PODCAST · health
Aware And Prepared
by Mandi Pratt
Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listeni
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From Burnout to Hope: A Leader's Journey Out of Hypervigilence
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
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What Students Reflected on Victim Blaming and Boundaries
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
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Sexual Assault Awareness: Ending Victim Blaming and Building Safer Communities
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
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How to Cope With Grief From Divorce to Pet Loss and More With Thanatologist Karen Omand
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
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Use Your Senses to Find Joy in Chaos | Simple Steps to Feel More Joy
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
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Beyond Calm: How to Heal Anxiety by Building True Safety in Your Body
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
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Understanding Panic Attacks: Tools for Relief and What NOT to Say to Someone Struggling
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
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When to Call 911 vs. the Non-Emergency Line: Tips from a Real Dispatcher
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
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Bystander Intervention: Empowering Bystanders to Make a Difference
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
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The Invisible Cage: Tactics of Coercive Control Every Person Needs to Know
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
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Signs of a Healthy Relationship Most People Have Never Been Taught: More Than Green Flags
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
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Modern Dating Survival Guide: Psychologist Reveals Her Experience with "Are We Dating the Same Guy?", ENM, and Dating Apps
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
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Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)
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
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Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger, and Finding Safety Together
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
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Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger
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
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Designing Your Home for Peace: Trauma-Informed Design and the Nervous System
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
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Home Safety Tip: Trust Your Intuition and Act On It
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
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14 Simple Ways to Calm Your Nervous System When Stressed (Perfect for the Holiday Season)
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
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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Belongings and Spot Tracking Devices - Part 2
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
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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: How To Avoid Jugging and Stay Safer in Parking Lots
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
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Hidden Signs of Child Trafficking: What Every Parent and Advocate Should Know (Part 2)
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
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Hidden Signs of Child Trafficking: What Every Parent And Educator Should Know
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
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Cyber Trauma and Digital Safety Plans: What Every Parent and Educator Should Know
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
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118
How to Leave Abuse Without Leaving Your Pet Behind
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
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117
True Tales - Why Victims Stay: Hidden Barriers to Leaving an Abusive Relationship
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
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116
When Relaxing Feels Impossible: Healing from Complex PTSD
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
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115
Beyond Talk Therapy: Healing Through Nervous System and Somatic Work
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
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114
Trauma Expert Britt Frank Shares Practical Tips for Healing from Trauma and PTSD
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
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113
Complex PTSD Awareness: My Journey From Surviving to Finding Peace
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
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112
How To Turn Off Instagram Location Map and other Location Tracking
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
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111
Don’t Make This Mistake: Words That Hurt (and Heal) Abuse Survivors
“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
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110
Tips For Men To Help With Women’s Safety: From Bystander to Ally
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
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109
Self-Defense & System Failure: Tackling Violence Against Women with HASSL Part 2
“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
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108
Self Defense & System Failure: Tackling Violence Against Women with HASSL
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
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107
Sexual Assault Survivor Turned Lawyer on Healing and Knowing Your Rights
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
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106
Sending My Daughter Off to College: How Do I Keep Her Safer? (Include Your Sons Too)
“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
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105
Unlocking Natural Healing: Pilates, Fascia & Nervous System Work with Kris Haley
