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

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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Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger and Finding Safety Together

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 04/02/2026

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.

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