LUX: SUPPORTING SURVIVORS

“It takes a village” is a phrase we hear time and time again. And while the phrase holds true, it leaves us with unanswered questions, especially when navigating trauma. How do we find our village? How do we become a villager for someone else? How does my village change after trauma?  Healing is often portrayed as an independent journey, but, in reality, it never is. In this episode, EG explores t...

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and acknowledge the challenges many still face. LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, making these conversations especially important. In this episode, EG shares the story of Brandon Teena, a young transgender man whose life, assault, and murder became a pivotal moment in conversations about survi...

In a world where we’re constantly connected, something as simple as texting can feel… unexpectedly heavy. You might find yourself overchecking your phone, overanalyzing tone, rewriting messages, or avoiding responding altogether. In this episode, EG explores the psychology behind texting patterns and habits, and how they’re all rooted in the same place: a desire for safe, predictable connection. E...

It is finally spring! Seasonal depression should be over, but… you’re still stressed and overwhelmed. Make it make sense.  In this episode, EG explores what it means to feel constantly anxious, on edge, or overwhelmed, and why it’s so hard to “just relax.” Through a trauma-informed, neurobiological lens, she breaks down how the brain can get stuck in fight-or-flight (or freeze/fawn), causing every...

Happy love month! In this episode, EG discusses the six universal truths about love through exploring the Greek frameworks of love: eros, philia, storge, and agape, and how conflating them creates pain. Rather than offering a checklist for “healthy love,” this conversation provides insight and compassion for why love can feel confusing, intense, or unsafe, and how to heal from it. The gist: we wil...

Happy New Year! In the first episode of 2026, EG reflects on the challenges, wins, and losses of 2025; a year that asked survivors to navigate legal, cultural, and systemic obstacles while also carrying the labor of healing and advocacy.  Throughout the episode, EG unpacks legal advancements, community advocacy, funding cuts, cultural pressures, and the lie of productivity in healing. The bottom l...

In this episode, EG breaks down why the holidays can feel overwhelming — especially for survivors and anyone navigating complicated family dynamics, sensory overload, or old emotional patterns that surface this time of year. While the season is supposed to be “joyful,” many people feel pressure, exhaustion, and the weight of past experiences they don’t always talk about. EG explores what actually...

Today , EG explores the idea of “rescue mode” — the quiet part of us that still waits for someone or something to finally make it all okay. Whether it’s a partner, an apology, or a moment that finally feels safe, many survivors and trauma-impacted people carry this deep, often invisible, hope of being rescued. Throughout the episode, EG unpacks how rescue mode develops: from growing up in chaos or...

In this episode, EG examines the case of Candon Dean Dahle, a former BYU baseball player accused of sexually abusing a young girl for years. While the headlines focus on him, this episode centers on her and what this case reveals about the justice system’s failures. EG unpacks how plea deals in child sexual abuse cases often silence survivors, minimize harm, and protect perpetrators over children....

What does it really mean to feel “regulated”? In this episode, EG breaks down the window of tolerance: the nervous system’s range where you feel safe, grounded, and able to connect. Through a trauma-informed lens, she breaks down what the window of tolerance actually is, why it is so monumental for healing from trauma, and how to employ practical grounding tools when you need to find balance.  Thi...

In this episode, EG explores what it really means to feel safe in a relationship, not just emotionally, but physiologically. Through a trauma-informed lens, she unpacks the concept of felt safety and shares how survivors of trauma, especially those healing from sexual violence, can begin to recognize, rebuild, and receive support that genuinely feels grounding and safe. She discusses the differenc...

In this episode, EG walks through a practical, trauma-informed approach to coping with emotional triggers, especially those tied to PTSD and sexual trauma. She breaks down how the brain and nervous system respond during a trigger and shares four simple steps that can help regulate your body and restore a sense of safety. This episode offers survivors tangible tools for grounding, emotional regulat...

