Truth and Consequences

Maddie Morris is a contemporary folk musician who won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2019 and has been described as "leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters." Maddie’s music uses personal storytelling to embody political ideas, and their music tackles issues ranging from LGBTQIA identities to poverty, sexual violence, and voting to name a few. Maddie's fir...

Ryan Soscia is the Founder & CEO of JDoe, a reporting app for survivors of sexual assault that identifies repeat offenders. Ryan explains the app's intriguing origin story in which a group of his friends identified a mutual abuser and the stunning events that followed.  Ryan's firsthand experience inspired him to create the app as a way to reduce sexual violence by solving the proble...

Jen Elizabeth speaks openly about her addiction recovery and the trauma she lived through. We talk about the fact that trauma frequently underlies addiction and discuss the emotional work required to stop using, develop new coping mechanisms, and begin to heal from trauma. Jen was raised in a cult where she was sexually abused by her pastor and neglected by her parents. She became addicted to alco...

It's me, Miranda, on the first episode since I filed a sexual assault lawsuit. I talk about what's happened in my life since. I also discuss statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse, the NY Child Victims Act, my first tattoo, and more.  Find the Truth & Consequences website , Facebook page , Instagram & Twitter accounts. Find the Second Wound website , Facebook page , Insta...

Po Murray Chairs the grassroots non-profit organization, Newtown Action Alliance which formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy--and which I helped found. Po explains the grassroots group's efforts to stem gun violence through legislation and cultural change. We talk about activism as a means of addressing trauma, and the widespread effects of gun violence in America. Visit the Newtown Ac...

Psychotherapist and EMDR consultant Barbara Heffernan, LCSW explains how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing works and walks listeners through the application of this effective trauma treatment. Barbara discusses the positive outcomes she sees as a trauma specialist when treating patients with a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. Miranda describes her own brief e...

My first returning guest Kathryn Robb talks with me about changes to Title IX (put in place by Betsy DeVos) that make it harder for victims of sexual assault to get justice, as well as updates in child sexual abuse statute of limitations laws and the added risk posed by the pandemic for current victims of child abuse. Show Notes Child USA website statute of limitations information Child USA websit...

My guests Irish and Kenaz describe their work as volunteer members of Bikers Against Child Abuse, or BACA. The group’s mission is to create a safer environment for abused children. They do this by working in conjunction with local and state officials when it has been determined that the child is frightened by their environment and could benefit from BACA ’ s protective services. These include emot...

Somatic Experiencing taps into the science of the autonomic nervous system to treat trauma in a non-invasive manner. Expressive art therapist Carol Hodson explains this intriguing treatment modality and also discusses the power of art as a healing tool.  Video: What Israeli Schoolchildren Sing to Deal With Rockets https://youtu.be/1LG2Qkcn7iM   If you appreciate this content, please donate to help...

Miranda shares her thoughts about the ways trauma and loss in the present tend to bring up trauma and loss from our past. And how it happened to her on a trip to the grocery store at the height of the pandemic.  If you appreciate this content, please donate to help cover my production costs through Paypal @Miranda-Pacchiana or Venmo @mirandapacchiana1 Find the Truth & Consequences website , Fa...

Francine Wheeler is a singer, songwriter, playwright, and actress whose 6 year-old-son Ben Wheeler died in the 2012 Sandy Hook School shooting. Francine talks with Miranda about coping with her grief, living differently in the aftermath of immense loss, and how she continues to create meaning and find joy. Learn about the Wheelers’ non-profit organization, Ben’s Lighthouse whose mission drives the...

La Shanda Sugg is a licensed professional counselor, trainer, and consultant specializing in trauma therapies. We discuss the ways our past trauma shows up in everyday lives and relationships and how this knowledge can lead to healthier thinking and behaviors, including specific advice for coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.  La Shanda owns Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting LLC in Ohio and...

Nicole Potter was devastated when her best friend Kimberly died suddenly and under confusing circumstances. At first, Nicole was told it was suicide but the case was never officially resolved. In this interview, we learn about the ways Kimberly and Nicole supported each other through life's challenges and how Nicole is navigating life after her friend's death--which includes carrying on...

Kathryn Robb is an attorney, advocate, and survivor. She tells Miranda about the recent and rapid improvements in statutes of limitations for sex crimes in states across the country, and why these changes are so sorely needed. Kathryn is the Executive Director of Child USAdvocacy . You can follow them on Twitter @CHILDUSAdvocacy and Instagram @childusadvocacy.  If you appreciate this content, plea...

Jamie Sivrais, founder of the non-profit A Voice for the Innocent survived sexual abuse as a child at the hands of his father. When he spoke up, his mother took action to protect him and help him seek justice.  Jamie talks about his organization's unique storytelling platform for sexual violence survivors and the desire to pay it forward which inspired him.  If you appreciate this content, pl...

Artist & writer Emanuella Israel created an honest, healthy life for herself despite growing up stifled by domestic violence. She explains why she's determined to speak her truth, shed the shame she once carried, and empower other women to join her in loving their bodies and themselves. See Emanuella's gorgeous artwork on her website , Etsy store, and Instagram account. If you apprec...

Erica Dziedzic is an anthropologist and a survivor of both domestic violence and child sexual abuse. Erica realized only recently that the emotional and physical pain that has plagued her for years are symptoms of PTSD. She now writes and speaks openly about her work to heal from two abusive relationships and the family of origin who failed to support her, as well as the healthy life she ended up...

Miranda reads a letter from a listener whose brothers sexually abused her when she was a child. "Silenced" details her experience of the second wound: hurtful responses from church and family members when she revealed the abuse. Miranda responds with advice, information, and words of support.  If you appreciate this content, please donate to help cover my production costs through Paypal...

Steve Martin talks with Miranda about his work as CEO of Love146, a non-profit that combats child trafficking & exploitation and provides care for survivors around the globe.  Learn more about the exciting work Love146 is accomplishing worldwide. Find out about Steve's innovative new non-profit organization, Infused Impact , which is dedicated to helping "launch and develop businesse...

A frank conversation with my insightful and honest My friend David Wheeler whose 6-year-old son, Ben was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. David has a lot to say about grief, navigating life after loss, and how our own personal reactions sometimes prevent us from truly supporting others in the wake of trauma and sadness. Learn about the Wheelers' non-profit organiza...

Host Miranda Pacchiana, MSW talks about the aftermath of trauma from several perspectives--as a sexual abuse survivor, personal coach, and resident of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, site of the 2012 school shooting. The podcast will offer information, compassion, and hope to trauma survivors, emphasizing the ways we grow when we face our truth, take care of ourselves, and become stronger, better people...