Aware And Prepared

What is complex PTSD, and how is it different from PTSD? As a complex PTSD survivor herself, Mandi breaks down the real distinction in this episode, timed around Complex PTSD Awareness Day (September 2nd). Mandi shares what invisible struggles actually look like in the workplace, the brain science behind hypervigilance, and her PEACE framework for rebuilding trust in your own intuition. Whether you're managing a team, supporting someone you love, or recognizing pieces of your own story, this one gives you the language and the tools to respond with acknowledgement, compassion, and consistency instead of confusion.RESOURCESThe Mend Project - Clarity for people navigating interpersonal and domestic violence.Amy Says - A platform helping people navigate relationship harmPrevious Episode: Neuroplasticity and Healing with Dr. Keean - NeuroplasticityPrevious Episode: Anxiety and Panic Attacks with Tom - Panic attacks and anxiety Previous Episode: Tracy Mathison, Project Beloved - Soft environmentsConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[03:00] PTSD and Complex PTSD Awareness[03:27] The rip current metaphor for complex PTSD [05:10] PTSD vs. complex PTSD [07:15] How C-PTSD shapes identity and brain processes differently[09:42] What this looks like day-to-day at work: top signs[10:52] Panic attacks, defensiveness, and trauma responses[12:23] The brain science: amygdala, hypothalamus, fight/flight/freeze/fawn [13:23] Hypervigilance and the restaurant choking story [14:19] Three foundations: acknowledgement, compassion, consistency [15:32] Resources: The Mend Project and Amy Says [16:20] Why affirmations backfire, and adding curiosity to affirmations[16:50] The PEACE framework for trusting intuition [19:03] Language for checking in on someone [20:03] Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) [22:33] Softer physical environments, supportive phrases, consistency[25:00] Great news: brains do heal!The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