Cat is back! If you're new here, Cat is the other co-founder of Lux and was co-host on the pod before she moved to D.C. last summer. It’s been a minute, but we finally found time to sit down together again, and I could not be more excited for you to hear this convo. We’re diving into something that is on everyone’s mind right now: how to stay engaged in everything going on in the world without...

In this episode, EG opens up about the loneliness of surviving; how trauma doesn’t just take something from you, it leaves you with the aftershocks long after. She talks about the story of Kayla Malec and dives deep into the different kinds of loneliness survivors face: the grief for the person you were before, the disconnect from the world around you, and the complicated feelings toward the versi...

In this episode, EG dives into the worst questions survivors get asked, and why so many of them miss the mark. From the straight-up harmful to the shockingly common, she unpacks the assumptions behind questions like “What were you wearing?” and “Are you sure that’s what happened?” and talks about how curiosity, concern, or even good intentions can still cause harm when we’re not being mindful. She...

In this episode, EG talks about forgiveness after trauma—specifically after sexual violence—and all the pressure that can come with it. There’s this idea that forgiving the person who hurt you is the key to healing, but she doesn’t think it’s that simple.  She shares some of her own story and thoughts on what forgiveness has (and hasn’t) looked like for her and why she thinks we need to give survi...

In this episode, EG sits down with Molly Booker for an open and powerful conversation about hypersexuality after assault, the deep impact of guilt and shame on survivors, and the power of reclaiming the word “no.” Molly shares her personal journey, offering insights into the healing process, the complexity of survivor experiences, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. They also dive into he...

Happy Women's History Month! In this episode, EG is diving into what it really means to be a woman: the rules we were taught, the labels we were given, and the impossible expectations we’ve been trying to meet for way too long. From “be likable” to “don’t be too much ,” we’re unpacking the unspoken rules that shaped us and throwing them away. She’s breaking down what it means to take up space,...

Coping—are we actually dealing with things, or just avoiding them in a way that looks productive? In this episode, EG is breaking down the fine line between coping and crutch—when a habit is actually helping and when it’s just keeping us stuck. She asked a bunch of people how they cope, and the answers? All over the place. Some are out here journaling and setting goals, while others are numbing ou...

In this episode, EG sits down with the incredible Victoria Ellen, author of Painting in the Rain: A True Story of Trickery and Triumph. Her story is raw, powerful, and truly unforgettable—one of resilience, survival, and ultimately, reclaiming her narrative. Victoria opens up about the events that shaped her memoir, the emotional journey of writing it, and what life looks like for her now. They di...

Love—it’s complicated. In this episode, EG is diving into all things love: what it should feel like, what it shouldn’t , and why love bombing ruins your self-esteem (oops). She’s breaking down love languages, green flags, red flags, and why “no fighting” isn’t actually the goal in a healthy relationship. And since February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month , she’s wrapping up with an importa...

In this episode, EG is pulling back the curtain on how Lux came to be, the gaps they saw in supporting survivors, and the passion that keeps them going. From the rocky journey of starting a nonprofit as college students to the inspiring community they have built, this episode covers it all. She will also share her personal story—how her experiences shaped Lux, some fun facts about her, and, of cou...

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening. Welcome to the first episode of 2025, and we’re starting the year with a bang! In this episode, EG takes you through the rollercoaster that was 2024—the victories, the injustices, and the stories that shaped the year. From high-profile cases that d...

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening. EG shares her unique take on New Year’s resolutions with survivors and allies in mind, breaking free from the usual self-improvement tropes to explore deeper, feel-good themes. Centered around authenticity, selfish self-care, and intentionality, th...

In this episode, EG steps away from our typical programming to focus on something lighter—winter wellness. Designed with survivors and allies in mind, this episode explores how to cultivate peace, joy, and connection during the colder months. From mental health practices to holiday shopping tips that spark happiness, EG shares ideas to make winter feel less daunting and more delightful. It’s a fre...