on the patterns he has observed among young men, explaining how pride, retaliation, untreated trauma, and mental health challenges often contribute to cycles of violence. He also shares why true strength is not found in dominance, but in self-control, honesty, and the courage to seek help. The conversation explores what meaningful accountability looks like beyond punishment, emphasizing rehabilitation, mental health treatment, education, and community support as essential tools for reducing future harm. Judge Ehrlich discusses the importance of early intervention through schools, recreation programs, faith communities, and trusted mentors, while highlighting how unresolved childhood trauma, including sexual abuse, can shape a person's life if left unaddressed. Together, the group examines how changing the conversation around masculinity can empower young men to make healthier choices before they ever enter a courtroom. They close by discussing hope, personal growth, and the responsibility communities share in preventing violence before it occurs. Judge Ehrlich explains how consistent support can help individuals rebuild their lives, while encouraging young men to lead with integrity, ask for help when they need it, and define success by the positive impact they have on their families and communities. His closing reminder: everyone has the right to live in peace and build a life they are proud of. To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/support] Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

E71: Civil Justice for Survivors | Amy Mathieu on Trauma-Informed Advocacy, Online Exploitation, and School Accountability - Advocacy in Action

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/fan_mail/new] In this week's episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, hosts Chessy Prout and Katie M. Shipp join I Have The Right To intern Jonas and guest Amy Mathieu. Amy is a trauma-informed attorney who represents survivors of adult sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, and CSAM. They discuss how civil litigation can support accountability while keeping survivor choice, control, and healing at the center. Amy explains why her first conversations with clients are paced carefully, often include an advocate, and focus on building trust before asking deeper questions. The conversation also covers the difference between civil and criminal court, the importance of revival windows for decades-old abuse cases, and why coming forward can help other survivors recognize they are not alone. Amy and the hosts talk about prevention as well, including consent education, digital safety, and the need to shift responsibility away from victims and onto perpetrators and the systems that allow harm to continue. They close by discussing online exploitation, school liability, and why institutions need more than good policy; they need real enforcement, transparency, and accountability. Amy’s work reflects a survivor-centered approach to law that prioritizes safety, agency, and meaningful change. To learn more about Amy Mathieu, please visit https://hkm.com/attorneys/amy-mathieu/ To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444289/support] Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com