PODCAST · society
Blooming After Grooming
by Blooming After Grooming
Turns out we, Sarah and Diana, have a lot in common despite living in different states. One of the more unfortunate thing we have in common is the same abuser: A high school English/Creative Writing/Journalism teacher. Join us as we take some deep breaths and emotional tums and talk through life after being groomed and sexually abused by someone who was entrusted with our safety. Content warning: Sexual abuse, lots of cussing
Episodes
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Sarah on the Streets: Survivor Impact Launch Announcement!
We're here today with a BLOOM BONUS episode! Our very own Sarah has helped create a new organization in Iowa called Survivor Impact. Check out today's episode to learn more about it. Want to hear us chit and chat about life updates and learn how to use a Monistat applicator? Check out our YouTube...
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Season RE-CRAP: Reflections & Looking Ahead
That's a wrap on Season 2 of Blooming After Grooming, sweet listeners! Check out today's SEASON RECRAP episode, where we discuss feedback and highlights from Season 2, and look ahead to what's in store for Season 3. Please give the show a follow and rating, and keep in touch with us. Hosta…
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Groom Scroll: Phoenix Rising
Our Groom Scroll season finale episode is none other than Evan Rachel Wood's project, Phoenix Rising (2022). Evan's naming of Brian Warner, aka Marilyn Manson, was one domino that fell and led to an "aha moment" for Diana. Also, Sarah talks more about the Lestat social media post that has…
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Return of the Judy: A Chat Between B*tches
Today's episode is a truly beautiful depiction of healing and growth. Sometimes we wonder what does it actually mean to be on a healing journey? This episode right here. For Diana, Judy was a source of tension in her abusive relationship with "the teacher." For Sarah, Judy was a complete stranger...
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Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable, Not Inevitable: A Chat With Dr. Elizabeth Letourneau & Luke Malone
Today we chat with Luke Malone and Dr. Elizabeth Latourneau, who co-wrote a new book called One In Five. We cover a wide range of topics with these two! Including the idea that primary prevention would benefit from pulling in people who are at risk of causing harm as part of the solution. Return…
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Women Can (And Do) Abuse Kids with Donna Bulatowicz
We had the true honor of speaking with Dr. Donna Bulatowicz: An educator, researcher, and writer, among other things. She shares about her experience being groomed and sexually abused in elementary school by a female teacher, and some of what she has learned about how this group of survivors is…
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Keep Talking About the Epstein Files & Virginia Roberts Giuffre
Our third episode in our Epstein Files series is here! We talk about some people who have been deposed, other timeline updates, and Virginia Roberts Guiffre's book Nobody's Girl. But not before we talk about how annoying working in customer service can be. -- Chappell Roan announced she is…
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CROSSOVER EPISODE: Crossing the Line + Blooming After Grooming
It's our first crossover episode! You heard Joelle Casteix on episode 12 of season 2 (and if you haven't, please go back and give it a listen.) Among other things, she is the host of the NCSESAME podcast, Crossing the Line, which she interviewed us for. Today's episode is that interview. Enjoy!…
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Groom Scroll: A Teacher
On today's Groom Scroll, we talk about the FX series A Teacher (2020). This 10 episode series tells a story of a female high school teacher who grooms and sexually abuses her student. This is one of the few examples we've come across with a female perpetrator, and has been recommended by a number...
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Statute of Limitation Laws Talk & Much More: A Chat w/ Senator Janet Petersen
We are so proud and excited to share with you our conversation with IA State Senator, Janet Petersen. This woman has been serving the people of Iowa for decades. She is a leader who listens, and uses her power to fight for a safer, healthier Iowa. She also has a non-profit called Healthy…
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Into the Manosphere: What Else We've Learned
We did our homework! Today we take a hip-level dive into the Manosphere. What is it? Who does it target? And why? Join the conversation! What do you know of or have experienced with the Manosphere? -- bloomingafterpod.com | IG: @bloomingafterpod Inside the Manosphere with Louis Theroux on Netflix...
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Narrowing the Focus, Uniting Survivors: A Chat With Dr. Sally Kenney
Today we chat with scholar and podcast host, Dr. Sally Kenney. We talk about her journey through academia and how powerful it is when like-minded people with a common goal work together. But not before we chat about what it's like to witness a Bruce Springsteen show. -- Dr. Sally Kenney at Tulane...
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A Conversation Continued: Alyssa Amendola PART 2
We continue our conversation with doctoral candidate, Alyssa Amendola. She talks about public health and the challenge of changing people's behavior, shares about her research focus, as well as how you or someone you know could seek information about participating in her study. If you're looking...
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Groom Scroll: The Tale
Sweet Listeners, take care of yourself with this one. This truly amazing movie obviously rattled us a bit as you will hear. On today's Groom Scroll, we discuss The Tale (2019). It is a film directed by Jennifer Fox, based on her true story of being groomed and abused at the age of 13. It is a...