I can't tell you how many people disclose past assaults to me once they hear what I do for a living. EVERY SINGLE TIME it was someone they knew. In this episode, Mandi breaks down the "red zone," the stretch from move-in day through Thanksgiving break when first-year college students are statistically most likely to experience sexual assault, including the stat that 73% of victims know their attacker.If you have a kid heading off to college, this one's for you. Mandi shares her PEACE framework for trusting your intuition, why boundaries and people-pleasing matter more than "stranger danger," and 22 practical tips for staying safer this fall (for college students or anyone really!).RESOURCESRAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization; created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. rainn.org 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Previous Episodes: Project Beloved episode with Molly Jane's mother and Boundaries For Kids With Sydney and LacyePEACE Framework - Mandi's framework for trusting your intuition, taught in her workshops. Take the quiz to see how well you are trusting your intuitionIn-Person Safety Workshop in San Diego on September 15, 2026CONNECT WITH MANDIWebsite: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[01:00] Last week's episode about Molly Jane’s murder and legacy with Project Beloved [03:00] The red zone explained; three key stats from RAINN [05:30] Why boundaries and people-pleasing matter more than "stranger danger" [07:30] What age to start these conversations [09:00] Mandi’s in person workshop September 15, 2026 [10:30] Two sources of harm: strangers vs. acquaintances [11:30] 22 Safety Tips Every College Freshman Needs to Know [32:00] Recap and join the email list to get each week’s episodeThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the room a survivor is asked to sit in after a sexual assault could make the difference between being believed and being dismissed? Mandi sits down with Tracy Matheson, founder of Project Beloved, to talk about the soft interview rooms her nonprofit builds inside police departments across the country and why trauma-informed environments change outcomes for survivors and investigations alike.Tracy shares the story behind Project Beloved's founding and its two core programs: the soft interview rooms that make reporting less traumatic, and the Beloved Bundles that help survivors walk out of hospitals with dignity after a forensic exam. It's a conversation about grief, advocacy, and what real systemic change can look like.RESOURCESConnect with Tracy Matheson:Website: ProjectBeloved.orgInstagram and FacebookLinkedIn: Tracy Matheson Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[03:00] What a soft interview room is and why it matters[08:00] The elements that make a room trauma-informed[13:00] Tracy shares her daughter, Molly Jane's story[17:30] Why Project Beloved waits for law enforcement agencies to come to them[22:00] How Tracy's soft interview room idea is confirmed by forensic psychologist[25:00] How the nonprofit is funded and how they support survivors[29:00] The Beloved Bundle: clothing and hygiene kits for survivors at hospital or PD[34:00] Megan Guttrum's became the next victim and failures that let the perpetrator escalate[37:00] Follow Project Beloved 2.0 to see the interview rooms, bundles and see how to supportThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the best time to prevent abuse and assault isn't high school, but preschool? Lacey and Sydney from the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault join the show to talk about the Butterfly Effect Program, a curriculum built for kids as young as three that teaches boundaries, consent (using kid-friendly language like "permission"), emotional regulation, and how to identify a safe adult, not just a trusted one.This episode breaks down how early prevention education actually works in the classroom, why the word "no" isn't mean, and how parents and teachers can bring these same lessons home through an eight-book series designed for any family, anywhere.RESOURCESButterfly Effect Program Website - The book series discussed in this episode, teaching prevention skills to children ages 3 to 8.Butterfly Effect Program YouTube Channel with songsFacebook: Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[04:00] Why prevention education needs to start in preschool [07:30] The eight lessons: empathy, boundaries, rejection, and permission [11:00] The Hulk smash story: teaching kids that "no" isn't mean [15:00] People-pleasing conditioning and how it connects to victimization [18:00] Getting parents and teachers involved through take-home newsletters [22:00] Safe adult vs. trusted adult [25:00] Secrets versus surprises and the somatic connection [28:00] The Butterfly Effect book series for homeschool families and beyond [32:00] YouTube channel, the Boundary Bubble Song, and where to find their resources and social mediaThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What happens when you say no and someone doesn't like it? Psychotherapist and "Queen of Boundaries" Dana Skaggs joins Mandi to break down why boundary setting feels so scary, especially for survivors and recovering people pleasers, and what to actually do about it.Dana shares the fear behind every boundary (rejection, abandonment), a simple yard analogy for knowing what's yours to control, and real scripts for dealing with coworkers, partners, teenagers, and boundary busters who won't take no for an answer.RESOURCESBoundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend - the book Dana calls the seminal text on boundaries, and one Mandi credits with helping her own healingDana's prior podcast conversation with Mandi - How To Trust Your Intuition After Trauma CONNECT with Dana Skaggs:Website: DanaSkaggs.comFree Boundaries Quiz: DanaSkaggs.com/quizTherapy (Tennessee only): DanaSkaggsTherapy.comLinkedIn: Dana SkaggsCONNECT with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction and welcoming Dana Skaggs [03:00] Dana's background and becoming the "Queen of Boundaries" [06:00] The fear behind setting boundaries: rejection and abandonment [10:00] The yard analogy: what's yours to control [15:00] Real example: a college student setting a boundary with friends [20:00] Being specific, consistent, and why we "train" people how to treat us [25:00] Handling pushback: grudge holders and passive aggression [30:00] Boundaries in relationships: the dishes example [35:00] The boomerang concept: don't let resentment build [40:00] Starting the conversation: the Columbo method [45:00] Boundary busters and consequences [50:00] Where to find Dana and closing thoughtsThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Is resilience something you're born with, or something you build? Kelly Edmondson, has spent 25 years as a nurse watching patients face unthinkable trauma, and then lived it herself after losing her son. In this episode, she breaks down what actually makes someone resilient, and why it starts smaller than you think.RESOURCESThe Timely Presence - Kelly's company sending curated memorial gifts on meaningful dates throughout the year.Connect with Kelly Edmondson:Website: TheTimelyPresence.comInstagram (business): @thetimelypresenceLinkedIn: Kelly EdmondsonConnect with Mandi:Website: AwareAndPrepared.lifeTake the Free Intuition Quiz: AwareAndPrepared.life/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction to Kelly Edmondson[06:30] Watching patients rally through trauma as a nurse[11:00] Is resilience innate or something you build[14:30] Baby steps: starting with a minute, a trip to the mailbox[17:30] Reframing grief rituals as a resilience practiceThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if resilience isn't something you're born with, but something you can actually build, one small habit at a time? In this episode, Mandi shares what she learned from trauma specialist Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, at the Conference on Crimes Against Women, breaking down the neurobiology of trauma, the three nervous system "zones," and why willpower is NOT the real foundation of resilience.You'll learn simple, doable ways to track your nervous system state, counter your brain's negativity bias, and start recovering faster after being knocked off balance, all through the lens of trauma informed neurobiology and everyday mindfulness.RESOURCESWEBSITE: Southwest Trauma Training - Ruby Jo Walker's trauma training organizationINSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @swtraumatrainingBOOK: Applied Polyvagal Theory for Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth by Ruby Jo WalkerDOWNLOAD: Calming the Nervous System - Free GuidePODCAST EPISODE: Helen (certified life coach) on bringing more joy into your life. Listen and see show notes HERE.PODCAST EPISODE: Catherine, therapist and somatic experiencing expert. Listen and see show notes HERE.Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[01:30] Meet Ruby Jo Walker and Southwest Trauma Training[02:00] Defining resilience: two thirds is learned [03:00] Regulation vs. resilience explained [04:00] The three zones: green, yellow, red [06:30] Trauma as a disorder of not being present [08:00] What mindfulness actually means [10:30] Secondary trauma and who it affects [11:00] Building resilience through small, repeated change [12:00] Tracking your state: green, yellow, or red [13:30] What charges you vs. what depletes you [15:00] Negativity bias and how to counter it [17:00] Self-compassion as medicine [18:30] Ruby Jo Walker's book and where to find her [19:30] Wrap up and how to reach Mandi The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Why has EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) been one of the most effective tools in the shortest time for trauma survivors? In this episode, Mandi breaks down what she learned at the Conference on Crimes Against Women about EMDR. She unpacks how trauma gets "stuck" in the brain, why time alone doesn't heal it, and mentions how a groundbreaking Austin Police Department program is giving free EMDR therapy to crime victims. If you've ever hesitated to seek trauma therapy because you thought you'd have to relive every painful detail, this episode will change your mind.RESOURCESEMDR Overview (Francine Shapiro's work) - The therapy approach discussed throughout the episode, developed to help the brain reprocess stuck trauma.Austin Police Department EMDR Project - A program training local therapists in EMDR to provide free sessions to crime victims, led by clinical consultant Claire Godfrey.Youth180 - Organization represented by Viviana Triana, chief programs officer, who co-presented on EMDR at the conference.Free Nervous System Calm Guide - awareandprepared.life/calm - A free one-page PDF with 10 ways Mandi calms her own nervous system.Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS [02:15] What EMDR actually is and Viviana's acrostic explanation [03:30] Why EMDR works and how it differs from talk therapy [05:00] How trauma gets stuck in the brain [08:30] Explicit vs. implicit memory processing [09:30] Why time doesn't heal all wounds [11:00] The three types of trauma [12:00] The Austin PD EMDR project with Claire Godfrey [14:00] Program results: therapists trained, clients served [15:00] Closing thoughts and free resources The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the tool that could finally help you organize your story, prepare for court, and feel less alone was available for free, right now? In this episode, Mandi sits down with Anne, co-founder and CEO of AIMEE, an AI-powered companion built specifically for survivors of domestic abuse and relationship harm.Anne breaks down how AIMEE turns overwhelming, emotional experiences into clear, documented timelines that hold up in legal and therapeutic settings, how privacy and data protection work on a closed platform built for this exact use case, and why this kind of support matters for anyone navigating post-separation abuse, coercive control, or relational harm of any kind.TIMESTAMPS[01:47] Anne's background and founding AIMEE[03:21] How AIMEE Says helps survivors prepare for court[04:30] What AIMEE Says does NOT do and do [09:51] Free vs. paid tiers and how memory works[11:44] Privacy Qs answered and legal discovery explained[15:03] How AIMEE differs from general AI tools like Claude[15:54] Prompts to start with on AIMEE Says[17:07] Using AIMEE alongside therapy and legal support, save time and money[32:00] Utilize My Story page and personalization features[22:20] AIMEE can store documents and chart them[23:15] AIMEE helps with relational harm beyond intimate partners[27:50] Assistance when DV supports are overloaded[31:08] Employer and university benefit programs[32:30] Closing thoughts and where to find AIMEE[34:00] Addressing AI skepticism and sustainability concernsRESOURCESConnect with Anne:Website: AIMEE Says (Affiliate link - Use code: Mandi)Instagram: @aimeesaysdvLinkedIn: Anne WintemuteConnect with Mandi:Website: AwareAndPrepared.lifeTake the Free Intuition Quiz: AwareAndPrepared.life/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Mandi, the host, takes a second to remind you what's available through this community. First, the free podcast and a weekly companion email that goes along with it and brings the episode link straight to your inboxSecond, Mandi offers keynotes and workshops to students, educators, HR teams, and more on topics like personal safety, emotional safety, like boundaries, intuition, resilience, and then also nervous system regulation. The best way to stay connected and not miss any of this is to make sure you're on the podcast companion email list. Scroll to the bottom of the show notes here where it says, "Send me a message." Drop your email in there to make sure you're not missing out on anything (only I will see it), or you can ask me a question, or just say hello there.Another way to connect with me is through social media: Instagram at WomenAwareAndPrepared and LinkedIn, as my name, Mandi Pratt.If you want to leave a review for the show, for Apple scroll down to the bottom of the episodes, you'll see the stars down there, and you can click the number of stars. In Spotify, I believe it's in the top right-hand corner.I hope to connect with you through email and / or social media. I would love to see who you are and be able to say hello to you there. So let's connect!Send me a message

