Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer.I wish when I was ...
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conversations with artists and makers, activists and philosophers. people who have found it within them to go beyond: the norm, the expected, the status quo. to take what is inside of them and bring it bravely and boldly into his world.
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Intuition 101: Recognizing and ACTING on Gut Feelings
13:09
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Send us a text Intuition is a survival tool that helps us sense danger by picking up on subtle clues from our surroundings. Mandi shares a practical example of being alone at a gas station at night, explaining how these gut feelings can guide us to take protective actions, such as the ones she shared. Mandi also highlights that intuition isn't just…
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Has Your Social Security Number Been Stolen? Identity Theft
15:28
15:28
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Send us a text My son’s social security number was stolen in 2018, the theft led to legal challenges, including filing a police report and dealing with credit bureaus to secure the account. The host emphasizes the anxiety of such situations and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect personal information. Hear practical advice for…
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Financial Sextortion: The Fastest Growing Cyber Crime
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Send us a text Financial sextortion occurs when someone is blackmailed after sharing intimate photos or videos online, often with someone they believe to be a trusted friend or partner. The episode shares info from EndTab.org highlighting chilling statistics, with most victims being young men and boys. This has tragic results. We also explore how t…
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AI and Romance Scams: Protecting Yourself from Online Deception
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13:18
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Send us a text Dangers of online deception, particularly catfishing scams from romance scammers, are shared as the host reads insights from guest Adam Dodge, who specializes in combating tech-enabled abuse through his organization, EndTAB. Hear the evolution of catfishing tactics, now incorporating advanced AI technologies like deepfakes and voice …
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Should I Share My Passwords With My Boyfriend? Digital Abuse
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10:56
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10:56
Send us a text What are the risks and implications of sharing digital access with partners? Introduction to Digital Entanglement: The blend of personal and digital lives in relationships. Potential risks of sharing digital access with partners. Study by Malwarebytes: Examining digital sharing behaviors in relationships. Key findings: High Rates of …
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Get Unstuck: Navigating Freeze Responses + Intuition with Britt Frank
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24:35
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Send us a text Afraid you’ll freeze when in danger or in an awkward social situation? Returning guest, Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP and Mandi discuss the often-overlooked freeze response, exploring its biological basis and the associated feelings of shame. They highlight that freezing is a natural, uncontrollable reaction and stress the importance of se…
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Send us a text Does the statement “I Love You” match with loving behavior of respect, patience, etc? In this podcast episode, Dr. Jill Murray emphasizes that love should be seen as a consistent behavior rather than merely a feeling or words. She highlights the importance of evaluating actions over verbal expressions in relationships and underscores…
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Send us a Text Message. DRAMA DETOX! Dr. Jill Murray realized her life was filled with chaotic and drama-filled relationships. Determined to change, she made the drastic decision to cut out all toxic relationships, including some family members and friends. She apologized for her past dishonesty about her seemingly perfect life and embraced a perio…
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Empowering Teens: Navigating Social Media and Real-Life Challenges
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Send us a text What is THE main issue affecting teens today? In Dr. Jill Murray’s answer: social media. She says platforms like Instagram can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to depression and anxiety. Dr. Jill suggests limiting social media use and encouraging teens to be present in their own lives. Excessive social media use isolate…
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Slow Down To Live Safer: Calm Nervous System
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Send us a text SUMMARY Slow DOWN to live safer! Today Mandi talks about the mind body connection - the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in the body to break the cycle of stress and calm our nervous system so we can live safer with more peace! LESSONS LEARNED Importance of Slowing Down: Slowing down is crucial for safety and …
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Justice For Mica: Narcissist Pastor Predators
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Send us a text Hear some of the unresolved aspects of Mica Miller’s death and the behavior of her abuser, Pastor JP Miller. The first part updates listeners on the inconsistencies in Micah’s death, as shared by her family. The second part delves deeper into JP Miller’s abusive patterns and broader behaviors seen in similar individuals. This part al…
