Welcome to the Aware and Prepared podcast

where I, Mandi, a trained domestic violence victim advocate helps those feeling vulnerable learn emotional self defense and how to be street smart.

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You deserve to live in peace and safety! Hear safety tips that will help us enjoy empowered lives. Let’s leave worry behind so we can be savvy, aware, and prepared

The Invisible Cage: Tactics of Coercive Control Every Person Needs to Know

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 03/03/2026

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, MSc, DPC 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.

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Signs of a Healthy Relationship Most People Have Never Been Taught: More Than Green Flags

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 24/02/2026

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.

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Modern Dating Survival Guide: Psychologist Reveals Her Experience with "Are We Dating the Same Guy?", ENM, and Today's Dating Apps

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 17/02/2026

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.

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Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 11/02/2026

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.

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