Conversations We've Never Had

In this episode of Conversations We've Never Had, Candice and Gemma close Season Three by exploring the power of connection - and why it is the most effective tool we have for transforming how we respond to child sexual abuse. After a season spent deep in systems work, speaking with young people, families, and those working across the sector, they reflect on what they've found at the heart of ever...

In this episode of Conversations We’ve Never Had, Candice and Gemma discuss the topic of disclaimers: are trigger warnings protecting survivors or silencing their stories? They explore the tension between keeping people safe and creating space for authentic conversations about child sexual abuse. From navigating social situations to leading professional trainings, they discuss how constant disclai...

In this week's episode of Conversations We've Never Had, Candice and Gemma explore vulnerability. They discuss how vulnerability can shift from a place of strength to one of self-questioning, especially in spaces where there is silence as this can mirror the impacts of trauma. Candice and Gemma reflect on the importance of trust - both in ourselves and from others - and how vulnerability can coexi...

In this episode, of Conversations We’ve Never Had, Candice and Gemma unpack the complex weight of responsibility that survivors of child sexual abuse carry throughout their lives - from the moment of abuse through disclosure, the criminal justice process, and beyond. They explore how responsibility shows up in every area of life: the guilt of "breaking" a family, the burden of holding secrets, the...

What does it really mean for young survivors of child sexual abuse to participate in their own healing? In this episode of Conversations We've Never Had, Gemma and Candice explore the power - and complexity - of bringing young people together to connect, share, and create change. They discuss the difference between participation, co-production, and leadership, and why connection must come before a...

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell discuss the concept of the "child self" and how trauma exists outside of linear time. They explore recognising when wounded child selves show up, learning to parent ourselves through difficult moments, and breaking negative feedback loops with kindness and wonder. This episode about acknowledging pain while holding onto hope and the possibility of healing. **Cont...

In this episode, Candice and Gemma reflect on leaving roles they loved at specialist services supporting survivors of child sexual abuse. They explore the complex emotions of endings: the grief of leaving meaningful work, stepping away from teams and families they've grown close to, and choosing growth over comfort. As they embark on a new journey focused on national systems change, they discuss t...

In the first episode of Season 3 of "Conversations We've Never Had," hosts Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell reunite in Barcelona after speaking at a conference to explore what it truly means to move forward alongside trauma. Both survivors of child sexual abuse and passionate advocates for healing, Candice and Gemma share personal reflections on how trauma shapes their daily lives, relationships...

Since finishing the first season, some of our listeners have written in to ask how Candice and Gemma felt about what they had recorded and where they are now. So here are some reflections and conversations they had on their last day of recording. They hope to be back with you again very soon. **Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distre...

Gemma Halliwell and Candice Harris consider the concept of fortitude for survivors of child sexual abuse. Through insights from their personal experiences and professional lives, Candice and Gemma explore the possibility for survivors to integrate their experiences into their work, transforming trauma into activism and change. They emphasise the importance of gentleness, creativity, and conne...

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell discuss love in the context of survival from child sexual abuse. Love is complex for survivors; in their exploration, Candice and Gemma share deeply personal stories about how their experiences with abuse shaped their understanding and ability to give and receive love, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing affection from manipulation, the struggle to buil...

In this episode, Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell focus on the debilitating state of feeling stuck after traumatic experiences, both mentally and physically. Exploring their personal stories and knowing how many survivors share aspects of them, they advocate for a better understanding from practitioners – and loved ones – of how trauma can affect the body as well as the mind and highlight the im...

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell explore the idea of exposure and how it impacts survivors of child sexual abuse. Through their discussion, they focus on the aftermath of a disclosure. Highlighting the emotional vulnerability and complexity involved in revealing abuse. Sharing their personal experience and professional insights, Candice and Gemma stress the importance of creating a more emp...

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell reflect on the silent moment before a disclosure, the quiet struggle of carrying a traumatic secret and the complete disintegration of self that can occur within a survivor. Confronting the complexity and fallout of revealing the abuse, they discuss the importance of survivor empathy and understanding in society.  Each episode of the podcast focuses on a dif...

In their very first episode, hosts Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell introduce themselves and their podcast.  Both survivors of child sexual abuse, their passion behind creating this podcast focuses on the importance of open conversation about this often silenced topic. Through sharing their personal stories alongside expertise gained from working as researchers and practitioners in the fiel...

No boundaries; only shared experiences. Join survivors, friends and leaders in the sector Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell as they introduce their brand new podcast raising the voices of survivors of child sexual abuse. Series 1 launches 26th February 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.