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Justice For Mica: Exposing Spiritual Abuse in the Shadows
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Send us a text SUMMARY #JusticeForMica - This episode delves into the tragic case of Mica Miller, the wife of Pastor John Paul Miller. She was found deceased with a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound shortly after having divorce papers and a no-contact order served to her husband. Despite the medical examiner ruling it as a self-inflicted gunshot wound…
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Inside The Mind (Part 3) with Dr. Manny Tau, Clinical + Forensic Psychologist
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22:59
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Send us a text SUMMARY Learn a few self defense tips and tools I have not heard of before with Dr. Manny Tau, such as avoiding phone distractions, using flashlights at night, and considering self-defense tools like tasers, etc. Communities can come together to learn and be able to support individuals facing threats. Let’s get back to family dinners…
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Inside The Mind of An Active Shooter: Effective Intervention (Part 2)
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Send us a text SUMMARY What are the behaviors indicative of potential danger? Is it smack talk or a credible threat? Listen in with today’s guest, Dr. Manny Tau, as he shares insights on identifying and addressing threats of targeted violence. Learn the lessons and resources shared so we can identify a credible threat and have actionable skills on …
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Inside the Mind of an Active Shooter: Insights from A Threat Assessment Expert
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this episode, the host and guest - Dr. Manny Tau, a seasoned threat assessment expert, discuss the case of Elliot Rodger, an active shooter responsible for a tragic rampage in Isla Vista (USCB area of Santa Barbara). Dr. Tau highlights Rodger's entitlement, narcissism, and lack of empathy as contributing factors to his vio…
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Send us a text SUMMARY This podcast episode concludes the series in practical ways to stay safer while out and about shopping and running errands. In this episode, Mandi addresses parking lot safety (getting in and out of your car, loading up groceries, etc.) Listen to the practical tips shared and enjoy a safer life! LESSONS LEARNED 1 = Be mindful…
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Self-Defense on the Road: Essential Driving Tips for Safety
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Send us a text SUMMARY Self-defense on the road! LIsten and start to feel empowered to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Covering a range of practical strategies, the discussion emphasizes many simple things one may choose to do to wisely prevent and respond to various scenarios. Improve your safety out and about and feel more safe! Enjoy! …
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Aiden's Story: Road Rage Awareness and 4 Safety Strategies
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Send us a text SUMMARY This episode discusses a tragic incident of road rage in Southern California in which a six-year-old boy named Aiden was fatally shot while his mother was driving on the freeway. YES, the killer was caught and is serving a long sentence in prison! Mandi expresses sympathy for the victims and aims to raise awareness about the …
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Street Smarts: 5 Tactics for Keeping Your Possessions Secure
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6:44
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Send us a text SUMMARY Current Crime Trend = theft of purses and wallets at a specific grocery store in California. Hear actionable advice to safeguard personal belongings, drawing attention to tactics used by these thieves. How to minimize risks and stay safer while out and about. Enjoy! LESSONS LEARNED Lesson 1 = Instead of putting the purse / ba…
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3 Games To Strengthen Your Observational Skills
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi announces the rebranding of her podcast to "Aware and Prepared" and shares why. She states the podcast is now one year old and shares statistics on the podcast's listenership. The top 10 episodes from the past year are listed. Mandi then introduces three games to improve situational awareness th…
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What Our Teens Need To Hear - For 15 Year Old Me
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Send us a text SUMMARY In celebration of International Women's Day, your host shares with you what she would tell her 15 year old self. Listen in and see if some of these things you also would tell younger you! And what else can we impart to our younger generation to help prevent harm and encourage a brighter life filled with peace? RESOURCES Book …
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When Your Admirer Becomes a Stalker: Safety Strategies
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27:58
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Send us a text SUMMARY What happens when an unwanted admirer escalates to a stalker? Mandi and guest, Joe, urge listeners to take these situations seriously. They explore the nuances of establishing a red line or boundary and what to do when this person crosses it. Insights into legal measures, self-defense tactics, and community support networks a…
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What To Do If I Have an Unwanted Admirer?