Hear why most Gen Z survivors don't even recognize they're being stalked, the chilling phrase that signals real danger in a relationship, lethality risk factors backed by research, and a true case study showing how stalking escalates when it's ignored. Plus, where to go for help if this is happening to you or someone you love.RESOURCESSPARC - Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center - Training for law enforcement, advocates, and therapists, a free victim documentation log, and the SLII risk assessment framework discussed in this episode. Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS[01:03] Today's topic: stalking, and how pop culture romanticizes it[01:25] Gen Z stalking stat and the behaviors that actually count as stalking[03:29] Crediting the session: SPARC director Jennifer Landhouse and professor Patrick Brady[04:18] Pop culture examples: Twilight, Mrs. Doubtfire, Amazing Spider-Man[05:26] Myth busting: stalker psychology and the "if I can't have you" mindset[08:19] Stalking by proxy, including Mandi's own story[09:10] Trusting your intuition and protective action stats[10:02] Protective actions by victims[11:08] Lethality risk factors[12:46] Inside the mind of convicted stalkers[14:40] Case study: the coworker stalker[20:14] The SLII risk assessment framework and victim resourcesThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Mandi breaks down campus safety from a legal and prevention standpoint, sharing key legislation every parent and student should know before orientation day.From the Jeanne Clery Act to Texas' new Summer Willis Act, Mandi covers the laws shaping campus sexual assault reporting, what colleges are now required to do, and why prevention has to include all genders. She also shares how to have the hard conversations at home, what to do if something happens, and why bystander responsibility is everyone's issue.RESOURCESJeanne Clery Act Federal law requiring colleges to disclose campus crime stats; look up any school before enrolling.RAINN.org Sexual assault hotline and confidential online reporting resource.Summer Willis Act Texas law passed November 2025 defining consent in sexual assault cases.Mandatory Reporting BillTitle IX Resources BillBystander Intervention Episode with Kelly Mandi's earlier episode covering bystander intervention training with Kelly from Pure PraxisCollege Safety Workshops -- Mandi Pratt Two to three-hour trauma-informed, skills-based workshops on situational awareness, communication and boundaries, healthy relationships, and basic self-defense. Available in-person or online for groups this summer only with MandiConnect with Mandi:Website: AwareAndPrepared.lifeTake the Free Intuition Quiz: AwareAndPrepared.life/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[01:33] Campus safety overview and workshop announcement [02:17] Conference on Crimes Against Women key takeaways [03:36] The Jeanne Clery Act explained [04:56] The Summer Willis Act and defining consent in Texas [6:42] Texas Senate bills: Title IX orientation requirements and mandatory reporting [6:58] Supportive vs. harmful responses to survivors [8:24] Educating all genders - why boys need the conversation too [9:36] People-pleasing, boundaries, and saying no clearly [10:20] Survivor-centered campus processes and prevention work [11:23] What to teach kids before college - social media, bystander responsibility [13:52] Reporting options and knowing it's never the victim's fault [15:37] Summer college safety workshop details and closeThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the trauma you survived years ago is still quietly affecting your body today? Most people don't realize how deeply the emotions and body are connected, and for survivors of abuse and assault, the post-traumatic health effects on the body can show up in devastating ways decades later. In this powerful episode, Mandi sits down with returning guest Rev. Dr. Geneece, a domestic violence survivor, researcher, and advocate, to discuss something almost no one is talking about: the connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and how that link can lead directly to cervical cancer."If you're a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, wouldn't you want to know if you are at higher risk for certain physical or mental health conditions?" That's the question driving Rev. Dr. Geneece's new mission. She shares her deeply personal journey through a cancer diagnosis, three surgeries in five months, and the research she uncovered that every survivor deserves to know. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why their body still feels the weight of something they survived long ago.RESOURCESHPV Vaccine Information - CDC resource on the HPV vaccine, eligibility, and efficacyPrevious episodes with Rev. Dr. Geneece on “Why Victims Stay..” and “Exposing Spiritual Abuse” and “Tricky Thing About Spiritual Abuse”Research articles on PTSD and long-term health effects “Exploring the Possible Link Between PTSD and Early Menopause” and “PTSD Symptoms and Timing of Menopause and GYN Surgery”Connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece:Website: HopeRiseThrive.comInstagram: @HopeRiseThriveFacebook: @HopeRiseThriveConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS[04:03] Emotions and body are connected; why trauma survivors feel it years later [05:17] Geneece's HPV diagnosis and the cancer journey begins[9:04] The connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and what that means for cancer risk [11:15] "He actually died five years ago, and here he is still trying to attack me from the grave" [14:16] Three surgeries, robotic hysterectomy, and becoming cancer free [18:15] Victim blaming and why survivors avoid follow-up care [19:41] The HPV vaccine: who should get it and when [23:11] Coping mechanisms, survivor wellness, compassion for those still healing [26:08] How to connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece [27:10] Recap and closing thoughtsThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the key to preventing burnout wasn't a weekend retreat or a complete life overhaul, but a 30-second reset in the middle of your day? Dianne Andree, professional speaker, former school counselor supervisor, and self-compassion advocate, joins us to challenge the way high-achieving women think about self-care.In this episode, Dianne shares the practical frameworks she uses with audiences everywhere, including habit stacking, body scanning, and micro-moments of intentional rest. If you've been telling yourself you'll slow down "someday," this conversation will show you how to start right now.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dianne Andree and Her Journey01:45 The Importance of Self-Compassion05:06 Caring for Ourselves in a Hurry Culture09:24 Practical Techniques for Self-Care16:35 Body Awareness and Checking In20:18 Integrating 30 Second Body Scan20:30 Mindful Eating and Intentional Breaks24:24 Micro Breaks and Movement26:32 Intentionality in Daily Routines28:46 Cumulative Self-Care Practices30:28 Finding Joy and Preventing BurnoutResourcesConnect with Dianne Andree:Website: DianneAndree.com - Download her Morning RoutineLinkedIn: Dianne AndreeInstagram: @dianandre7Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her journey as a high-achieving leader when her body and mind finally say "enough" from the stress of leadership. She didn't just survive, she built a system to help others do the same: hope and purpose through faith, reflection, and community. She discusses her system of HOPE, overcoming hypervigilance, and building resilience as a woman leader. Everyone can gain actionable help through this episode!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brandi Kelly and Her Journey02:57 Navigating Health Challenges and Career Transitions05:46 The Impact of Personal Loss and Professional Stress06:30 Overcoming Hypervigilance and Stress08:46 Finding Clarity Through Self-Assessment12:00 Building Community and Connection14:55 The Role of Faith and Reflection in Healing17:49 Creating a Supportive Community for Leaders20:50 HOPE: Habits, Outlook, Purpose, Excellence in Leadership23:58 Overview of the Book: Lead with Hope26:45 Connecting with Brandi and ResourcesResourcesBOOK: Lead with Hope: Building a System of Self-Efficacy Connect with Dr. Brandi Kelly:Website: SparkHopeEDU.comLinkedIn: Brandy KellyWEBSITE: Spark Hope EDUPODCAST: Lead with Hope PodcastConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

