Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
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Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast is a collaborative project of Branches Domestic Violence Shelter that is designed to shed light on issues of domestic violence that continue to oppress victims daily--these conversations will educate and empower listeners to recognize the insidious footprint of domestic violence in our communities as well as best practices for effective advocacy. With 1 in 4 women facing domestic violence in their life time, and communities of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community facing higher rates and more risk for reporting DV, there has never been a more urgent call to create not only trauma-informed services, but space for all of us to be members of a trauma-responsive community. This podcast can be your first step. 

  1. APR 16

    Read for Each Other: Discussing Nobody's Girl with Our Friends from CONTACT

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we were so excited to participate in Contact Crisis Center's SAAM Book Club reading Nobody's Girl, the posthumous memoir of Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre. In our newest episode of Root for Each Other, CONTACT advocates Jo and Elijah join us to further discuss the book from an advocacy perspective. Join us as we explore this account and the overall impact of public perception on the realities faced by Human Trafficking survivors we see in our daily work.

    59 min

  2. MAR 24

    The Business of Compassion: Trauma-Response in Business Communities

    What does it look like when a business community leads with compassion? In our newest podcast episode, Megan Archer, President of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Anna Adkins, with the Huntington Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau join us to talk about how Huntington is building trauma-responsive practices into local businesses and how that work is making a real difference. We’re proud to feature this conversation as part of our effort to create resources that support understanding, healing, and connection whenever our listeners need them

    39 min

  3. FEB 24

    From Research to Action: Exploring Trauma Responsiveness in Our Community

    In this episode, we’re joined by students from Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications who spent the fall semester researching the state of trauma responsiveness in Huntington as part of our BTR (Building Trauma Responsive) Communities initiative. Together, we unpack what they discovered, where our community is making progress, and where gaps still exist. Most importantly, we explore what these findings can teach us — and how they can help shape a more trauma-informed future for Huntington.

    34 min

  4. 11/17/2025

    The Threat of Hunger and Domestic Violence

    Food insecurity is a major barrier to safety in that a survivor has to be assured they can feed their children if they leave. In this episode, our advocates discuss how it is more expensive than ever to provide groceries and how that both affects and directs advocacy services. Join us for a conversation about how the basic human needs of food and safety threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods.  Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia. Let's Be Friends!   On Facebook On Instagram Sign up for our Newsletter Or Donate.

    41 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    Privacy & Power: The Role of Tech in Relationships

    Recorded Live at Marshall University In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month In this special episode, recorded live at Marshall University, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter joins forces with Marshall’s Title IX Office and the Violence Prevention & Response Program for a thought-provoking panel and podcast discussion: “Privacy and Power: The Role of Tech in Relationships.” Technology touches nearly every part of our lives—and our relationships are no exception. This conversation explores how technology can both empower and endanger, especially in the context of intimate partner violence. Our panelists examine the evolving role of privacy, control, and digital safety in modern relationships, and share practical tools for promoting healthy, respectful use of technology. Panelists: Jodie Penrod, Chief Information Officer, Marshall UniversityJessica Donahue Rhodes, Esq., Title IX Coordinator, Marshall UniversityJustin Clevenger, Marshall University Alum in Cyber Forensics & SecurityModerated by: Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter Recorded: October 14, 2025 Location: Shawkey Dining Room, Marshall University Student Center 💜 Continue Learning & Supporting Survivors Explore resources, safety planning tools, and educational materials in our Branches Resource Library to learn more about healthy relationships, technology safety, and support for survivors. You can also show your support year-round by purchasing Branches apparel and merchandise from our Bonfire store — proceeds help provide essential services for survivors and their families.

    58 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    Building Trauma Responsive (BTR) Communities

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we’re sharing something close to our hearts — the upcoming BTR Communities Advocacy Summit, hosted by Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This gathering is all about bringing people together to talk about how we can create safer, stronger communities for survivors of domestic violence. We’ll explore what it really means to build “BTR Communities” and why your voice matters — whether you’re a business owner, a service provider, a neighborhood leader, or part of the faith community. What You’ll Hear: What the BTR Communities Advocacy Summit is all aboutWhy these conversations matter for all of usHow businesses, service providers, neighborhoods, and faith leaders each have a role to playWhat to expect if you join us for the summitEvent Details: Event: BTR Communities Advocacy SummitHosted by: Branches Domestic Violence ShelterLearn more: www.branchesvs.org Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS Why You Should Be There: This isn’t just another event — it’s a chance to come together, listen, and learn from one another. Each of us, in our different roles — whether through business, service, neighborhood, or faith — can make a difference for survivors and help shape communities that are safer for everyone. Call to Action: We’d love for you to be part of this important conversation. Learn more about Branches’ mission at www.branchesvs.org Save your spot for the summit by registering here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS

    30 min

  7. 08/18/2025

    Choosing Between Marketing Power and Human Impact: on Elf Cosmetics and Domestic Violence Jokes

    In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores how advertising choices shape culture, the harm caused when domestic violence is minimized for humor, and why companies may choose to risk their consumer base in this way.   We also discuss what we, as advocates, survivors, and consumers, can do in response to the way domestic violence is presented in the media at large.

    24 min

  8. 07/28/2025

    "Keeping the Faith" in DV Advocacy

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Bender from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence alongside long-time podcast presence, Sara O'Toole, advocate with Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, to talk about WVCADV's work developing statewide trainings for faith-based communities and advocates. Jessica shares how these trainings take a more collaborative approach, bringing together faith leaders and domestic violence advocates side-by-side to build mutual understanding, trust, and stronger community responses to survivors. We explore why this partnership matters, what makes these sessions unique, and how they’re working to shift the narrative around support in faith-based spaces. 📅 Upcoming Training Alert! Join Jessica, and national partner Safe Havens for their next in-person training on August 28th in Charleston, WV. This is a powerful opportunity for faith leaders, advocates, and community members to learn, connect, and grow together. 🔗 Register here: WV CADV Training Registration

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast is a collaborative project of Branches Domestic Violence Shelter that is designed to shed light on issues of domestic violence that continue to oppress victims daily--these conversations will educate and empower listeners to recognize the insidious footprint of domestic violence in our communities as well as best practices for effective advocacy. With 1 in 4 women facing domestic violence in their life time, and communities of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community facing higher rates and more risk for reporting DV, there has never been a more urgent call to create not only trauma-informed services, but space for all of us to be members of a trauma-responsive community. This podcast can be your first step. 

Information

  • Creator
    Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast
  • Show Website
    Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast