The B Brave Project Podcast

In this episode of The B Brave Project Podcast, Chloe speaks with Vashti Wickers, Trauma-Informed Lead at the NSPCC, about what trauma-informed support really means — beyond policies, training and buzzwords.Together, they explore how trauma can impact children, families, survivors and professionals, and why the way we listen, respond and create safety can make such a difference. Vashti shares her professional insight from over 30 years working with children and families, as well as her own lived understanding of how trauma can shape identity, relationships, behaviour and hope.This conversation looks at why behaviour is often communication, how systems can unintentionally retraumatise people, why children need to feel heard and respected, and what needs to change across services, schools, justice, social care and wider society.Most importantly, this episode is about hope. It is a reminder that trauma may shape us, but it does not have to define all of who we are.For anyone who has experienced trauma, works with children or families, supports survivors, or wants to better understand trauma-informed practice, this is such an important conversation.🧡 New episodes of The B Brave Project Podcast available on Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms every Sunday.

What if trauma isn’t just about what happened… but what happened inside you?In this episode of The B Brave Project Podcast, Chloe speaks with Vashti Wickers, Trauma-Informed Lead at the NSPCC, about how trauma really shows up in children, families and survivors.From the power of being seen and heard, to how systems can unintentionally cause more harm, this conversation challenges everything we think we know about trauma.This is a powerful, honest and eye-opening discussion on trauma-informed support, healing, and hope.🧡 Full episode out Sunday at 11am.

In this incredibly important conversation, I’m joined by Denise, who has spent years working in the abuse and violence sector with a strong focus on survivor participation, engagement and trauma-informed practice.This episode moves beyond personal stories and focuses on something so many people get wrong… how to truly support survivors.We talk about what genuine support actually looks like, the common mistakes people make (even with good intentions), and why phrases like “why didn’t you tell someone?” or “you need to move on” can cause real harm.We also discuss:listening without trying to fixbelieving survivors without interrogating themrespecting boundaries and autonomywhy survivors should never be pressured to share their storytokenism in organisations and systemswhat trauma-informed support actually looks like in real lifeWhether you’re a survivor, a parent, friend, partner, professional or someone who simply wants to better understand how to show up for others — this episode is a must-listen.Because supporting survivors isn’t about having the perfect words. It’s about listening, respecting boundaries and creating spaces where people feel safe, heard and believed. 🧡

Episode 11 of The B Brave Project Podcast is here.In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Indika — founder of Something to Say — who left a successful career as a design engineer to speak out about his own experience of childhood sexual abuse and dedicate his life to raising awareness and protecting young people. We talk about his story, the complexities of grooming, and how it can often happen in plain sight without people even realising. Because the reality is — it doesn’t always look the way people expect. We also dive into the work he’s doing now — delivering sessions in schools and working with young people, parents and professionals — and why he believes the way we currently educate children around abuse isn’t always effective. Jeremy focuses on communicating these topics in a different way — using creativity, storytelling and real-life understanding to make it clearer, more relatable, and something people actually engage with. Because how we talk about this matters. This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about abuse, prevention, and why we need to start thinking differently if we actually want to protect the next generation.Because this isn’t just about awareness.It’s about understanding — and making change.

In this powerful episode of The B Brave Project Podcast, I am joined by trauma recovery coach and author Rachel Grant (@coachrachelgrant), a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has dedicated her life to helping others heal.Rachel shares her own story with honesty and depth, opening up about the long-term impact of trauma and the journey she’s been on to reclaim her life. Together, Rachel and I explore what healing really looks like—beyond just “surviving.”Rachel also introduces her groundbreaking programme, Beyond Surviving, which supports survivors in moving out of shame, breaking patterns, and building a life that feels safe, empowered, and fully their own.This conversation is calm, compassionate, and deeply validating—offering insight, hope, and practical understanding for anyone navigating trauma or supporting someone who is.You are not alone. Healing is possible.