We have to stop teaching only potential victims and start asking what we're doing to prevent harm from being caused at all. In this episode, Mandi Pratt returns from delivering her keynote "End Victim Blaming: Creating Safer Communities" at two college campuses, and the students' own words in their feedback after the keynote say it all. One student admitted they never learned how to respect boundaries. Another said it was the first time she heard it wasn't her fault for being a people pleaser. That's why this work matters.Mandi makes the case that women's safety is a community issue, not an individual one. Listen in!RESOURCESLast episode (sneak peek of my keynote)Bloom365 - Organization supporting both survivors and those who cause harm, addressing the full spectrum of relationship violence.Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

In this episode Mandi Pratt breaks down why victim-blaming culture persists, where it comes from, and most importantly what we can ALL do to dismantle it: one conversation, one word choice, one moment of showing up at a time. Drawing on her own powerful story of survival and resilience, Mandi shares practical tools anyone can use to trust their intuition, set boundaries, and create communities where survivors are believed and supported.This episode is for everyone: survivors, allies, students, parents, and anyone who has ever wondered what they can actually do to make the world a safer, more peaceful place. Because it turns out the answer starts closer to home than most of us think.RESOURCESHassl.Uk for free courses men (or anyone) can takeBloom365.org for victims AND those who cause harm and violencePast episode: Empowering BystandersRAINN: Sexual Assault HotlineConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if the grief you're carrying doesn't have a name BUT it's still very real?Most of us know grief as something that follows death. But what about the loss of your identity after divorce? The quiet grief of watching the world change around you? Pet loss? These losses are just as profound and they deserve to be processed, not pushed aside.In this episode, I sit down with Karen Omand, a thanatologist (yes, that's a real degree: the study of grief, bereavement, and loss) who has dedicated her career to helping people navigate all kinds of loss, not just the ones society gives us permission to mourn.If you've ever felt like you were grieving something you couldn't quite explain or wondered why moving on feels so much harder than it "should" this episode is for you.We cover:The hidden layers of loss that come with divorce beyond just the relationship endingWhy grief looks so different from person to person, and how to stop judging yourself or others for itHow to cope when the grief isn't just personal, but collective like the weight so many of us feel from today's nonstop news cyclePractical ways to practice self-compassion when you're in the thick of itRESOURCESDr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion Connect with Karen Omand:Website:  DivorceWorkshop.caEmail: [email protected]: @DivorceWorkshop.caLinkedIn: Karen OmandConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

SUMMARYDiscover practical ways to foster joy, especially when the world feels chaotic. Helen Thompson, a seasoned life coach, shares actionable tips on using your senses, managing feelings, and cultivating more joy regardless of external circumstances.Key Topics / Timestamps02:37 - Sensory Triggers for Joy 03:16 - How the 5 Senses Create Joy in Everyday Life & Examples05:29 - Our relationship with joy & how thoughts influence our experience 06:50 - Overcoming Guilt Around Feeling Joy in Hard Times07:55 - Benefits of Joy: Resilience, Clarity and More 09:22 - Holding multiple feelings: sadness, anger, and joy simultaneously 10:47 - Happiness vs. Joy: Key Differences Explained 11:30 - Reframing Shame & "Shoulds" Around Feeling Joy 12:22 - Guilt as Unprocessed Sadness: Neuroscience Insights 13:35 - Using gratitude as a tool to cultivate joy daily 15:01 - Noticing "glimmers" of joy through small, intentional moments 17:20 - Helen's "Joy Guide" Resource Overview 22:00 - Negativity Bias & Intentional Practices for Positive Emotions  23:33 - Self-Care as a Gift to Others, Not Just Yourself25:06 - Overcoming Your Brain's Default to NegativityRESOURCESYour Joy Guide – Download Helen Thompson's Joy Guide to cultivate daily joyLife Coach Helen Thompson – Weekly Love NotesConnect with Helen Thompson:Website: Lifecoachhelenthompson.comInstagram:@LifeCoachHelenThompsonFacebook:@LifeCoachHelenThompsonConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

