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 Hidden Health Toll of Abuse: HPV, Cancer, and What No One Told You

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 02/06/2026

What if trauma you survived years ago is still affecting your body? For abuse and assault survivors, the effects can show up decades later. Rev. Dr. Geneece joins to discuss the link between abuse, assault, and cervical cancer.

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Bystander Intervention: Empowering Bystanders to Make a Difference

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 03/03/2026

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.

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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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Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 28/01/2026

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!

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