Diamond Defense Podcast

After Lisa creates an age-appropriate risk reduction lesson for a young student, she and Kellie explore how to teach personal safety to kids in a way that empowers rather than scares them. The conversation includes awareness, confidence, verbal boundaries, trusting instincts, support systems, and calming tools adults can use, too.  Show Notes Self Defense Resources Diamond Defense https://diamondd...

Dr. Merideth Thompson joins the Diamond Defense Podcast to unpack financial abuse in intimate relationships: what it is, how it overlaps with coercive control, common red flags, safe exit planning, recovery, and how loved ones can help.  Self Defense Resources Diamond Defense https://diamonddefense.com/resources Other Resources CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse) https://www.capsa...

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of emotional abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Please choose how you listen in a way that protects yourself. Think someone you love might be in an abusive relationship? Tiffiny Newton breaks down red flags, coercive control, trauma bonding, and what actually helps when someone is ready to leave. Show Notes Tiffiny Newton’s Website: http...

Eight episodes in, we pause to listen back—to the moments when instinct spoke, boundaries mattered, and survival took shape in real time. This mid-season recap revisits discussions of sexual assault, coercive control, and personal safety; nothing is graphic, but some content may be activating. Self Defense Resources Diamond Defense https://diamonddefense.com/resources Domestic Violence Hotline (in...

Content Warning: This episode includes personal accounts of coercive control, emotional abuse, intimidation, and fear within a relationship. Understand coercive control relationships and the quiet patterns of emotional abuse hiding in plain sight. This episode explores some of the hidden patterns of emotional and psychological abuse, why they’re so hard to recognize, and how awareness can become a...

Think self-defense is only for the strong or the fearless? Think again. In this episode, Lisa breaks down reality-based training, martial arts options, and the truth about awareness, boundaries, and using your voice as your first weapon. Perfect for anyone ready to feel safer, more grounded, and more confident — no matter your size, age, or starting point. Self Defense Resources https://diamonddef...

What do a race car driver, a wolf man, and a maybe–sex-cult recruiter have in common? They each taught a hard-earned lesson in intuition, boundaries, and the courage to walk away. Co-host Kellie turns three wild dating tales — Race Car Driver Man, Wolf Man, and Possible Sex Cult Recruiter Guy — into modern parables on red flags, boundaries, and self-trust. With co-host Lisa, they explore how payin...

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and violence with mentions of survival strategies and evidence preservation. Listener discretion is advised.  Lisa breaks down “Active Compliance” — survival through instinct, awareness, and evidence preservation. Learn the ALERT system and real tactics for staying safe, empowered, and fiercely alive.  The information shared is fo...

Content Warning: This episode contains a story referencing attempted sexual assault. In Distraction Techniques , actor Martha recounts an unsettling encounter that escalated quickly — and the split-second decisions that helped her stay safe. Lisa and Kellie break down her story, sharing strategies anyone can use to spot warning signs and protect themselves in vulnerable moments.   Sexual Assault R...

In this episode of Diamond Defense, Lisa and Kellie explore how destination — where you’re headed, how you move, and the energy you project — can be a powerful tool for self-defense. Guest Jessica shares two gripping stories from her time in Paris, when trusting her instincts and using her voice helped her escape being followed. Learn how awareness, confidence, and purpose can shift the balance of...

Diamond Defense Podcast: Confidence Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s action . Join Lisa and Kellie in Episode 2 of the Diamond Defense Podcast as we continue the conversation about women's self-defense & ways to keep ourselves from being targeted for attack. Our guest, Kelley shares a Chicago street story and shows how trusting your instincts (and your little monster) can keep you saf...

In our debut episode, we dive straight into the power of awareness and storytelling with a compelling feature of Aniko’s journey. She shares how real-life experiences with danger shaped her instincts and approach to staying safe, proving that our greatest challenges often teach us the most important lessons. Co-hosts Lisa and Kellie also explore what makes self-defense so much more than just techn...

Real stories. Real strategies. Real strength. More than fighting back — the Diamond Defense Podcast is about moving through the world with awareness, confidence, and strength. Join co-producers, co-hosts, and friends Lisa, a self-defense instructor, and Kellie, a storyteller, as they share real-life experiences, practical strategies, and empowering conversations that help women stay safer without...