True anxiety relief isn't about calm, it's about safety. We explore what it actually means for your nervous system to feel safe, how small, repeatable daily actions build that safety over time, and why your body may still feel on alert even when your mind knows you're okay. You'll also walk away with a simple audit to identify who and what is draining your sense of safety, plus a curiosity-based affirmation technique to try today. RESOURCESLast episode with Tom on Getting Through Anxiety & Panic AttacksNational DV Hotline website and 1-800-799-SAFENervous System Healing with Dr. Keean podcast / Instagram and Jen Mann InstagramConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Hear real tools that actually help during a panic attack AND find out what NOT to say to someone who's struggling.In this episode, I sit down with certified life coach and author Tom Seaman to talk about what really happens in the brain and body during anxiety and panic and why fighting it often makes it worse. Tom brings his expertise on panic attacks and anxiety in the context of chronic health conditions, sharing practical tools, mental models, and compassionate approaches to help you navigate the hard moments and build real resilience.This one is full of grace, hope, and tools you can really use! Listen and share!In this episode you'll learn:The difference between anxiety and panic attacksWhat your brain is actually doing during anxiety and why it's not working against youPractical tools for moving through panic: curiosity, distraction, movement and moreWhy self-compassion and naming your feelings are more powerful than you thinkWhat NOT to say to someone struggling with a panic attack and what actually helpsRESOURCESTom Seaman's website and InstagramTom's Books:Diagnosis Dystonia, Navigating the JourneyBeyond Pain and Suffering, Adapting to AdversityDr. Claire Weekes:Hope and Help for Your Nerves — Dr. Claire Weekes' classic, groundbreaking guide to breaking the anxiety cycle Pass Through Panic: Freeing Yourself from Anxiety and Fear — her original 8-part radio series, narrated in her own voice Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Listen to Dispatch Supervisor, Glenna, inform us on:- When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line- Handling suspicious situations- Providing tips for effective communication with law enforcementGlenna emphasizes the importance of using 911 for situations involving imminent threats to life or significant property loss. The topic of reporting harm to pets is discussed as well as the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors.Glenna provides insights into the dispatch process and encourages callers to be proactive in saving the correct police department number in their phones. They discuss anonymous reporting and more.The episode concludes with a role-play scenario where Mandi calls 911 to report a car accident, highlighting how a dispatcher may respond in order to gather information and ensure caller safety.RESOURCESWeTip.com: A resource for reporting information anonymously. It allows individuals to provide information about crimes without revealing their identity. (Note: Some limitations were discussed.)Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Learn how to safely intervene as a bystander and hear Kelly Pfleider's, founder of Pure Praxis, innovative approaches to sexual assault prevention training. They discuss the importance of engaging student leaders, and empowering individuals to take action in difficult situations. Kelly emphasizes the role of storytelling in education and the need for continuous conversations about consent and support for survivors. The episode highlights how Pure Praxis customizes its training to create safe spaces for dialogue and encourages listeners to get involved in their community.TAKEAWAYSKelly Pfleider is the founder of Pure Praxis, focusing on social justice through theater.Bystander intervention is crucial in preventing sexual assault.Engaging student leaders can create a ripple effect in communities.Empowerment comes from understanding one's own skills and instincts.Storytelling is a powerful tool in educating about consent and prevention.Creating safe spaces for dialogue is essential for honest conversations.Every situation is unique, and responses should be tailored accordingly.Believing survivors is fundamental to encouraging them to come forward.Training should avoid re-traumatization and focus on support.Continuous conversations about consent and prevention are necessary for societal change.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Kelly Pfleider and Pure Praxis03:02 Innovative Approaches to Sexual Assault Prevention Training06:04 The Importance of Bystander Intervention08:57 Engaging Student Leaders in Conversations12:00 Empowering Individuals to Take Action14:46 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue18:02 The Role of Storytelling in Education21:10 Addressing the Complexity of Consent24:00 The Need for Continuous Conversations26:58 How to Get Involved with Pure PraxisRESOURCES Pure Praxis - Customizable prevention & response training programs Kelly Pfleider on LinkedIn Instagram: PurePraxis Are You Sure? Program for faculty and mandated reporters Connect with Kelly:  LinkedIn / Official websiteConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Coercive control = any intentional pattern of behavior designed to control or dominate another person and is the umbrella over all forms of abuse. Bethany Jantzi, DPC, MSc. explains why intelligent, strong people fall victim to it, and the early red flags to watch for: from love bombing and commitment whirlwinds to sexual pressure and the slow erosion of your autonomy. She also shares her powerful FOG-C framework to help you recognize coercion in real time. And if someone you love is being controlled, whether in a relationship or a cult, Bethany shares why compassionate curiosity, not confrontation, is the key to keeping that lifeline open.Whether you're a parent worried about your teen, someone dating again after abuse, or a survivor still making sense of what happened, this conversation is for you.RESOURCESDr. Jane Monckton Smith's TED Talk – The domestic homicide timeline Bethany's Website & Instagram – freefromcontrol.ca / @freefromcontrol.caConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Why do healthy relationships feel uncomfortable at first? If you've ever come out of a toxic or abusive relationship and wondered whether you'd even recognize a healthy one, this episode is for you.Most of us know what a red flag looks like, but knowing what a green flag feels like is a different skill entirely. Today's guest walks us through the real signs of a healthy relationship  from emotional safety and mutual respect to shared power, conflict resolution, and building trust slowly and intentionally. We also talk about why if someone manipulated you into believing they were a good partner, that is never your fault. Whether you're healing from a past relationship or simply want to show up better in the one you're in, this episode will give you a whole new framework for what love is supposed to feel like.RESOURCESDOVES Program, Scottsbluff, NebraskaDOVESprogram.com24 Hr Helpline: 866-95-DOVES24 Hr. Text Line: 515-599-6620Green Flags Worksheet PDF downloadConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Ever wondered if the person you're dating is seeing someone else behind your back? With over 8 million women across 200+ cities, "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" has become a global movement helping women navigate the murky waters of modern dating. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Marina Dorian shares her personal experiences with the platform, revealing shocking stories of deception and the rise of "ethical non-monogamy" (ENM) in today's dating scene. From “hobo-sexuals” to wealthy yacht owners, discover how women are banding together to protect each other from serial cheaters and dangerous behavior patterns. Plus: which dating apps are worth your time (hint: even eHarmony isn't what it used to be), and why trusting your intuition might be the most important dating tool of all.RESOURCESAre We Dating the Same Guy?Website: arewedatingthesameguy.comAvailable as an app (download links on website)Facebook Groups: Search "Are We Dating the Same Guy [Your City]" to find local private and public groupsDating Apps Mentioned:eHarmonyFacebook DatingCoffee Meets BagelHingeBumbleTinderElite DatingMillionaire MatchAdditional Resources:Marina's Podcast: Love Liaisons website / podcast / socialPrevious episodes with Dr. Marian referenced: Narcissistic Abuse and MindfulnessConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

In this continuation episode, forensic psychologist Ashley Wasserburger explores the depressive face of trauma, the final of four trauma responses discussed in this series. Ashley breaks down how depression manifests as a trauma response, addressing common misconceptions like viewing depressed individuals as lazy or unreliable. She explains how overwhelming daily tasks become, why people isolate despite craving connection, and the masks they wear to avoid feeling like a burden. The conversation covers practical support strategies including breaking tasks into manageable steps, celebrating small victories, and providing tangible help without judgment.The conversation touches on cognitive distortions, the five Cs for addressing intrusive thoughts (catch, control, challenge, change, cherish), and the importance of reframing negative self-talk with curiosity rather than forced positivity. Ashley emphasizes that trauma responses are normal adaptations, NOT character flaws, and discusses how our brains physically change to help us survive, requiring patience and self-compassion as we learn to feel safe in healthy environments.RESOURCESAshley works at Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI), a domestic violence and advocacy organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Facebook and InstagramTake Action Short Film - "Faces of Trauma" (10-minute youth-led film showing four siblings processing their parents' divorce through different trauma responses)988 - National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 24/7 for mental health crises)211 - National community resource helpline (food assist, mental health support, housing…)National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Support for those experiencing domestic violence and their support personsConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

