Medusa’s Mic

Is it okay for men to have preferences about our bodies? Why do we leap to defend a man's "preference" about what our bodies should look like? If you want to build a long-term, healthy, intimate relationship, shouldn't he accept you as you are? In this episode we ask: - Are they really "preferences" or "expectations" and why do we think we have to meet them? - If we adjust our goals, looks and hai...

You can love your family, but it might be unhealthy to stay closely connected to them. Estrangement is also far more common than you think.  This episode explores the following topics: - Believing you have to forgive your family, no matter what, can be harmful and not serve your best interests - Leaving an unhealthy family can be difficult because society says you should stay and work it out becau...

We have so many conversations about sex, dating, relationship styles, but we rarely talk about love in any detail. What is it? How do we define it? We have been taught and internalised unhealthy love stories through our families, religions, culture, film, social media and celebrities. This is not leading us to the beautiful love relationships we all deserve and desire. We need to start the journey...

Some of us are conditioned from a young age to excuse, overlook and bypass abuse - but we're not even aware that we are doing it. This episode covers five ways we are taught to excuse abuse and how you can kick the habit. It explores how societal, religious and cultural norms, films, media, social media and families shape our ideas about relationships and love, and may normalise unhealthy and dest...

If you've ever said, "But I love him" to excuse disrespect or worse, this episode of Medusa's Mic may provide some insights about how you reached that point. Toxic rom-com storylines, destructive celebrity role models, outdated societal norms and dysfunctional family patterns can shape our ideas about love and our thinking about what relationships should look like. Unhealthy love behaviours become...

Five guests, 11 episodes and a world of knowledge. Over the past two months we have heard from experts in sexual and domestic violence prevention and response, and victim-survivors. We also explored the impacts of unconscious bias throughout the Depp vs Heard trial, and learned more about our host Lucretia Ackfield and her goals for this podcast. Episode 12 marks the season one finale of Medusa’s...

In this week’s episode, host and founder Lucretia Ackfield reflects on the conversations and situations that motivated her to create the Medusa’s Mic podcast. Like many of us, Lucretia was fed up with the high levels of sexual violence in our communities. This frustration inspired her to take action at a grassroots level by seeking to change the attitudes and behaviours that enable and perpetuate...

"It takes a village to protect an abuser." - Sharna Bremner, Founder of End Rape on Campus Australia, in The Reckoning by Jess Hill.   Join Lucretia, founder of the Stop Sexual Violence Collaboration and host of the Medusa’s Mic podcast, as she reflects on the troubling societal issues brought to light during the recent Depp v Heard case in the United States. Lucretia dives beneath the surface to...

[2/2] In part two of Lucretia's conversation with Morgana Prior, she explains why it is important for corporations to establish policies which specify how to respond to victims of domestic violence. Morgana also discusses how businesses can support employees experiencing family and sexual violence and facilitate their safe return to the workplace. Drawing on her real-life experience of working in...

[1/2] Join Lucretia as she chats to Morgana Prior, a senior leader in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) largest superannuation company, Nambawan Super. Morgana shares the unique and tailored approach her organisation and the PNG corporate sector use to respond to domestic and sexual violence. She discusses the challenges of the cross-cultural environment, the impacts of local traditions and the potential f...

[2/2] In part two of Simone O’Brien’s story, she explains how she uses her experience and knowledge to help protect others from domestic violence and abuse. Simone also shares her insights about why she believes we should trust our gut instincts to identify red flags within a relationship and obey the warning signs. Simone touches on how the Australian justice system fails to fully protect domesti...

[1/2] In this week’s episode, we hear the real-life story of domestic violence survivor, Simone O’Brien. In 2012, Simone attempted to end a relationship and was brutally attacked by a perpetrator wouldn't take no for an answer. Her story uncovers the difficulties single parents face when navigating the world of online dating and the red flags to watch out for. Ten years on, Simone continues to sha...

Today, Lucretia chats to Dr Michael Flood, an internationally-recognised researcher on men, masculinity, gender equality and violence prevention. This episode tackles the gender gap between men and women’s awareness of sexual violence. In a wide-ranging discussion, Lucretia and Michael explore how socialisation impacts young men and, in particular, how it shapes their attitudes about violence agai...

[2/2] This episode continues the conversation with Tracey Leigh-Allen who provides advice and training on how to respond to employees dealing with domestic violence. She discusses how we can recognise the early signs of abuse, and provide support before it reaches a crisis point. This episode also highlights the warning signs when there is a domestic violence perpetrator in the office. Tracey exam...

[2/2] Lucretia and Erin continue their discussion about sexual violence and how it impacts young women in particular. This episode dives into the topics of reporting sexual assault and the services available to women and young girls affected in these scenarios. Erin encourages women to stand up and advocate for themselves when the time is right, without fear of judgement. Erin and Lucretia discuss...

[1/2] In this episode, Lucretia chats to Tracey Leigh-Allen who has extensive experience in the domestic and family violence sector, including working with the Queensland Police Service. Tracey helps businesses and organisations to develop domestic violence policies and support staff if they’re experiencing violence or abuse at home. Tracey discusses the more common and less easily recognised sign...

[1/2] Today’s episode features special guest Erin Cash, a former police detective who spent 12 years in child abuse and sexual assault investigations. She is also an educator and social commentator for the prevention of domestic and family violence, and sexual violence.  Lucretia and Erin discuss Erin's career with the Queensland Police, including her time with Task Force Argos, the branch respons...