Welcome to learning a powerful connection between physical movement, the fascial system, and the nervous system—and how tuning into your body’s subtle signals can help you release trauma, regulate your stress response, and reclaim your sense of safety. You’ll hear personal stories, learn from Kris Haley what the MELT Method actually is, and walk away with real tools—like conscious breathing and body scanning—you can start using right now. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional overwhelm, or just trying to feel more balanced, this conversation is both validating and incredibly useful.💡 This episode is especially impactful as a follow-up to our last one with Dr. Keean on the nervous system.Resources Mentioned:Kris Haley, Somatic EducatorWebsite: KrisHaley.comInstagram: @MeltedPilatesWithKrisMandi Pratt, Resilience SpeakerWebsite: AwareAndPrepared.life (See How You Score on the Intuition Quiz)LinkedIn: Mandi PrattInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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104
How I Began Healing My Nervous System: Reclaiming Peace with Neuroplasticity
How did I accidentally begin to heal my nervous system? What did I stumble upon?In this powerful episode, Dr. Keean and I explore how trauma reshapes our nervous system and how we can use prediction error, gentle sensory experiences, and intentional movement to rewire fear-based patterns. Learn how the brain constantly predicts based on the past—and how introducing new, safe, and empowering experiences helps us reclaim peace, presence, and possibility.Whether you’re a trauma survivor, a healing professional, or simply someone seeking to feel safer and more grounded in your body and life, this episode offers insights into the science of neuroplasticity and practical ways to shift from survival mode to thriving.RESOURCESDr. Keean KirkWebsite: Keean.orgInstagram & Threads: Holistic.therapistMandi Pratt, Resilience SpeakerWebsite: AwareAndPrepared.life (See How You Score on the Intuition Quiz)LinkedIn: Mandi PrattInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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103
Healthy Teen Relationships & Violence Prevention (Part 2): Peer Advocacy & Resources Bloom 365
What if the power to reduce teen violence isn’t just in the hands of adults — but in the hands of teens themselves? In this powerful continuation of Episode 1, Donna Bartos shares how BLOOM365 equips young people to become changemakers through peer-to-peer advocacy and culture-shifting leadership. You’ll hear how just 10% of a population can influence an entire school, team, or community — and how BLOOM is activating that tipping point across the country.We dive into:💥 The Peer Advocate Academy – a training that equips teens with: 💡 Education: Understanding the signs of abuse and how to prevent it 💬 Advocacy: Using the “LEVEL” method to support friends in crisis 📣 Activation: Launching First Friday awareness campaigns in schools 📢 Amplification: Elevating their voices through public speaking and self-care🌐 The Peer Influencer Training – for college students and military personnel, tackling the "elephants in the room" like underreporting and barriers to seeking help.🧠 Plus, the social psychology behind BLOOM365’s movement: the 10% Tipping Point Theory — and how it’s changing communities from the inside out.RESOURCES🎧 Donna’s Podcast: Uproot AbuseListen to her episode on the L.E.V.E.L. response to learn more on restoring power and control to survivors🌐 BLOOM365 Websites:bloom365.org – Learn more about the mission, programs, and impactbloom365usa.org – Get involved or bring BLOOM to your school or communityMandi’s Website🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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102
Healthy Teen Relationships & Violence Prevention: How BLOOM365 Is Uprooting Abuse
What if we could end teen dating violence in a generation? It’s bold—but that’s exactly what Donna Bartos and BLOOM365 are setting out to do.In this powerful episode, Mandi sits down with Donna Bartos, founder of BLOOM365, a groundbreaking nonprofit working to prevent teen dating violence and promote healthy teen relationships through youth-led education and advocacy.You’ll learn how BLOOM365 is helping to uproot abuse in a generation by equipping schools, military communities, and peer advocates with real, trauma-informed tools that empower youth—and the adults who support them.We explore: 🟣 The L.E.V.E.L. response — Donna’s 5-step framework to help adults Listen, Empathize, Validate, Empower, and Link when a teen discloses abuse.In the second half of the episode, Donna shares how BLOOM365 is now supporting teens who recognize they may be causing harm, with new programs designed to interrupt cycles of abuse before they continue. It’s a compassionate, accountability-based approach to healing and prevention for everyone involved.Whether you're an educator, advocate, parent, or a teen who wants to get involved, this conversation will equip you to take action.RESOURCES🎧 Donna’s Podcast: Uproot AbuseListen to her episode on the L.E.V.E.L. response to learn more on restoring power and control to survivors🌐 BLOOM365 Websites:bloom365.org – Learn more about the mission, programs, and impactbloom365usa.org – Get involved or bring BLOOM to your school or communityMandi’s Website🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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101
Addressing Violence Against Women Part 2: Bystander Intervention with Dr. Hill
How did Dr. Hill address a man disrespecting women in public—and what can we learn from it? In this compelling continuation, Dr. Saed Hill shares a real-life example of bystander intervention that stopped harmful behavior in its tracks. We explore how men can take action in everyday situations, challenge toxic norms, and help dismantle the root causes of violence against women. If you're wondering what allyship really looks like, start here.Dr. Saed Hill, Ph.D. can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected]. See here for more from Dr. Hill.RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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100
Addressing Violence Against Women: Masculinity & Ending Gender-Based Violence
What if we could help end violence against women by getting to its root? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Dr. Saed Hill to talk about toxic masculinity, accountability, and how men can be part of the solution. This is a conversation every man needs to hear—so please listen, reflect, and share it with every man you know.Dr. Saed Hill, Ph.D. can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected]. See here for more from Dr. Hill.RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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99
How to Prioritize Your Safety Over Being Polite: Jumper Cable Example
What do you do when your instincts are screaming “no,” but you feel obligated to say “yes” to be polite? In this empowering podcast episode, Mandi shares a powerful Q&A moment from her recent presentation in Hawaii, where a woman asked how to break free from the ingrained pressure to always be nice—especially when it could compromise personal safety. Through a real-life scenario involving jumper cables and an isolated location, Mandi offers practical, life-saving alternatives that allow women to prioritize safety over politeness. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts, verbal strategies, and a reminder that it's okay to say no—because your safety matters more than being polite. RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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98