How do we take care of ourselves when we are seeing violence, heartbreak, and fear unfold across the United States every day? It feels helpless! Hear Mandi and Dr. Keean talk honestly about collective harm in America and how it impacts our nervous systems, our emotions, and our sense of safety. They explain why forcing positivity during painful times can disconnect us from reality and why fear, anger, grief, and disbelief are natural and healthy responses, not signs of weakness.Together, they explore how trauma lives in the body, why current events can trigger past experiences, and how movement, community, intuition, and speaking up help release pressure from the nervous system. This conversation offers validation for survivors and anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, reminding listeners that healing does not come from silence or shutting down, but from connection, self trust, and allowing our emotions to move through us, especially now in early 2026.RESOURCES5calls.org to call your RepresentativesConnect with Dr. KeeanWebsite: Keean.orgInstagram: @Holistic.TherapistLinkedIn: Dr. KeeanConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Mandi and Forensic Psychologist, Ashley Wasserburger, explain how behaviors like perfectionism, anger, and people-pleasing are often trauma responses, not personality flaws. They break down the different “faces of trauma” and share why curiosity, patience, and safety matter more than judgment.This conversation helps normalize trauma adaptations and reminds listeners that healing begins when people feel safe, supported, and empowered with choice.Subscribe to the show so you hear Part 2 next week!RESOURCESAshley works at Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI), a domestic violence and advocacy organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Facebook and InstagramConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Is your home helping or harming your nervous system? Mandi sits down with trauma-informed interior designer and author, Sarah Trop, to explore how our environments impact emotional safety, regulation, and peace. How can small, thoughtful changes make a big difference? In this episode, you’ll learn:Why earth tones and nature-inspired elements tend to feel more grounding and calmingHow light, texture, and color affect the nervous systemSimple, low-risk ways to add color without overwhelmHow to create nourishing spaces even if you’re renting or living somewhere temporarilyWhat “dignified design” means and why it matters in therapy offices, nonprofits, and healing spacesBudget-friendly ways communities can come together to create safer, more welcoming environmentsHow to design sacred personal spaces that support rest, regulation, and self-careWhy clutter, organization, and shared routines can impact your ability to truly relaxThis conversation is filled with practical ideas to help your home or workplace feel more supportive, comforting, and aligned with how you want to feel.RESOURCESConnect with Sarah Trop:- Website: FunCycled.com (Book a virtual consultation or buy her book)- Free Design Tips PDF: Funcycled.com/free- Instagram: @FunCycled- Facebook: @FunCycled- Pinterest: @FunCycledConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

A loud knock at the door. Early morning. Something feels off. What you do in that moment matters more than you think.In this short but powerful episode, Mandi shares a recent real-life moment that highlights why intuition is one of our most important safety tools. Why listening to that “something isn’t right” feeling matters, and simple, practical ways to stay safer at home.This episode is a reminder to slow down, think smart, and take your inner warning system seriously.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why ignoring intuition can create unnecessary riskSimple, realistic safety choices you can make at homeThat you can call non-emergency servicesHow acting on intuition builds confidence and inner peacePast episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Hear 14 simple, practical ways to calm your nervous system when you feel stuck in fight-or-flight like during the holidays! These are the same tools Mandi learned while healing from years of hypervigilance and complex trauma. These are research-backed gentle practices that help your body relearn what safety feels like.You’ll hear easy, accessible strategies you can use anywhere: at home, in your car, or during stressful moments, to reset your stress response, lower anxiety, and return to calm. This episode is especially supportive during the holidays, when emotions run high and your nervous system may need extra care.These practices aren’t about avoiding what’s hard. They’re about reminding your body that, in this moment, you can feel safe and that peace is something you can return to again and again.RESOURCESN.O.W by Solu Tone Therapy SystemGrab the Calm Checklist pretty printable here on Mandi's website.Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Welcome to Holiday Safety Series Part 2! Mandi shares practical street-smart habits to help you protect your belongings, stay alert in busy places, and avoid distraction-based thefts like purse snatching in stores. She also breaks down what everyone needs to know about AirTags and tracking devices (tech-facilitated abuse): how they’re misused, what warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take if your phone alerts you to unexpected tracking. This episode gives you simple, confidence-boosting strategies to stay aware, safeguard your stuff, and navigate the season with more calm and control. RESOURCESGrab the free Checklist with MANY more tips or purchase Mandi’s Toolkit with ALL the tips to keep you safer.Article on theft from shopping carts at Trader Joe's (2024)Past episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

How do I stay safer while out and about this holiday season or any season? In part one of the Holiday Safety Series, Mandi breaks down two key topics: jugging and parking lot safety, so you can move through the holidays with more confidence. You’ll learn how jugging works, what red flags to watch for, smart habits that keep you from looking like a target, and practical parking-lot strategies that make a big difference. This episode gives you simple, real-world tools to help you stay aware, calm, and empowered all season long. RESOURCESMandi’s Toolkit with ALL the tips to keep you saferPast episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Many kids and teens won’t say “I’m being trafficked” BUT they will show signs. In Part 2 of this conversation, Mandi and Erin with Love146 answer real concerns from parents, teachers, and teens about how to recognize trafficking and what supportive adult response actually looks like. They dig into why asking gentle, curious questions can open the door to disclosure and why resources like the Take It Down app matter for youth who’ve shared explicit images.They also explore:How social media shapes what young people learn (and misunderstand) about traffickingThe frustration of seeing victims ignored in high-profile cases, including the Epstein filesWhy trafficking affects families across every socioeconomic levelThe systemic gaps that leave survivors without the justice they deservePractical resources on the Love146 website for parents, caregivers, and educatorsHow donor support directly helps vulnerable families: like providing grocery gift cards during the government shutdownThis episode offers grounded, empowering steps to raise awareness, support survivors, and protect youth in our communities.RESOURCESLove146 website and Instagram and LinkedInTake It Down website from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as a resource for youth to manage explicit images online. 1-800-THE-LOSTNational Human Trafficking Website and Hotline 1-888-373-7888Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Human trafficking isn’t just “out there.” It’s happening closer to home than most people realize and many children and teens don’t even know it’s happening to them.In this episode, Mandi and Erin from Love146 break down the hidden warning signs adults often miss, the emotional tactics traffickers use, and why so many cases go unnoticed in everyday communities. They also open up about the challenges of parenting teens in a digital world where harmful content and unsafe relationships can reach kids instantly.You’ll hear:How trafficking can look like drug use, bullying, or an “unhealthy relationship” from the outsideWhy believing youth—and understanding their vulnerabilities—mattersReal talk about creating safe, judgment-free communication with teensThe power of “pre-permissioning” so kids know it’s okay to seek helpWhat behavior changes adults should watch forMandi and Erin from Love146 wrap up with resources, ways to support ongoing anti-trafficking work, and a reminder that awareness and honest conversations save lives.RESOURCESLove146 website and Instagram and LinkedInNational Human Trafficking Website and Hotline 1-888-373-7888Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