In this episode, I sit down with Mark O’Sullivan for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about his life, his experiences, and the journey that’s shaped who he is today. Mark opens up about his story with incredible clarity and depth — reflecting on pivotal moments in his life, including his time in Amsterdam, the experiences that have stayed with him, and how they’ve influenced both his personal and creative path.We also dive into his work, including his sitcom, and how storytelling has become a way to process, express, and connect. Mark speaks so eloquently about complex experiences, bringing both vulnerability and perspective to the conversation. This episode is raw, insightful, and thought-provoking — one that invites you to really listen, reflect, and see things from a different point of view. If this episode resonates with you, please share it, leave a review, and help us continue breaking the silence around stories that need to be heard.

In this episode, I sit down with Perry Power for my first ever studio recording — and it’s a conversation that will stay with me for a long time.Perry shares his story, what it took for him to break his silence, and the reality of speaking out as a survivor. We talk about the impact of silence, the power of using your voice, and how he’s now helping to drive a movement that supports other survivors to do the same.We also dive into his film and the importance of telling these stories — not just for awareness, but to create real change.This episode is raw, honest, and incredibly powerful.If you’ve ever struggled to speak about what you’ve been through, or you’re on your own healing journey… this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The B Brave Podcast, I’m joined by Miranda — Poppy’s mum.You first heard from Poppy in episode 2. In this conversation, Miranda shares what it’s been like to support her daughter after she experienced abuse, and the impact it had on their family.We talk about:– What it’s like as a parent when your child discloses abuse– How to support your child in a safe and informed way– What signs to look out for if you’re worried about a child– The importance of listening, believing, and taking action– How Miranda’s journey led her to retrain as a therapist, and how that became part of her own healingMiranda speaks with honesty, strength, and compassion. She now campaigns alongside Poppy, raising awareness and advocating for charities supporting survivors.This episode is for parents, carers, and anyone wanting to better understand how to support a child and their family through something so difficult.If this conversation resonates with you, please follow, share, and help us continue raising awareness. 🧡

In this episode of The B Brave Podcast, Anjali speaks publicly about her experiences for the very first time.This is an honest and powerful conversation about sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and the silence that can exist within certain communities and cultures. For many survivors, the barriers to speaking out can feel even greater when family expectations, cultural stigma, or fear of bringing shame are involved.Anjali shares her story with courage and openness, reflecting on what happened to her and the impact it has had on her life. Together, we talk about why these conversations are often hidden, why survivors can feel unable to speak up, and why breaking that silence matters.It takes immense bravery to share something so personal, and Anjali’s voice is an important part of this wider conversation.By speaking openly, she is helping to challenge stigma and show other survivors that they are not alone.🧡 Thank you, Anjali, for trusting this space and for being so brave.⚠️ Content note:This episode discusses sexual abuse and sexual harassment, which some listeners may find difficult. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The B Brave Project Podcast, Chloe sits down with Tony to explore a conversation that is still far too often left in the shadows — male childhood sexual abuse.Tony speaks with striking honesty about the abuse he experienced as a child and the impact it had on him growing up and into adulthood. He reflects on how much was overlooked at the time, particularly growing up in the 1970s, when conversations around abuse were rare and the idea that boys could be victims was often ignored or dismissed.Tony shares his story with courage and clarity, helping to shed light on the stigma, silence, and misunderstanding that many male survivors have faced.Despite everything he endured, Tony’s story is also one of resilience. Over the years he has channelled his experiences into creativity and growth — writing a book, composing songs, performing, and pursuing education, going on to achieve a Master’s degree with distinction alongside numerous postgraduate qualifications.This episode is raw, honest and incredibly important, but it may also be difficult for some listeners.By sharing his story, Tony helps open up an essential conversation about male survivors and reminds us why breaking the silence matters.Please note:Tony explains parts of his experiences in detail and some listeners may find this difficult to hear. Please take care when listening.You can reach out to:• NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000• NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) – 0808 801 0331• Samaritans – 116 123• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 58 58 58• Childline – 0800 1111You don’t have to go through this alone. Support is there if you need it.🧡

