Connect and Thrive

This episode features a deep discussion on power-based violence and intimate partner violence within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting misconceptions, intersectional impacts, and systemic challenges. Guests from the Frederick Center share insights on trauma-informed care, legal system failures, and how to support survivors effectively. **Correction from the episode, the Lethality Assessment scr...

Discover how Gallup Strengths can be a transformative tool for trauma survivors and anyone seeking self-empowerment. Rebecca Anybody shares her journey, practical insights, and how embracing your strengths builds trust, boundaries, and resilience. Interested in learning more? Come see Rebecca host our annual Take Back the Night event on Thursday, April 23rd. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-back-...

This is the second of two videos on the topic of Domestic Violence Registries. In this episode of The Heart Beat hosts Cameron and Caroline explore the complex issues surrounding domestic violence registries, highlighting their potential harms and limitations. Experts Cameron and Caroline discuss privacy concerns, false safety assurances, and the need for survivor-centered policies. If you or some...

In this episode, Dr. Asher Beckwit shares their journey as a survivor of sexual trauma and their expertise in somatic healing. They discuss the importance of understanding the mind-body connection in healing, the role of safety and self-compassion, and how trauma is stored in the body. Dr. Beckwit emphasizes that healing is not a linear process and encourages listeners to meet themselves where the...

In this episode, Caroline introduces a critical discussion on teen dating violence, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for both teens and their caregivers. The conversation features Jordan, a youth prevention coordinator at Heartly House, and Haven, a survivor speaker and advocate. They delve into the complexities of teen dating violence, highlighting how it differs from adult int...

This is the first of two videos on the topic of Domestic Violence Registries. To hear the potential negative consequences of these policies, please head to Part 2 at https://youtu.be/9iUIlyXgE_c. In this episode of The Heart Beat hosts Cameron and Caroline discuss a groundbreaking new law in Tennessee that establishes a domestic violence registry, making it the first state to implement such a meas...

In this conversation, Jenn from Heartly House engages with Lindsey Carpenter, Chief Assistant State's Attorney, and Jennifer, Director of Community-Based Services at Heartly House, to discuss the critical issue of human trafficking. They explore the definition of human trafficking, its prevalence in Frederick County, and the importance of community awareness and prevention. The discussion highligh...

In this episode of The Heart Beat, Abbey and Jenn discuss pressing issues in the Frederick County community, focusing on intimate partner violence, domestic violence, gun violence, and innovative solutions like apps developed during a hackathon at Brown University. They explore the implications of extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs) and the ongoing controversy surrounding Uber and Lyft's safety...

Violence prevention is at the core of the work we do, and this episode dives deep into one of the most important, and often misunderstood, tools for community safety:  Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). We sit down with  Jay Hessler  from the Frederick County Health Department and  newly appointed Chief Meyer  of the Frederick Police Department for a clear, candid conversation about how ERPOs...

Welcome to The Heart Beat, our regular check-in on the pulse of the community. On The Heart Beat, we will regularly highlight current stories and essential resources related to power-based violence. In our first episode, we’re covering the recently released batch of Jeffrey Epstein files and what they reveal about power, exploitation, and critical conversations around age of consent. In the U.S.,...

The holidays can be a joyful time, but for many survivors of abuse, they can also bring unique challenges. In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Heartly House counselor Clare to talk about navigating the holiday season while healing from trauma. Together, we explore how to set healthy boundaries, recognize triggers, and practice genuine self-care amid family gatherings and societal expectati...

Youth violence prevention professional Alexis Delgado discusses the Diddy trial, focusing on the power dynamics involved in relationships, particularly in the context of abuse and consent. The discussion also touches on the legal outcomes of the trial and the implications of wealth and influence on justice, as well as the racial dynamics surrounding allegations of abuse. Ultimately, the conversati...

What does it really take to support someone through trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use? In this episode, I sit down with mental health expert, Lauren Riley, to explore the powerful role of trust, empathy, and human connection — even if you don’t have a mental health degree. Whether you're a professional, peer, or just someone who cares, this conversation sheds light on how healing...

In this episode of the Heartly House podcast, host Caroline interviews Survivor Speaker Jessie, who shares her powerful story of overcoming intimate partner violence. Jessie discusses her journey from denial to empowerment, the importance of community support, and how art has played a crucial role in her healing process. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about abuse, the resou...

What does it take to build a safer, more compassionate community? In this powerful conversation, we dive into the work of  Heartly House , a frontline organization dedicated to preventing power-based violence and supporting survivors. You'll hear about the  emotional realities  of working with survivors, the transformative impact of  survivor speaker panels , and how  community outreach  and  loca...

Have you heard? Heartly House has a podcast! In our first full-length episode, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what this podcast is all about. You’ll hear about our mission, the kinds of topics we’ll cover, and why this space matters for survivors, advocates, and our community. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, tune in to learn what you can expect in the...

Check out this teaser getting you ready for the launch of Heartly House's new podcast!