E63: Aspire to Speak Up (ft. Charlie Pillsbury) - Real Men, Real Conversations

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout and student co-host Ryan welcome Charlie Pillsbury, a survivor, Quinnipiac law professor, and family friend to the Prouts, for a deeply personal conversation about his lifelong journey toward healing from sexual assault.Charlie reflects on his early years at St. Paul's School, sharing a painful experience of sexual assault during his time as a young boarding student and the culture that allowed and encouraged the abuse. He speaks candidly about how he buried that experience until years later, a news story about another assault at the same institution brought back those memories and compelled him to act.This moment became a turning point. Charlie wrote a public op-ed recounting his experience, breaking years of silence and becoming the first member of the St. Paul's community to publicly support Alex Prout's family following Chessie's assault.The conversation explores how trauma lingers across decades, shaping one's sense of safety, identity, and belonging. Charlie shares how, even 50 years later, returning to campus required emotional preparation and trust.Together, Alex, Ryan, and Charlie examine the broader themes of masculinity, power, and accountability. They lay the groundwork for a larger conversation about what it means to challenge harmful norms and build communities rooted in respect and care.Breaking the silence is never easy, but it can create connection, spark change, and open the door for healing.For more information, please visit ihavetherightto.orgSupport the showAspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com