POWER AND CHOICE

Prosecuting Domestic Violence

Today's special guest is my childhood friend and Senior Assistant Solicitor for the 10th Circuit in Anderson, SC, Kristin W. Reeves. Kristin prosecutes domestic violence cases in a state that ranks 6th in the United States for what are called, Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV) cases. [National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or Text START 88788] Please note that this episode contains subject matter that may be triggering, such as: coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual assault (rape), murder, and child pornography. As a CDV solicitor, this is Kristin's world, and I am proud of her for working on CDV cases and putting her heart and drive for justice into her work. My novel, Wild Woman, features these experiences and tells of the women who have survived and are healing from the trauma inherent in abusive relationships. I, too, am a survivor of sexual assault (had experience with the legal system around my case), and I have been in relationships that were not safe. In my conversation last July with Kristin, she and I talked about why she became a lawyer. It was a lighter conversation, for sure. In this episode, Kristin shares more about why she chose to become a Domestic Violence attorney and the nature of the cases she prosecutes and the reality of the legal system for victims of these horrible circumstances and crimes. It is a bit like True Crime, in that there is a fascination with the “how” factor, and many times that is from the POV of the perpetrator. Here, we are looking to people like Kristin, to understand how she carries the torch of justice, how she carries the stories of the women, children, and men, and how she carries the commitment she made to serve them. Please, please, if you are a survivor, seek help and continued support for your healing.  Additional resources for understanding abuse and trauma healing: www.ingridclayton.com [http://www.ingridclayton.com] — Dr. Ingrid Clayton, Clinical psychologist and author of Believing Me www.doctor-ramani.com [http://www.doctor-ramani.com] — Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical psychologist and author of It's Not You -->They both have a LOT of helpful and free content online!  www.racheldrews.com [https://www.racheldrews.com/] | @rachelmdrews

Anger & Spirituality

Join us today as we explore the intersection of anger and spirituality. We've all heard that suppressing anger isn't healthy, but what if there's a transformative power in letting it flow through us? In today's episode, I'll share a personal journey where anger became a gateway to letting go. Tune in as I recount a profound experience during a Yoga Nidra meditation and discuss how it reshaped my perspective. Discover with me how embracing emotions can lead to unexpected spiritual growth. Yoga Nidra with Marci Sheer: www.findingyouryoga.com [http://www.findingyouryoga.com]  www.racheldrews.com [https://www.racheldrews.com/] | @rachelmdrews

Break Your Own Rules

Ever feel trapped by those internal rules your brain insists on? I do. So today, that is what I'm talking about on our latest episode, Break Your Own Rules. Join us as we explore where they come from, why they’re so persistent, and how to initiate breaking free. Understand that some of these rules affect us on a deep level, and why simply wanting to change isn’t always enough. Ready to nudge the status quo, to spark curiosity, and to simply wonder if there is another way to explore life? Tune in and start breaking your own rules today.  www.racheldrews.com [https://www.racheldrews.com/] | @rachelmdrews

POWER AND CHOICE

Step into the realm of personal empowerment and choice in my latest episode, "Power and Choice." No politics here—just a deep dive into our ability to make decisions for ourselves. Ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or stressed when faced with a choice? You're not alone. Join me as I share my theory as to why we tend to do what's easy, even when it's tough, and how our unique approaches to "challenges" shape our lives. Let's navigate through the maze of decision-making together and discover how to harness our personal power. Tune in now for insights on overcoming inertia and embracing the freedom of choice.  www.racheldrews.com [https://www.racheldrews.com/] | @rachelmdrews

INTRO TO NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS - WHY THE NAME?

Why did I name my podcast, NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS? Until we figure all of life out, we might as well share our stories with each other. And I love talking to folks and hearing their stories. I love the exchange that takes place when people share their ideas about life TODAY. NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS holds the greatest gift that LIFE showed me about LIFE. I treasure it and share it's worth with you! We. Are. Worth. It. - Rachel Margaret Drews  www.racheldrews.com [https://www.racheldrews.com/] | @rachelmdrews