Episode 4: Breaking the Silence on Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse | Emma’s StoryIn this episode of The B Brave Project Podcast, we’re breaking the silence on child-on-child sexual abuse.Emma shares her story anonymously in this audio-only episode. What she speaks about is raw, honest and deeply compelling. With clarity and courage, she explores what happened to her, the stigma and shame that followed, and why this form of abuse is still so misunderstood.Child-on-child sexual abuse is often minimised, dismissed or not taken as seriously as it should be. But the impact is real. The trauma is real. And the silence around it only deepens the harm.This conversation is not only powerful — it’s educational. Emma speaks eloquently about the cultural discomfort that stops us from naming what happened, and why we must start having these conversations openly if we want to protect children and support survivors.This episode is audio-only to protect Emma’s anonymity.If you’ve ever felt confused about how child-on-child sexual abuse is defined, responded to, or talked about — this episode matters.You are not alone. And it’s time we stop looking away.

In this episode, Giuly shares her story of life after trauma — the challenges, the healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Through honest reflection, she talks about rebuilding, finding her voice, and what growth can look like after surviving the unimaginable. A powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.This episode is available in both video and audio formats on Spotify.Giuly would like to add - "When I became a mum, I knew I wanted to protect my boys and create a home where they could always return to, and feel loved and safe.Ever since they were small, my husband and I instilled in them the importance of right and wrong, that their bodies belong to them and from a young age, they learned to wash themselves. Private parts have the correct name and we give each other privacy in the bathroom and in our bedrooms. We speak to them not at them, treating them with dignity and respect but also admitting if we do anything wrong of if we fall short and lose our temper. At night, we say prayers and have a talk about our day and our children are able to open up about anything that has troubled them that day. Anything at all. We all leave any devices downstairs and also say our "highs and lows of the day".They also have trusted family and close friends they can turn to if talking to us ever gets difficult. They know that even if we ever feel sad or disappointed, that our love won't ever waver and that they'll always be safe and welcome even as adults. My husband and I are a team and he's such a blessing. My boys are my gift. Safeguarding has come a long way since I was a child and I'm pleased to see how much focus there is on training and understanding signs, in schools.There's always someone to talk to and amazing online platforms and resources. NSPCC but also national association for people abused in childhood (NAPAC). Looking out for neighbours and taking an interest in fellow humans can lead to meaningful conversations and people may feel able and compelled to open up. How wonderful would that be, to be busy with love so there's no room for sadness."- The book mentioned is "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Mate." The 5 steps to take when a negative thought comes to mind and the understanding of our world until age 7 are in chapter 29.- The theories roots of the inner child trace back to psychologist Carl Jung. But there's various books written on the matter. This video is wonderful - https://youtu.be/uKHkq6S3kaU?si=D8MlrIIO3dyXFQyg

In this episode, Giuly shares her story of life after trauma — the challenges, the healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Through honest reflection, she talks about rebuilding, finding her voice, and what growth can look like after surviving the unimaginable. A powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.This episode is available in both video and audio formats on Spotify.

The is Poppy's story - 'Why We Don’t Talk About' It looks at the systems, fears, and stigma that keep people quiet, and the emotional cost of being unheard. It’s about survival, resilience, and the long road to finding a voice again — even when the world would rather look away.This is not just one story. It reflects the experiences of countless people who were never given the space, safety, or support to speak. By telling it, we begin to challenge the silence and open the door to understanding, accountability, and healing.

In this first episode, I share my story of surviving child sexual abuse — not to shock, but to tell the truth. I talk about the impact it had on my life, including my mental health, relationships, work, and how becoming a mother shaped my healing.This episode is about breaking silence, challenging shame, and giving space to conversations that are so often avoided. It marks the beginning of this podcast and the reason it exists — to raise awareness, centre survivor voices, and remind others that they are not alone.Content warning: child sexual abuse.