How do we really keep kids safe online? What are the signs a child might be silently struggling with digital stress? And how can parents or educators build a realistic, compassionate digital safety plan that actually works?In this conversation, Mandi talks with Deyanira Murga, PPS, CPOI, a professional security consultant and founder of Security Next Gen, about the emotional and mental side of online safety. Together, they unpack what “cyber trauma” looks like, how AI and dating apps are changing the digital landscape for teens, and what trusted adults can do to support youth with empathy and awareness.If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your child or your students from the hidden risks of today’s online world while empowering them to thrive, this episode is packed with practical answers and heart-centered insight.RESOURCESSecurity Next Gen website (Donate or Book a Training)    Youth Violence Prevention. Empowering Youth, Building Safer Communities.EndTab website Connect with Mandi:Website: Keynote Speaking WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

How many pet parents do we have here? Don’t our pets provide so much unconditional love and help us heal through heartbreaks and difficult times?Mandi shares an important update about RedRover and their Purple Leash Project, a partnership with Purina that helps domestic violence survivors escape abuse without leaving their pets behind. From grants for pet-friendly shelters to resources for boarding and fostering, these programs are helping survivors and their pets find safety together.Learn practical ways to support this cause and access critical resources to help pets and their people stay safe and heal together.RESOURCESRedRover website and InstagramSupports domestic violence survivors and their petsSafe Place for Pets website and InstagramSearch by ZIP code for pet-friendly DV shelters, boarding and fostering options for petsNational Domestic Violence Hotline website and #1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Support for survivors in crisisPurina Purple Leash Project website and shopGrants and awareness campaigns to increase pet-friendly sheltersConnect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Have you ever wondered why someone doesn’t just leave an abusive relationship? We pull back the curtain on what domestic violence really looks like and the complicated reasons survivors often stay. From fear and finances to faith and trauma bonds, you’ll gain insight that replaces judgment with compassion.If you care about someone who might be in an unsafe relationship (or you simply want to understand this issue more deeply), this episode is for you.Listen now and learn how to truly support survivors - not by giving up on them, but by standing beside them.RESOURCESRev. Dr. Geneece’s Website / LinkedInHer books: Taking It Seriously and Never Ever After (about red flags)Connect with Mandi:Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattBuilding a Go Bag EpisodeOther Resources- The Mend Project website (to gain clarity)- DV Hotline in the U.S. website to call / chat / textThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Ever find it hard to relax like your body doesn’t know how to come down from survival mode? You’re not alone! In this solo episode, I’m wrapping up our Complex PTSD Series by sharing some additional final thoughts on what trauma has looked like in my own life, including:-  How trauma may contribute to early menopause-  Difficulty processing emotions-  The inability to relax-  Reflections on hypervigilance, numbness, and learning self-compassionHear practical ways to start reconnecting with your body and emotions safely.You are not alone! Healing, peace, and self-trust are absolutely possible.Resources Mentioned:Articles: Research on PTSD and early menopause among women veterans plus one other.  (Read Here and Here Exploring the Possible Link Between PTSD and Early Menopause.)Episode with Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP – Therapist and author of The Science of StuckEpisode with Catherine Lucy, LMFT – Therapist specializing in trauma recovery and self-compassionTake my free Intuition Quiz on my website!Connect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.comInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

What if you’ve tried talk therapy for years but still feel stuck?Listen in as therapist, Catherine Lucey, LMFT, and host Mandi Pratt unpack the healing practices that go beyond talk therapy bringing the body (not just the midn) into the process.You’ll learn:The three lenses of healing: nervous system regulation, self-compassion (through Internal Family Systems), and community.A simple interrupt + orient practice you can use daily to calm your body in minutes.How movement, nature, creativity, and even surfing can help regulate the nervous system.What questions to ask when seeking a trauma-informed, body-based therapist.Whether you’ve experienced trauma yourself, or you support others on their healing journey, this episode is filled with practical tools and gentle reminders: you are not broken, and healing doesn’t have to be another overwhelming “to-do.”RESOURCESNourished Wellness Group Website and InstagramConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Mandi sits down with neuro-psychotherapist and author Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP for a powerful and down-to-earth conversation about navigating healing after trauma. Together, they explore how our inner critic can feel overwhelming, why safety is the foundation of healing, and what it means to practice “trauma turtle rolls”— the small, grounding actions that carry us through tough moments until conditions improve.They share their real-life experiences with anxiety, affirmations, and even breathwork: what helps, what doesn’t, and why it’s okay if your healing doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Whether you’re managing PTSD, C-PTSD, or simply the waves of everyday stress, this conversation reminds you: healing happens in safe places, and even the smallest choices can bring peace.ResourcesBritt Frank’s books:The Science of StuckThe Getting Unstuck WorkbookAlign Your MindBritt Frank’s website: brittfrank.comFollow Britt on Instagram: @brittfrankConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

