Rights and Remedies

This week on Rights and Remedies, I sit down with Chris Yadon, Chief Impact Officer of The Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation and Managing Director of Saprea, an organization dedicated to liberating individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. As a thought leader and strategist, Chris is committed to increasing awareness and educating the public on both preve...

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Spencer King to expose the dark underbelly of the troubled teen industry through his latest feature, The Wilderness . We dive into the brutal realities of wilderness therapy programs and therapeutic boarding schools - where survival, not healing, often becomes the goal. Spencer shares what inspired the film, starring lead actor Hunter Doohan, built the st...

This week on Rights and Remedies , Allison speaks with Texas-based family law attorney and former judge Michele Locke.  With over 22 years in the courtroom, including time presiding over a domestic violence court, Michelle brings both fierce advocacy and lived insight into what really happens in high-conflict family law cases. They discuss: What it’s like running a dedicated domestic violence cour...

Abby Honold reported her rape in 2014. But instead of receiving support, she was met with disbelief, threats of being charged for false reporting, and a justice system that failed her at every turn. She didn’t stop there. Abby went on to fight for systemic change, and helped pass The Abby Honold Act , a federal bill aimed at training law enforcement in trauma-informed response to survivors of sexu...

In this episode of Rights and Remedies , I speak with Renee Bernhard , co-founder and executive director of Be The Source , a nonprofit transforming child welfare support across Colorado.  Renee is a former foster parent with a deep commitment to supporting families and children experiencing child welfare. She co-founded Be The Source (formerly Foster Source) to improve foster parent retention and...

In this episode of Rights and Remedies , I sit down with Sophie Stephenson, Director of Operations at the Madison Tech Clinic and a PhD candidate in computer sciences at UW-Madison.  Her research focuses on understanding and combating modern forms of technology-facilitated abuse - work that is not only groundbreaking but urgently needed. The Madison Tech Clinic provides direct, trauma-informed ser...

Content Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, neglect, and child welfare. What does it take to be a foster parent - and why are so many leaving the system? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. John DeGarmo, founder of The Foster Care Institute, who has welcomed over 60 children into his home.  From the heartbreak of child loss to the systemic issues plaguing foster care, including burnou...

In this episode of Rights and Remedies , I speak with Liz Entin - entrepreneur, podcast host, and a secondary witness in both New York trials against Harvey Weinstein.  Liz shares her experience testifying in one of the most high-profile sexual assault cases in recent history and offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like to be part of the legal process as a witness. We explore...

In this episode of Rights and Remedies, I speak with multi-disciplinary artist from Brooklyn, Choichun Leung about the deeply personal and often complex journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse.  Choichun shares how suppressed memories surfaced later in life, especially after becoming a mother, and how art became both her outlet and her guide through recovery. We explore the origins of her Y...

In this episode of Rights & Remedies , I sit down with Elizabeth Payne and Emily Jones from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) to explore what legal advocacy really looks like for survivors of sexual harm. We dig into the criminal vs. civil legal systems and the massive disconnect between what survivors expect and what actually happens when they report. From how prosecuto...

What happens when a former federal prosecutor turns reformer, and uses data and AI to change the system from the inside out? This week on Rights and Remedies , host Alison Mahoney is joined by Allison Pierre, founder of Innovative Prosecution Consulting . After years working at the Brooklyn DA’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C., Allison pivoted to fight for fairness in a different way...

In this episode of Rights and Remedies , I’m joined by Meg Applegate, CEO of UNSILENCED, a nonprofit dedicated to ending institutional child abuse in the so-called "troubled teen" industry. Meg shares her harrowing story of being abducted at age 15 and held in two residential facilities for over three years. She details her long journey of waking up to the abuse she experienced, and how...

In this episode, I sit down with Dani Fankhauser - writer and intuitive coach - to explore how writing can be a transformative tool for healing. Together, we delve into: Dani's experience of writing and its impact on her healing journey The role of intuition and spirituality in the writing process How writing can serve as a form of self-discovery and empowerment Practical advice for aspiring...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shannon Meyer, the Executive Director of Response , a nonprofit doing critical work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking here in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. Shannon’s path to this work is unlike any I’ve heard - she came from a background in environmental conservation and ended up leading a sur...

Trigger warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of domestic violence, reproductive coercion, and sexual assault. Please listen with care. In this raw and unflinching conversation, Lynn Stroud shares her powerful story of surviving reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, and the long journey from silence to advocacy.  What started as a seemingly small betrayal became a pivotal...

TW: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse, narcissism, and trauma. Please take care while listening. What does it really take to rebuild your life after narcissistic abuse and deep emotional trauma?  In this powerful episode, holistic counselor, author, and podcast host Lorene Roberts opens up about her personal journey from feeling completely broken to finding emotional freedom, and...

If you’ve just discovered an intimate photo or video of yourself online without your consent, take a breath - you are not alone, and there is a way forward. When you're hit with the shock of finding an intimate image shared without your consent, the instinct is clear: make it disappear, fast. But here’s the hard truth: deleting too quickly could erase the very evidence you need to take legal...

Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault. When writer and activist Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs was sexually assaulted by someone she knew and trusted, she began a journey that was painful, confusing, and deeply transformational.  She reported to police, went through a two-year legal process, and along the way, realized how few meaningful, survivor-centered resources were available. So...

Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, including the sexual abuse of minors. In this powerful episode of Rights + Remedies , I'm joined by Justin Boardman, retired detective and nationally recognised advocate for trauma-informed policing.  Justin Boardman served as a detective in the Special Victims Unit for 15 years. Today, he’s a national speaker, consultant, and advoc...

***TRIGGER WARNING: Child Abuse and Child Neglect*** The foster care system is complex, and for many families, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Rights + Remedies , Jill Roth-Gutman, a Child Welfare Law Specialist and experienced attorney, breaks down the key aspects of child welfare law and foster care. Jill shares: 🔹 What actually happens in court during a f...

***TRIGGER WARNING: Child Abuse and Child Neglect*** Teenagers in foster care face an uphill battle - not just in finding placements but in overcoming the trauma they’ve endured. In this episode of Rights + Remedies , I sit down with Tiffani Dhooge, a relentless advocate for at-risk youth and CEO of Children’s Harbor, to discuss the realities of foster care and the power of community in healing tr...

***TRIGGER WARNING: Cyber Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse*** In today's episode, I'm joined by Lindsay Lieberman, attorney and founder of Lindsay Lieberman, LLC, a legal and consulting firm dedicated to advocating for victims of cyber abuse.  From sextortion to deep fakes, Lindsay works to support survivors and educate parents, schools, and law enforcement on the dangers of digital harm. W...

In this episode, I'll shed light on the growing intersection of domestic violence and cyber abuse. While domestic violence is often thought of as physical or emotional harm, digital abuse is an increasing tool used by perpetrators to assert control, seek revenge, and punish victims. Today, I'll be talking about: The different types of domestic violence and their digital counterparts The...

In this episode, I'm joined by somatic trauma-informed coach Darla Radilla to discuss the journey of healing from narcissistic abuse and reclaiming your power. Darla shares her personal experiences of surviving an abusive childhood and multiple toxic relationships, and how she turned her pain into a mission to help others. We Explore: The signs of narcissistic abuse, including the love-bomb,...

Today, I'm sitting down with Kahila Hedayatzadeh, founder of the Thriving Woman Institute, to explore the intersection of therapy and coaching for trauma-focused healing.  As a seasoned psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in trauma healing and relational therapy, Kahila shares her unique approach to helping adults heal relational wounds, face their trauma, and build...