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 - Copy

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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Unlocking Natural Healing: Pilates, Fascia & Nervous System Work with Kris Haley

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 01/07/2025

Welcome to learning a powerful connection between physical movement, the fascial system, and the nervous system—and how tuning into your body’s subtle signals can help you release trauma, regulate your stress response, and reclaim your sense of safety. You’ll hear personal stories, learn what the MELT Method actually is from Kris Haley, and walk away with real tools—like conscious breathing and body scanning—you can start using right now. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional overwhelm, or just trying to feel more balanced, this conversation is both validating and incredibly useful.

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How I Healed My Nervous System: Reclaiming Peace with Neuroplasticity

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 04/06/2025

How did I accidentally heal my nervous system? What did I stumble upon on accident? In this powerful episode, Dr. Keean and I explore how trauma reshapes our nervous system and how we can use prediction error, gentle sensory experiences, and intentional movement to rewire fear-based patterns. Learn how the brain constantly predicts based on the past—and how introducing new, safe, and empowering experiences helps us reclaim peace, presence, and possibility. Whether you’re a trauma survivor, a healing professional, or simply someone seeking to feel safer and more grounded in your body and life, this episode offers insights into the science of neuroplasticity and practical ways to shift from survival mode to thriving.

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Mindfulness for Managing Emotional Triggers, Even When Co-Parenting with a Narcissist – Dr. Dorian

Mandi Pratt

Published on: 10/12/2024

Master The Art of NOT “Biting The Hook” with Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and meditation instructor. She shares wisdom from her personal journey of co-parenting with a narcissist. Building on last week’s conversation about her challenges, Dr. Dorian dives into practical mindfulness strategies to help anyone avoid being emotionally "hooked" by others' triggering behaviors. She shares about our tendency to get attached or triggered—and provides actionable steps to recognize and interrupt emotional reactivity. Whether you're dealing with difficult co-parenting dynamics or simply navigating daily stressors, her advice is universally valuable. Dr. Dorian also explores the power of self-compassion and loving-kindness meditation as tools for grounding and emotional resilience. Listeners will learn how to redirect their energy and cultivate inner peace amidst external chaos!

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