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Michelle Faye, a domestic violence survivor and candidate for the Australian House of Representatives, shares her powerful story of surviving 17 years of abuse and transforming that experience into advocacy for systemic change. She speaks candidly about her journey from being trapped in coercive control to becoming a passionate advocate for other survivors.

• Experiencing gradual escalation from subtle controlling behaviors to life-threatening violence
• Facing post-separation abuse including surveillance, stalking, and threats
• Encountering repeated failures from police and support services meant to protect survivors
• Dealing with the impact of trauma responses years after escaping the relationship
• Launching "The System" campaign to highlight survivors' stories and advocate for meaningful change
• Reclaiming personal identity and overcoming fears that were instilled through years of conditioning
• Transforming lived experience into political action by running for Parliament
• Championing the value of lived experience leadership alongside academic knowledge

If you've been impacted by domestic violence, please reach out to support services in your area. Remember that your story matters, and you are not alone in your journey.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

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The episode emphasizes the transformative journey of survivor leaders and the importance of adopting a healing-centered approach. Dr. Lauren Casey shares her experiences, advocating for community support, the empowerment of survivor voices, and the ongoing nature of recovery.

• Discussion of the need for a healing-centered focus in recovery
• Insights on identity, self-worth, and personal experiences in the sex industry
• The therapeutic role of relationships in recovery journeys
• Value of community and shared lived experiences among survivors
• Importance of organizations providing inclusive support for survivor leadership
• Encouragement for survivors to persist and embrace their healing processes
• Practical advice for organizations to actively listen and support survivor voices

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

Can self-worth exist beyond productivity? Join us for an intimate conversation with Dina Unger, the executive CEO and co-founder of Even For, who bravely shares her journey through recovery and self-care. Dina opens up about the profound challenges survivors encounter when seeking support and how essential genuine listening is for their healing. Emphasizing the therapeutic power of activities like diamond art and the foundational role of having a support system, she paints a vivid picture of how accessible mental health care and being seen as an overcomer are pivotal in the recovery process.

Our discussion takes a closer look at the nuances of self-care and wellness, particularly for survivors grappling with the belief that their worth is tied to how productive they are. From balancing emotional and physical health to navigating conditions like hypokalemia, Dina's candid reflections offer valuable insights into recognizing personal limits and practicing self-compassion. The episode underscores the importance of supportive relationships and faith, encouraging listeners to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and embrace self-acceptance.

We also explore the intersection of professional roles and personal trauma, shining a light on the significant impact of allyship in survivor advocacy. Dina shares real-life experiences that reveal the deep connections made during vulnerable moments and the importance of not underestimating survivors' strength. Celebrating the efforts of organizations like the Salvation Army and the Canadian G100 anti-human trafficking initiative, this episode champions the power of collaboration and the critical role of active listening in empowering survivor leadership. Join us for an empowering discussion on the importance of humility, genuine support, and the incredible strength found in unity.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

What if technology could be a lifeline for survivors of trafficking? This episode features an eye-opening conversation with Dina, a dedicated advocate who has turned her own harrowing experiences into a mission of hope and support. We explore her tireless work with Even For One, a nonprofit she founded to empower trafficking survivors. Dina shares the inspiring story behind the impactful photo that propelled her advocacy, and how the development of a secure web app is revolutionizing access to essential services for survivors. Her passion for ensuring accountability in the counter-trafficking movement and helping survivors regain their agency and voice is nothing short of inspiring.

As we dive into the complexities of supporting survivors, Dina opens up about the intersection of trauma-informed practices and the financial realities of their work. We discuss ethical challenges, the need for UI/UX design expertise, and the critical role of donations in maintaining long-term support. Dina's personal journey of overcoming childhood abuse and trafficking, while managing dissociative identity disorder, highlights the resilience and strength required to drive meaningful change in the nonprofit sector. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of those we aim to help.

Parenting through trauma presents its own set of challenges, and this episode sheds light on the emotional complexities involved. Dina shares candid reflections on overcoming the fear of abandonment, the bittersweet nature of watching children grow independent, and the difficult balance between nurturing and letting go. Her insights into breaking generational cycles and creating future leaders are both moving and motivational. Join us for a deep, heartfelt discussion that emphasizes the transformative power of community support and the enduring journey of healing and growth.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

This episode explores the complexities of recovery for survivors of the sex industry, emphasizing the importance of lived experiences and challenging the stigma surrounding healing processes. Dr. Lauren Casey shares insights into the intersections of mental health, identity, and community support while advocating for survivor-led initiatives and programs.

• Importance of shifting narratives from trauma-informed to healing-centered perspectives
• Recognition of stigma and its impact on individual journeys
• Goals of Canadian G100 Anti-Human Trafficking initiatives
• The role of lived experiences in shaping effective programs
• Overview of the SWAT program addressing unique needs of sex workers
• Navigating loss of identity and building a new life post-exit
• Impact of addiction on recovery and identity formation
• The significance of community support in the healing process
• Discussions on privilege and systemic issues related to recovery
• Closing reflections on empowerment and the reshaping of personal narratives

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

Join us for an insightful episode where we promise you'll uncover the transformative power of lived experiences in the fight against human trafficking. We're thrilled to have Dr. Celia Williamson, a luminary in the anti-trafficking movement, sharing her profound journey from establishing Ohio's first anti-trafficking program to leading the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute. Dr. Williamson offers an inspiring look at how survivor-led movements and healing-centered approaches are reshaping recovery and advocacy. Her story is one of resilience and collaboration, illuminating the path from personal struggle to global leadership.

Explore the complexities of trauma recovery and the profound impact of recognizing lived experience as a form of expertise. This episode highlights the ongoing journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and shame, emphasizing the invaluable insights that come from firsthand experiences. Our discussion with Dr. Williamson extends to her role as global chairperson of the G100 anti-trafficking wing, where she unites women across the globe to foster supportive environments. Learn about the Emancipation Nation network and discover how platforms for recognition and opportunity are being created for women everywhere.

We also delve into the importance of building authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres. The conversation touches on balancing work with personal life, setting emotional boundaries, and the empowerment that entrepreneurship brings. Hear stories of triumph from those who've transformed adversity into success, like Jacob and Lashana, former students who now make significant impacts in their communities. Celebrate the harmonious coexistence of personal wellness and professional success, and be inspired by the power of persistence and self-belief in creating meaningful change.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Celia Williamson, a pivotal force in the anti-human trafficking arena, as she invites us into a world where healing and empowerment go hand in hand. Dr. Williamson dismantles the stigma surrounding survivors and champions the necessity for authentic, survivor-led initiatives. Her insights into the Canadian G100 Anti-Human Trafficking Wing's mission highlight the need for collaboration and the power of lived experience in leadership roles, urging us to keep ego at bay for the greater good.

Our conversation widens to explore stories steeped in resilience, where overcoming systemic and racial violence becomes a journey of finding one’s voice. Personal narratives reveal the strength it takes to rise above societal injustices and how the encouragement of family and faith in education can inspire individuals to redefine their potential. These tales of grit remind us that self-belief and persistence are essential tools for navigating and challenging the adversities of gender-based violence and racial discrimination.

From grassroots activism to academic triumphs, discover how determination and support can lead to transformative success. Hear about the struggles and triumphs of those who faced domestic violence, academic hurdles, and a world demanding conformity, yet emerged as leaders and change-makers. Dr. Williamson shares how her path in social work led to impactful programs and conferences that challenge traditional systems, fostering creativity and innovation to address harm and support survivors effectively. Join us for a compelling exploration of perseverance, leadership, and the boundless potential for change.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

Support the show