Uproot Abuse

From a near-fatal attack to fighting global injustice, this episode dives deep into the extraordinary life of Attorney Josh Kolsrud. Hear his harrowing story of survival after a brutal stabbing and how that traumatic experience shaped his perspective as a prosecutor, leading him to confront international sex trafficking, cartel operations, and the systemic issues surrounding domestic violence. Thi...

Parenting presents unique challenges, but you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Marcus R. Earle, a renowned clinical psychologist, shares vital insights for fostering healthy family dynamics. Discover practical strategies to break controlling or abusive behavioral patterns, a crucial step in preventing their transmission across generations. Dr. Earle offers actionable tips on being present, utili...

Kayla DeCant, Project Director of Prevention & Outreach at Lewis University, is all about stopping gender-based violence—especially on college campuses. We explore "adultism," as a barrier to empowering young people to seek help, and common roadblocks for youth involvement in prevention efforts. Kayla gets real about the current federal ban on words like “equity” and “empathy,” and shares crea...

It's happening in our communities, often unseen. Retired Detective Heidi Chance pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of human trafficking, sharing her firsthand undercover work to catch these criminals in plain sight. Discover the surprising realities of who traffickers are, how they operate, and why financial incentives need to be addressed. Learn the warning signs, the importance of open c...

Join Mandi Pratt, host of the “Aware & Prepared” podcast as she bravely recounts her story of marrying her high school sweetheart who became a narcissistic abuser, the harrowing experience of leaving with her young son, and the unbelievable twist of identifying him as an FBI-wanted bank robber. Now, Mandi is a passionate advocate, sharing her insights on recognizing red flags, healing from tra...

While known for portraying tough characters in films like "Blood In, Blood Out," Victor Rivas Rivers is deeply committed to a violence-free world. Reflecting on a childhood shaped by a lack of emotional expression for men and patriarchal social norms; Victor powerfully states, "You can judge your society by the way men treat women." In this episode, Victor passionately discusses his personal journ...

From a childhood marked by witnessing domestic violence, my life’s purpose ignited early. In the quiet countryside of Norma, New Jersey, the animals at my parents' shelter offered silent comfort during a childhood overshadowed by my father's volatile behavior towards my mother, and sometimes me. In this episode, we'll explore the roots of his actions, examining his own challenging childhood shaped...

Find inspiration with filmmaker and Emmy Award Winning journalist Carey Peña of Inspired Media360. Discover the transformative power of untold positive stories, shifting social norms from “wilting” to “blooming.” Gain profound insights into her moving documentary, "Blank Canvas Reimagining Corrections," offering a look inside women's prisons and highlighting remarkable resilience. Learn about the...

This episode focuses on restoring power and control to survivors of abuse. Join Donna as she examines the damaging effects of gaslighting and introduces the L.E.V.E.L.™ technique, a practical tool for empowering victims and providing genuine support. Learn how to avoid the "J.O.A.N. Zone" of judgment, opinions, advice, and nudging, understanding why the victim must always be in control of their ow...

BLOOM365 student Peer Advocate Sophia Lin discusses the complexities of teen relationships, including "situationships," normalized red flags, and victim blaming, emphasizing the crucial role of youth voices. Highlighting peer-to-peer advocacy as a vital resource in schools, Sophia encourages both teens and trusted adults to seek training and get involved in preventing interpersonal violence. Her m...

Why do so few men step up to publicly combat domestic violence? Join Victim Advocate, Alejandro “Alex” Palacios, as he explores with us a big 'elephant in the room' - the silence of men. Alex identifies the barriers to engaging boys and men in the work, from societal pressures to personal responsibility. We explore the impact of trauma, the importance of empathy, and practical steps to influence m...

Episode #6 - Join Donna as she unveils the profound message within "Are you blooming or wilting?," a tool she authored after years of inquiry into the abuse of power and control in relationships. Discover how this visual, created in 2010, illuminates healthy v. unhealthy characteristics that shape our relationships, sparking vital self-reflection and dialogue. Now widely shared, it offers a powerf...

HVAC techs and reps see the human side of homes. Peter Bartos, of State 48 Home Services, had a chilling experience with a customer that forced him to confront the lethality of domestic violence head on. This episode exposes the unsettling reality home services professionals face, the hidden signs and dangers of domestic violence, and how everyone can contribute to prevention. Plus, Peter shares t...

Maddie Armentrout, MFT - Maddie, a survivor turned advocate, illuminates how childhood trauma distorts perceptions of love, normalizing abuse red flags for youth. She advocates for early intervention and male inclusion in abusive prevention, pushing for language change. Her story empowers others to recognize and confront these signs to prevent interpersonal violence. Maddie reveals how everyone ha...

Professor Douglas Wilkey, an ASU criminal justice subject expert, discusses the complexities of domestic violence, challenging stereotypical beliefs that frame women as inherently "crazy" and men as universally abusive. He explores the dynamics of power and control, the trauma profiles of both offenders and victims, and the influence of societal factors and social norms. Contacts: douglas.wilkey@a...

Legendary Broadcaster, Pat McMahon shares his thoughts on how media handles stories about domestic abuse and teen interpersonal violence. In many newsrooms "If it bleeds it leads" which means the bad stories are shared first, many times blaming the victim. Does the drama draw in viewers, is it what the audience wants to see and what role do men in the media play?

Donna Bartos, founder and CEO of BLOOM365 introduces us to her new podcast Uproot Abuse and her BIG WHY. The purpose of the show will be to address the "elephants in the room" and the root causes of interpersonal violence.  Contact info: IG: @uprootabuse @Donna_Bartos@BLOOM365  LinkedIn: Donna Bartos

Uproot Abuse is a groundbreaking podcast dedicated to confronting the pervasive epidemic of interpersonal violence in America. Host Donna Bartos, author of  Are You Blooming or Wilting? and founder of Bloom 365, draws from her own experiences with abuse to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change. Each episode dives deep into the root causes of violence, examining red flags, risk factors,...