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi welcomes back Joe, her mentor and self-defense teacher, to address a scenario where a family friend faces an unwanted admirer who waits for her outside the gym and persistently intimidates her despite her rejections. Joe begins by emphasizing the importance of breaking predictable patterns and u…
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Is My Dating Relationship Healthy? Lessons from Gabby Petito's Experience
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi delves into the tragic story of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie, highlighting the red flags that were present in their relationship before it turned deadly. She discusses warning signs (red flags) of abusive relationships, such as control, jealousy, and isolation, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and address…
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Silent Struggles: Exposing 7 Teen Dating Violence Myths and Realities
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode of "Woman Aware and Prepared," the host discusses the critical issue of teen dating violence during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This episode covers seven common myths about teen dating violence, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing that violence and unhealthy behavior are prevalent in tee…
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What To Expect When You Call The Police For a Non-Emergency
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9:25
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi introduces a small membership for listeners, sharing insights from their recent quarterly call. A member’s question prompts a discussion on how exactly to call the non-emergency police line and will you get dispatch on the line when you do? Listen to her Mandi answer the question. LESSONS LEARNE…
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Important Tips from A 911 Dispatcher - Part 2
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Glenna, the dispatch supervisor at a local police department joins us again in part 2. She explains the dispatcher's training in active listening and asking questions in a specific order. Glenna emphasizes that dispatchers may appear to be cutting off callers to keep them focused and efficient in prov…
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Important Tips from a 911 Dispatcher - Part 1
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31:47
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, the host, Mandi, is joined by Glenna, Dispatch Supervisor at Mandi’s local police department. The episode covers: - When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line - Handling suspicious situations - Providing tips for effective communication with law enforcement Glenna emphasizes the importance of using 911 fo…
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi announces an upcoming episode featuring a role play with a local police dispatcher named Glenna. To prep for that, Mandi covers topics such as when to call 9-1-1 versus the non-emergency number, emphasizing the importance of saving the local police department's number in your phone. Additionally, the host provides six t…
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Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safer Online with The Cyber Safety Cop - Part 2
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16:29
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi continues a crucial conversation about online safety for children with Clay from the Cyber Safety Cop. Their discussion centers on the alarming issue of online grooming and how children, regardless of their family background, are susceptible to manipulation and exploitation. The conversation dives into the tactics preda…
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Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safer Online with The Cyber Safety Cop - Part 1
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24:49
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the guest is Clayton Cranford, a retired law enforcement sergeant from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who has expertise in internet safety for families. He emphasizes the importance of addressing online safety for children. Clay also discusses the challenges parents face in managing their chi…
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Meet Your Podcast Host! And let's hear from YOU!
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host takes a break from the regular content to offer listeners a chance to get to know her better. She shares personal details about her life, such as living in California, being married for 16 years, having a 22-year-old son, and being a passionate pet lover with a business related to photographi…
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My Story Part 3: How I Healed [Episode 40]
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30:21
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host addresses a question she frequently receives about her healing journey after escaping a domestic abuse situation. Her friend, Andrea, interviews her, posing questions that many people ask her. The host shares details about her leaving process and the lack of resources available at the time, a…
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Stalker Prevention 101: Tracy's Journey and Proactive Safety Lessons
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27:45
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi engages in a conversation with her guest, Joe, who shares a real-life story about helping a woman named Tracy deal with a serious stalking threat. Joe, who has a background in teaching shooting and personal defense, explains how Tracy sought his assistance after her life was endangered by a pers…
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A Young Woman's Tale of Being Stalked, Using Intuition, and Surviving
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12:52
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Send us a text SUMMARY My guest, Andrea, recounts a chilling stalking experience from over a decade ago when she was a young graduate living in Pasadena. As the story unfolds, she shares the gradual realization of being watched, the eerie encounters, and the unsettling intuition that preceded the revelation of an imminent threat. The narrative inte…
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Send us a text SUMMARY The podcast episode delves into the contrasting traits of narcissists and empaths, shedding light on their dynamics in relationships. It emphasizes how narcissists, lacking empathy and introspection, manipulate and control empathetic individuals, making them feel unworthy and drained. Real-life examples depict how narcissists…
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FAQ: How Do I Get Started with Self Defense? How Do I spot a Narcissist? ...and More