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Nerdetting About Research, Prevention, & History with Alyssa Amendola
Alyssa was inspired to learn more about grooming after working a few years as a forensic interviewer through a Child Advocacy Center. On today's episode, Alyssa schools us on the levels of prevention research and intervention, the history of consent laws, large age-gap relationships, and more! --...
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A Recap: Conference on Crimes Against Women
In today's episode, Diana shares with Sarah about the 21st Annual Conference on Crimes Against Women. Topics include leaving abusive relationships, the manosphere, AI, and much more! You'll also hear from a few attendees who share a little about their CCAW experience. -- bloomingafterpod.com
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We're Unapologetically Making Noise with Joelle Castetix
Today we are joined by NCSESAME Crossing the Line podcast host, Joelle Casteix. She shares a bit with us about what it was like being an outspoken "difficult" woman pre-#MeToo, calling out a Catholic institution, and how she remains hopeful after years of making noise. -- bloomingafterpod.com...
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Reactions to "Online Rape Academy" News
SUPRISE! Here we are with one more episode before our short hiatus. Today we debrief the recent news about what is being referred to as the online "rape academy." How are you processing this news? What conversations have you had with the people in your life about this? -- Book recommendation: The...
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Listener Stories & Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Pink Full Moon had her hold on us during this episode! We got the giggles and who knows what else. But we get it together (enough) to read a few emails from you listeners. Thank you to everyone who has reached out since we started this whole thing. Your emails mean so much to us. Enjoy this...
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State Updates & Other Rants
In this episode, we do indeed talk about some updates in our states. But we also get into Cesar Chavez, AI, the Matriarchy, and more! -- IL Laws Taking Effect in 2026 The New Age of Sexism: How AI and Emerging Technologies Are Reinventing Misogyny by Laura Bates bloomingafterpod.com
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Groom Scroll: Weapons
On today's Groom Scroll, we get into the 2025 horror movie, Weapons. Which stars 2026 Academy Award Winner, Amy Madigan. -- bloomingafterpod.com
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Teens, Trauma, & Training with Dr. Piper Stratton
Today on the show, we chat with Dr. Piper Stratton. That's right, we got a highly trained and educated professional in the house. We talk about supporting kid's today, professional boundaries, Erin's Law, and more! -- bloomingafterpod.com
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Terminology PART 2: Rape, Grape, Healing, & More
Here it is! Our second episode about the words we use when talking about grooming and sexual abuse. We discuss the words rape, healing, and we also get into trigger warnings. Check out our Instagram to see Sarah's happy face and the taxidermy pole-dancing sexy mouse (@bloomingafterpod). -- USA...
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Groom Scroll: Companion
Today we talk about the 2025 scifi thriller, Companion. We chat about consent, bodily autonomy, and taking back your power. What did you think of the movie? -- bloomingafterpod.com
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Speak, Write, Sing Your Truth: A Chat With Megan Farison
Today we talk to yet anther music lover! Megan Farison is also an author and voice coach, and she joins us today to discuss her 2024 debut book Dissonance. Her book has received great reviews and we highly recommend it. -- Megan Farison's website Dissonance book She Knows Article Blooming After...
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Terri Miller Can Be Both Terri-fic and Terri-fying
Friends, we got Terri Miller in the house today! This woman has been a squeaky wheel since the motherlovin' 80s. She's helped hold sexual predators of children accountable, she's influenced law and policy, and she fills the world with her joyous music. Get ready to be inspired. -- National Center...
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Groom Scroll- Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America
For our first Groom Scroll of Season 2, we talk about the 2023 Netflix documentary, Scouts Honor. The documentary features interviews with survivors, law enforcement, and advocates and explores yet another example of when institutions prioritize their reputation over the lives of children. --...
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Ya Gotta Have Faith!: A Chat with Faith Colson
You've heard us talk about her and today she is here! Faith Colson joins us as our first ever guest on the show, and shares her insight about what she has learned from advocacy and sharing her story. bloomingafterpod.com Faith's website
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The Epstein Files 101: What Can I Do About It?
Today we talk about what everyday people like us can do in the face of such horrific injustice and full-blown terror. Together we are stronger! What are some ways you fight for the world you want to live in (and pass down to future generations)? -- bloomingafterpod.com dianam90.substack.com...
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The Epstein Files 101: Talking Through The Timeline
If there is anything we strongly oppose here at Blooming After Grooming, it's sexual criminals without remorse. And if there is anything we strongly appreciate, it's a timeline. That's right. We take it all the way back to the 90s in this breakdown of events that eventually led to everyone…
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Welcome back!