The One Habit That Strengthens Your Intuition (and Changes Everything)
Mandi encourages you to take one intuitive action, no matter how big or small, to build confidence in your intuition. In day five, the final day, of the Intuition Activation Challenge, she emphasizes that intuition strengthens when we use it, and trusting ourselves over time increases our ability to make empowered decisions. Mandi reflects on the importance of intuition as a survival mechanism and shares a story from The Gift of Fear featured in previous episode 8 (Kelly’s Story) to highlight how trusting your intuition can save lives. She invites you to continue practicing and revisiting the challenge while sharing it with others who may benefit.RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Intuition Activation Challenge PDF – You’ll get the Challenge PDF after you receive your quiz results🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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97
Is It Intuition or Overthinking? How to Know the Difference
Trust your gut feeling or rationalize it away? In day four of the Intuition Activation Challenge, Mandi explains how often we dismiss our intuitive thoughts by convincing ourselves they don't matter, but recognizing this pattern is key to breaking it. Through examples, Mandi encourages you to reflect on what happens when you trust yourself. The key takeaway is to assess gut feelings, ask if you're rationalizing them, and take a step towards trusting your intuition.RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Intuition Activation Challenge PDF – You’ll get the Challenge PDF after you receive your quiz results🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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96
Clear Mental Clutter: A Simple Way to Unlock Your Intuition
The next step—writing or talking it out in this third episode of the Intuition Activation Challenge. Mandi shares how freeing up mental clutter can reveal hidden truths we might not even realize we’re holding onto. Whether you prefer journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or even walking it out, this exercise helps you process what your intuition is telling you. See what patterns or insights emerge!RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Intuition Activation Challenge PDF – You’ll get the Challenge PDF after you receive your quiz results🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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95
Trust Your Gut: The Secret to Making Confident Decisions
Now we build upon the first step—slowing down—by tuning in and listening inward. In this second episode of the Intuition Activation Challenge, Mandi explains how our bodies often know the answer before our minds do and shares a simple yet powerful question to help you tap into your inner wisdom. Take a moment today to pause, ask yourself “What do I need right now?”, and truly listen to your intuition’s response.RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Intuition Activation Challenge PDF – You’ll get the Challenge PDF after you receive your quiz results🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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94
How to Stop Second Guessing Yourself and Hear Your Intuition
We explore the power of slowing down to hear our inner voice in this first episode (in a series of 5 episodes) of the Intuition Activation Challenge. Mandi shares why we often rationalize away red flags and how taking just a pause to breathe and be present can help us reconnect with our intuition. But this is just the beginning! Listen to the episode, take the Intuition Quiz, and uncover what your intuition has been trying to tell you. Then, dive into the challenge and start building trust in yourself today!RESOURCES🔹 Intuition Quiz – Find out how well you trust and act on your intuition: AwareAndPrepared.life (Scroll to the bottom and click "Take the Quiz")🔹 Intuition Activation Challenge PDF – You’ll get the Challenge PDF after you receive your quiz results🔹 Connect with Mandi 📌 LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt 📌 Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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93
Can Abusive Men Change? The Truth About Domestic Violence Intervention
Domestic violence intervention—what works, what doesn’t, and what survivors need to know. My guest, Nada Yorke, LCSW, a former probation officer, breaks down expert insights, real-life experiences, and the psychological patterns behind abusive behavior. If you’ve ever wondered whether an abuser can truly change, this episode will give you the answers you need.LESSONS LEARNEDMost abusers do not change without intensive intervention and accountability.True change requires long-term commitment, not just apologies or short-term efforts.Batterer intervention programs have mixed success; traditional therapy alone is often ineffective.Combining education, support, and accountability leads to lasting change.Survivors should focus on their own healing rather than waiting for an abuser to change.Teaching kids how to communicate and navigate emotions is key prevention!Safety planning and support systems are essential for those in or leaving abusive relationships.RESOURCESIf you found this episode helpful, please share it (top right hand corner, drop down, “Share” to text or email) with a young person or someone who works with youth. Let’s equip the next generation with the tools to navigate online relationships safely!National Domestic Violence HotlineLoveisRespectThe National Resource Center on Domestic ViolenceBatterer Intervention Programs StandardsNada Yorke's WebsiteJOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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92
AI Companionship Beware: Privacy, Manipulation, and Addiction
AI companionship apps are skyrocketing in popularity, offering users virtual relationships that feel real. But beneath the surface, these apps raise serious concerns about privacy, emotional manipulation, and addiction. In this episode, we dive into how AI companions are designed to keep users hooked, the dangers of sharing personal information, and the potential long-term impact on mental health and real-life relationships. Join us as we explore what you need to know to navigate this digital landscape safely. LESSONS LEARNEDAI companionship apps can be highly addictivePrivacy risks are a major concernThey can impair real-life relationship skillsAI companions may reinforce harmful stereotypesThey can exacerbate mental health issuesLack of regulation makes these apps riskyRESOURCESIf you found this episode helpful, please share it (top right hand corner, drop down, “Share” to text or email) with a young person or someone who works with youth. Let’s equip the next generation with the tools to navigate online relationships safely!EndTAB – Learn more about digital safety and boundaries: www.endtab.orgJOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPreparedSend me a message
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listeni
HOSTED BY
Mandi Pratt
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