September is Complex PTSD Awareness Month, and in this solo episode I share an authentic part of my journey as a survivor of narcissistic and sociopathic abuse — including the long years of post-separation abuse that followed. What trauma looks like in real life: hypervigilance, brain fog, and decision fatigue, to self-doubt, health struggles, and relationship challenges, I open up about the many ways complex PTSD shows up in daily life.BUT woven throughout is also a message of hope: the power of resilience, faith, and nervous system healing to restore a sense of peace. This episode sets the stage for the upcoming expert guests joining me to unpack anxiety, healing strategies, and how we can learn to feel safe again. Whether you’ve faced trauma yourself or are just navigating everyday stress and anxiety, this series is for you.RESOURCESTheMENDProject.com with Annette Oltmans (Providing Clarify / Supporting Abuse Survivors)My Gnarly Life Story Episodes One and TwoNational Domestic Violence Hotline: Thehotline.org | 1-800-799-7233988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 if you or someone you know is in crisisAn app for better sleep, meditation and relaxation: Better SleepJust a couple of my favorite nervous system tools to help get stress out of the body: humming or standing up and shaking out your arms. (We will discuss these in the upcoming episodes.)Connect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message

Careless or clueless? Tech often rolls out new features without thinking about safety—and Instagram’s new Location Map is no exception. In this episode, Mandi shares how to:Turn off Instagram Location Map on iPhone & AndroidAdjust location sharing across your apps and devicesProtect your digital footprint when posting photos onlineSimple steps, real-life examples, and practical tips to help you stay safe in a digital world.RESOURCESEndTab.orgWhat Meta Says About Their IG Map SharingMy Story of Being Tracked by a Creep Via AirTagConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattSend me a message

“Why didn’t she leave?” It may sound harmless, but this one question shifts blame onto survivors and lets perpetrators off the hook. The truth is, language shapes how we view abuse — and the words we use can either hurt survivors or help them heal.Hear how to spot victim-blaming language, reframe it to encourage accountability, and use your words to create safer, more supportive spaces. Through real-life examples and practical tips, you’ll discover how even small shifts in language can make a big difference.By listening, you’ll learn:How to reframe harmful phrases into language that holds perpetrators accountable.Why your words matter in shaping culture, allyship, and survivor support.Three simple questions to ask yourself before speaking to ensure your language supports healing, not harm.Listen in to learn how you can avoid this common mistake — and use your voice to be an ally!RESOURCESConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattListen to the past few episodes to learn how to be a better ally here and here.Send me a message

Learn (& share!) ideas for how men can be allies in public spaces—because the truth is, sometimes it’s the small choices that make the biggest difference. 💡 By the end of this episode, you’ll know:How to recognize moments where your actions could make a woman feel saferPractical, respectful ways to step in or give space — without oversteppingConversation starters to use with friends, kids, or colleagues so we can all shift the culture togetherRESOURCESConversation with Amy from HASSL (Part 1)Conversation with Amy from HASSL (Part 2)Conversation with Dr. Saed HillConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattSend me a message

“Be aware of your surroundings.” “Don’t walk alone.” “Hold your keys like a weapon.” We’ve heard it all. The real problem isn’t how women move through the world—but the systems that make that world unsafe in the first place.In this bold conversation, I continue my conversation with Amy Watson, founder of Hassl, in the UK, to talk about why telling women to “stay safe” isn’t enough—and never has been. We talk about what real prevention looks like and why involving men in this conversation isn’t optional. This episode will offer actionable ideas and helpful bystander info! Listen in and share the episode!RESOURCESConnect with Amy & Hassl:Instagram: @hasslOfficialWebsite: Hassl.ukConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattSend me a message

What if we stopped telling women how to stay safe and instead fixed the systems that make them unsafe? In this powerful episode, Mandi Pratt sits down with Amy Watson, founder of Hassl—a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to tackling public harassment at its root. Amy and her team are on a mission to shift the burden off of women to stay safe and onto society, where it belongs. Hassl is pioneering a prevention-first model that includes everyone, not just women.Amy shares her journey of witnessing everyday harassment, and reaching a breaking point. Together, Mandi and Amy talk about the deep roots of gender-based violence, why victim-blaming is so insidious, and how we can reframe safety as a collective responsibility inviting men into the conversation and building a world that’s safer for all genders. Whether you’ve experienced harassment or are passionate about dismantling systems of injustice, this episode offers thoughtful solutions, real-life stories, and a hopeful path forward.Why Hassl was created to address the root causes of public harassmentHow current safety tools and apps unintentionally shift the burden to womenHassl’s 5-part approach: public space design, awareness, systemic misogyny, reporting barriers, and moreHow society often minimizes or normalizes street harassmentThe need to involve men in real change (and how Hassl is doing just that)Why prevention must come before responseHow Amy’s personal experiences and deep sense of justice led her to found HasslThe parallels between Amy’s mission and Mandi’s own journey of reclaiming safety after traumaRESOURCESThe case of Sarah EverardPrevious episodes on the Manosphere and also bystander interventionMandi’s own survival story after having the FBI come to her doorConnect with Amy & Hassle:Instagram: @hasslOfficialWebsite: Hassl.ukConnect with Mandi:Website: MandiPratt.com (Take the Intuition Quiz!)Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message

Whether your abuse happened last year or decades ago—your voice matters.You have every right to heal, to be heard, and to explore justice. Start where you are. Gather your support. Know your rights. And most of all, remember this:you are not alone, and you were never meant to carry this by yourself.In this episode, attorney and survivor, Alreen Haeggquist also shares her surprising and empowering take on the recent Sean “P. Diddy” Combs case—and what it means for survivors everywhere watching high-profile abusers face the courtroom. RESOURCESAlreen’s Book = Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma — on AmazonAlreen’s Law Firm = Quist and Eck, LLP — Serving clients across California in:Sexual harassment and assaultGender discriminationRetaliation and unequal payWebsite: www.Alreen.com / Instagram @AlreenMandi Pratt, Host / Resilience SpeakerWebsite: AwareAndPrepared.life (See How You Score on the Intuition Quiz)LinkedIn: Mandi PrattInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message

“I’m sending my daughter off to college… how do I keep her safe?” It’s a question so many parents—especially moms—are asking.In this powerful solo episode, trauma-informed speaker and safety advocate Mandi Pratt shares how her upcoming holistic safety workshops are answering that very question. But there's more: these workshops are now explicitly inclusive of all genders, inviting boys and men to become part of the safety solution.You’ll hear about:What real, modern safety education looks like for college-bound studentsHow to equip your daughter AND son with emotional, physical, and intuitive toolsWhy male allyship matters more than ever—and how young men can step upDetails on how to attend Mandi’s in-person or virtual workshops this fallWhether you're preparing to send a child to college or simply want to live with more peace and power, this episode offers solutions for clarity, courage, and connection.RESOURCESFree Intuition Quiz + Join the VIP Email List: https://awareandprepared.life (scroll to the bottom)Instagram: @womenawareandpreparedPast Episode with Dr. Hill (on Male Allyship) hereSend me a message