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this week's episode, Mandi, the host and Andrea, the show producer, have a discussion about the best way to start learning self defense and also how to spot a narcissist and what types of personalities they are most drawn to. Listen in as Mandi shares from personal experience. RESOURCES The book CoDependent No More by Melo…
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Pets and Domestic Violence: Pet-Friendly DV Shelters
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi, the podcast host, shares a heartbreaking story of Caitlin and her dog losing their lives, due to domestic violence, emphasizing the urgent need for help. There is a lack of pet-friendly shelters for domestic violence victims, but there are organizations working to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. Ther…
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Is Your Safety in Your Hands? How to Take Control
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10:27
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10:27
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host delivers a message emphasizing the importance of personal safety and preparedness. They stress that individuals should not rely solely on military or police in times of crisis and should take responsibility for their own safety. Mandi outlines a five-step approach to prioritize safety. LESSON…
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What To Do If You Are Followed By An Air Tag
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10:59
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi recounts her experience of being followed by an Apple AirTag and offers valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding new technologies, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse. She guides listeners on what to do if they suspect they're being tracked by an AirTag, incl…
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"Digital Self-Defense: Do You Really Need to Be a Tech Expert?" (Part 2)
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26:21
Send us a text This episode with special guest, Adam Dodge, continues the conversation from last episode on the complexities of gender-based violence in the digital age, the importance of developing empathy and awareness in online interactions and what we can do to help prevent tech-abuse. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Prevention is key. Providing young adult…
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"Digital Self-Defense: Do You Really Need to Be a Tech Expert?" (Part 1)
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Send us a text This episode with special guest, Adam Dodge, highlights the complexities of gender-based violence in the digital age and the importance of developing empathy and awareness in online interactions. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Tech-facilitated gender-based violence is not limited to a specific region but is a global issue affecting victims world…
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this episode, Reverend Geneece Goertzen, a survivor of two decades of abuse, discusses her experiences in two abusive marriages, the challenges she faced, and the importance of recognizing and responding to domestic violence within faith communities, shedding light on the need for validation, safety and informed support fo…
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Send us a text Mandi, the host of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast, along with Britt Frank, a licensed neuropsychotherapist emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing anxiety and mental health issues with specificity, compassion, and a holistic approach that considers both the mind and the body. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Anxiety serves a…
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HOW To Ask For Help & Find The Right Therapist
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31:09
Send us a text SUMMARY This podcast episode discusses the importance of asking for help, how to find the right therapist and how best to provide advice to abuse or trauma victims. Annette Oltmans from The Mend Project emphasizes the need to seek qualified and compassionate individuals when reaching out for help to avoid exacerbating trauma. She sug…
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22 College Safety Tips To Avoid An Attack And Live Empowered
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Send us a text SUMMARY In this episode of the podcast, Mandi dives into a crucial topic: the safety of college freshmen. She highlights the prevalent issue of assaults on college campuses, both from strangers and from people the victim knows. 1 in 6 American women could become victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. College students are 3 TIME…
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15 School Safety Questions To Ask Your School Staff
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi shares a personal story of her son at high school dealing with feeling unsafe due to all the recent school shootings. Hear what she did to find out just how safe their school was. Listen as she shares the questions she asked the school vice principal and what response she got. These questions may be asked at any school,…
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Peaceful Mind, Peaceful Life: Review ALL 14 Ideas for Nervous System Harmony
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Send us a text Mandi shares a recap of ALL 14 calming things she does to get her body out of fight or flight so she can truly determine what is safe and what is not. I'm sure you have your own ideas for calming your nervous system, but perhaps you can add a few of these to your own list. Enjoy! LESSONS TOTAL List of 14 Ideas To Calm The Nervous Sys…
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6 MORE Things I Do To Calm My Nervous System
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi adds 6 more things she does to help calm her nervous system in this episode. This episode ends the Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn series. LESSONS List of 6 MORE Things To Calm The Nervous System: Heat wrap Reading Bible verses / affirmations Humming music N.O.W. Tone Therapy System by Solu Once a month massage Daily list…
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Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi continues in the Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn series and lists out 8 things she does to calm her nervous system. LESSONS List of 8 Things To Calm The Nervous System: Pet your dog or cat slowly and savor the moment Listen to gentle music, maybe nature sounds like birds singing Wrap yourself in a soft blanket Take mindfu…
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