Awakened Souls

Today 's podcast is an interview with Aly Rice — certified resilience and reinvention coach, motivational speaker, and the bold voice behind the podcasts Sex, Lies & Tacos and This Could Get Messy. After navigating profound personal challenges, including  non-consensual recording, revenge porn, sexual abuse, betrayal, grief, and starting over from zero,  Aly turned her raw experiences into powerful tools for transformation. Through her honest storytelling and coaching, she helps women reclaim their voices, rebuild their identities, and rise stronger, unapologetically embracing the messy, beautiful truth of being fully alive. Get ready for a real, raw, and awakening conversation with Aly Rice.00:00 Introduction and Background01:19 Childhood Influences and Resilience03:48 Corporate Life and Red Flags 06:30 Life Changes and Personal Challenges 08:49 Loss and Identity Crisis11:39 Romantic Relationships and Betrayal14:15 The Impact of Revenge Porn16:48 Navigating Grief and Support19:32 Career Changes and Manifestation22:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward27:28 The Impact of Love Bombing in Relationships28:55 Navigating Dark Thoughts and Finding Strength33:55 Creating the Survival to Thriving Guide36:03 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome39:06 The Birth of Sex, Lies, and Tacos Podcast43:31 Transformative Stories and Client Successes 47:40 Reclaiming Identity and Voice52:02 Mantras for Transformation and Healing56:17 Creating a Safe Space for Healing57:41 Overcoming Life's Challenges59:05 The Importance of Authenticity59:51 Empowering Women Through Connection01:00:50 Navigating Relationships and BetrayalLearn more about Aly on the links and handles below:Website: https://alyrice.com/Substack: https://substack.com/@alyspeaksupInsta: https://www.instagram.com/alyspeaksupPodcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/4s0xfzjl3wBfE9pNqckNmiFor crisis resources and help go to :https://cptsdfoundation.org/help-me-find-a-therapist/https://988lifeline.org/https://rainn.org/https://cptsdfoundation.org/trauma-informed-blog/https://www.digitalindia.gov.in/initiative/ncw-womens-helpline/1in6.orghttps://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizationshttps://www.samaritans.org/https://www.crisistextline.org/https://www.unwomen.org/en***Trigger Warning***: This episode may contain adult themes, abuse, and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip if needed. Resources for survivors are linked in our show notes.

Join the Awakened Souls Podcast as we share Holly K. Dunn’s inspiring story of survival and healing. The sole survivor of the notorious Railroad Killer, Angel Maturino Resendiz, Holly recounts her 1997 ordeal in her memoir, Sole Survivor. As a motivational speaker and co-founder of Holly’s House, a haven for victims of intimate crimes in Evansville, Indiana, she advocates for survivors, speaks at schools and judicial panels, and trains the Evansville Police Department. Honored with the 2006 Jefferson Award and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award, Holly’s story is featured in People Magazine Investigates: Surviving a Serial Killer, I Survived a Serial Killer, 48 Hours, and Unseen: The Case of Holly K. Dunn (IMDb). Tune in to hear her resilient journey.Show notes:00:00 Introduction to Holly K Dunn's Journey06:55 The Fateful Night: Encounter with Evil22:29 Surviving the Attack and Aftermath27:25 Facing the Attacker: Survivor's Guilt and Fear32:31 Grieving and Remembering Chris: An Unconventional Journey38:25 Inspiring Others: The Role of Advocacy and SpeakingLinks:http://www.hollykdunn.com/https://www.instagram.com/hollykdunn/https://x.com/hollykdunnhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm6532343/https://www.facebook.com/hollykdunnTrauma Resources:rainn.orgcptsdfoundation.orgsidran.org  thehotline.org  

**Trigger Warning:** This episode contains uncensored discussions regarding sensitive subjects such as sexual assault, rape, home invasion, and trauma. It includes explicit details that may be distressing for certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised; feel free to pause or skip sections as necessary. Additionally, resources for survivors are provided in the show notes for further support.At the Awakened Souls Podcast, we share inspiring stories that stir the soul, heal the spirit, and illuminate the path through darkness. Today, we speak with Danielle Leukam, a powerful voice in the fight against sexual violence. A registered nurse, mother, and rape survivor, Danielle transformed her trauma into triumph with her memoir, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power. As an author, advocate, and founder of WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing, INC., she empowers survivors and educates communities. Through her work with End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and as a member of the Survivor Advisory Group to the Governor of Minnesota, Danielle’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the fight to reclaim one’s power.00:00: The Journey of Healing and Justice05:51: Empowerment Through Storytelling08:14: Navigating the Aftermath10:47: Facing the Perpetrator13:18: Understanding Grief and Support15:35: The Justice System Experience18:15: The Ripple Effect of Trauma21:27: Finding Strength as a Survivor24:07: Writing as a Tool for Empowerment26:51: Common Threads Among Survivors29:18: Shining a Light on Sexual Assault31:49: Balancing Diverse Writing Projects31:54: Finding Inspiration in Adversity33:07: Navigating Relationships After Trauma35:13: The Healing Power of Writing38:04: Creating Change Through Nonprofit Work39:32: Advocacy and Legislative Efforts42:49: Public Speaking and Survivor Empowerment45:46: Supporting Survivors in Our Communities48:17: Reclaiming Power: A New Memoir49:22: Words of Hope for Survivors50:42: Vision for the Future of AdvocacyDanielle's Links:⁠www.danielleleukam.com⁠⁠www.instagram.com/danielleleukam⁠ or @danielleleukam⁠www.facebook.com/daniellelouiseleukam⁠ ⁠www.twitter.com/danielle_leukam⁠Resource for survivors: RAINN ( ⁠rainn.org⁠ ) EVAWI ( ⁠evawintl.org⁠ )Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.