OMG we're back again! In this first episode of Season 2, we chit chat about what we've been up to since wrapping up Season 1, and share what we're most looking forward to about upcoming episodes. Share your thoughts or ideas for Season 2 in the comments! -- bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 20: FINALE! Reflections & Teasers
This is it! For real! The last episode of Season 1. Thank you once again for being a listener and for reaching out with your encouraging messages. We are looking forward to bringing you Season 2. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and each other. -- bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 19: Listener Emails
Double psych! This week's episode is also not the finale. Today we read some listener emails, talk about why we wanted them in the first place, and what we've reflected on since receiving a few. Join the conversation! What would you like to see? Also, did we get Miller's Girl taken off Netflix?!…
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EP: 18 Dem B*tches
Psych! This week's episode is indeed NOT the finale. Oh, that Diana and their empty promises. Today we talk about repairing harm and connecting with our abuser's former friend who messaged us back in 2023. -- bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 17: The Lawsuit PART 2
About 10 law firms later, one finally agreed to take Diana's case. Oh, and this was also the fall season when Diana was involved in three lawsuits at once. Enjoy this final chapter of this part of our story! -- bloomingafterpod.com
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Groom Scroll 9: Pretty Baby
All roads lead back to Brooke Shields. At least in Season 1 of our podcast! What else could we have talked about on this Season 1 final Groom Scroll episode other than the Pretty Baby documentary? The two-part doc also brings up timely topics from current pop culture as well as topics we've…
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EP 16: The Lawsuit PART 1 & Related Rants
In today's episode, we talk about the aftermath of the investigation and what finally got Diana thinking about pursuing a lawsuit. -- The Libby App bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 15: School Investigation PART 3
We did it! Today's episode wraps up the school investigation. We chat about getting through those last months and celebrating how far we had come. -- bloomingafterpod.com
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Groom Scroll 8: Labyrinth
Today we chat about Labyrinth- a movie near and dear to the hearts of many! This beloved tale is a fave of Sarah, but one Diana has yet to see. Until now! -- Who’s bad? From Michael Jackson to David Bowie, why are some stars uncancellable? - Guardian article by Tim Jonze bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 14: School Investigation PART 2
This episode is brought to you by untreated ADHD! We are a tad all over the place today, and yet, we carry on with PART 2 of the school investigation process. -- IA Public Radio story link Chicago Public Schools- Office of the Inspector General bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 13: State Board Investigations
Ooo child.. whip out that notepad and be ready to get schooled by people who barely understand it themselves! This episode gets into the convoluted labyrinth that is the misconduct reporting system of State Boards of Education (note: we only talk about IL and IA). -- bloomingafterpod.com One Love...
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Bloom Bonus: Great Photo, Lovely Life (follow-up)
Today's Bloom Bonus circles back to details Diana was unsure of about the documentary. As well as a (tentative) update about Amanda Mustard and a recollection of an article by Luke Malone called "You're 16. You're a Pedophile. You Don't Want to Hurt Anyone. What Do You Do Now?" --...
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Groom Scroll 7: Great Photo, Lovely Life
EXTRA CONTENT WARNING. Today's GS feature is a rough but necessary watch for listeners seeking to better understand generational trauma. Especially when it relates to incest and child sexual abuse. We love being able to share visually stunning and impactful work created by survivors of sexual...
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EP 12: School Investigation PART 1
In today's episode, we begin telling the story of the emotional rollercoaster that was the school investigation. And we balance the awful by singing some groovy tunes. bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 11: Reaching out to classmates PART 2
We continue our conversation about reaching out to people from the past. In today's episode, we talk about those who were adults at the time. bloomingafterpod.com
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Groom Scroll 6: Never Been Kissed
"Actually I shouldn't say that.. because I'm your teacher." Who doesn't remember that quote on the Ferris Wheel? In this week's Groom Scroll, we talk about every Millennial's fave 90's rom com: Never Been Kissed. bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 10: Reaching out to classmates PART 1
Today we talk about reaching out to former classmates to build our case, and what a trip that was for both of us. We went on for quite a while and decided to split this one into two parts! bloomingafterpod.com
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EP 9: Plan B. School & State Boards
After the police investigation concluded, we knew the fight had to continue some other way. Little did we know what we were getting into with school and state boards. This week we talk more about those letters we've mentioned, and what it felt like to finally send them out! bloomingafterpod.com
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Groom Scroll 5: May December
Sarah and Diana discuss the 2023 movie May December, which stars everyone's favorite Jurassic Park actress - Julianne Moore! Lost World is hands down the best JP apart from the first. But that's a different podcast. bloomingafterpod.com Mary Kay Letourneau Wikipedia Page
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EP 8: Plan A. Sending Letters & Making Reports
The best laid plans are.. most often not the first one. This week we talk all about what we thought we were going to do, and the reality check that followed. Sarah briefly mentions the Joyful Heart Foundation, check out their work! bloomingafterpod.com
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Turns out we, Sarah and Diana, have a lot in common despite living in different states. One of the more unfortunate thing we have in common is the same abuser: A high school English/Creative Writing/Journalism teacher. Join us as we take some deep breaths and emotional tums and talk through life after being groomed and sexually abused by someone who was entrusted with our safety. Content warning: Sexual abuse, lots of cussing
HOSTED BY
Blooming After Grooming
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