On the Awakened Souls Podcast, we celebrate Raymond Bechard, an award-winning author, speaker, and human rights advocate. Honored with the Spiritual Life Award for his global fight against human trafficking, Raymond spoke at the Vatican Conference 2019 and is endorsed by leaders like US Senator Richard Blumenthal. His work is cited by Harvard, the University of Toledo, and numerous NGOs. For over 20 years, he has battled modern slavery in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, producing the documentary "Honor Bound" to raise awareness. His books, "The Berlin Turnpike" and "Unspeakable", expose the dark underbelly of human trafficking while inspiring hope. A bold provocateur, Bechard is credited with writing multiple pieces of successful legislation focusing on human trafficking and has driven legislation that forced social media to enhance stronger child safety measures. He also shut down illicit media ads on a Tribune Media publication after it continued to run ads selling illegal "escort" services. He is well-known for generally making people in power uncomfortable whenever he focuses his resources, writing, and public speaking on them. Listen to his harrowing stories of saving victims, from children dying of HIV to teens rescued from brothels, as he challenges an indifferent system. 00:00 Introduction00:32 Early Influences and Inspirations04:30 Pivotal Moments Leading to Advocacy09:26 Shocking Discoveries in Human Trafficking16:53 Stories of Resilience and Redemption20:03 Systemic Factors Fueling Human Trafficking23:34 Challenges in Advocacy and Resistance29:21 Moral Dilemmas in Advocacy30:47 Reflections on the Journey33:52 The Challenges of Recovery from Trafficking36:39 The Cost of Truth in Advocacy39:28 Personal Sacrifices in the Fight Against Trafficking42:52 Coping with Darkness: Humor and Nature46:42 Defining Success in the Fight for Justice48:58 Envisioning a World Without Trafficking53:26 Advice for Aspiring Activists56:24 intro.mp3Some gems from Raymond on the Podcast:" Don't follow the crowd."" It does not reduce us to lift other people up. It lifts us all up, it lifts the world up when we do that."" In a nation or society where girls are educated, all boats are lifted with that rising tide of education. Statistics and studies have shown for years that if you educate girls, it makes a culture better. It makes societies better. It makes businesses better.""What still shocks me is when you show people the crime, when you show people the human rights violation, so often, good people will do nothing and turn the other way because they are scared. That shocks me.""People can believe some awful things above what is obviously true and dismiss the truth to propagate their own motivations, as we see in politics." "Because if we face the truth about what's happening to other people, we have to do something about it."Learn more about Raymond on the links and handles belowLinkedInAPB Speakers BureauYoutubeInstagram Handle Raymond Bechard imdbGoodreads Author PageAmazon Books [email protected]

Hey there, Awakened Souls listeners! It’s Jenney Clark, and I’m beyond thrilled to bring you the latest episode of our podcast. At Awakened Souls, we endeavor to showcase the incredible stories of survivors, warriors, activists, and leaders who’ve faced unimaginable challenges and risen to triumph. Get ready for a conversation that’ll move you, inspire you, and remind you of the unbreakable power of the human spirit!Today, I’m honored to sit down with the extraordinary Tanya Nicole Kach—a survivor, author, and fierce advocate whose story of resilience will leave you in awe. At just 14, Tanya endured a decade of captivity in her predator’s bedroom, a harrowing ordeal that’s been covered by CBS News, NBC, People Magazine, and the New York Times. You may know her from her New York Times bestselling book, Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid, or the gripping Lifetime movie, The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story. She’s even shared the screen with Elizabeth Smart in a powerful TV special. In this episode, Tanya opens up about the chilling realities of grooming, the sting of victim-blaming, and the courage she found to reclaim her life. Her advocacy lights the way for countless victims, offering hope and healing from trauma. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this raw, uplifting conversation with a woman who embodies strength and survival. Tune in and let Tanya’s journey ignite your soul!00:00 Introduction to Tanya's Journey04:08 Transition to Adolescence and Bullying05:36 Meeting the Predator: The Beginning of Grooming08:48 Captivity: Life Under Control12:20 Survival and Spiritual Resilience14:50 Identity Transformation and Reclaiming Self16:47 The Escape Plan19:09 Reunion and Aftermath21:43 Understanding Abuse and Healing22:59 Therapy and Healing Journey24:06 Advocacy and Helping Others25:16 The Movie and Its Impact26:10 Forgiveness and Moving Forward27:13 Writing the Memoir28:32 Messages of Hope29:42 Finding Love and Healing30:47 Continuous Healing Process32:05 Spiritual Growth and Strength33:12 Advice to the Younger Self34:36 Future Aspirations and Speaking Engagements36:25 introReferences:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidnapping_of_Tanya_Nicole_KachThe Tanya Kach Story with Elizabeth Smart (TV Special ...https://people.com/where-is-tanya-kach-now-8666583https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/who-is-thomas-hose-and-where-is-tanya-kach-s-captor-now/ar-BB1nXXOpHer movie:Watch The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach StoryThe Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story Her Book: Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid: The Tanya Nicole Kach StoryDisclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.