The Cocoon: A Safe Place for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Trauma

The Blue Butterfly Institute
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

The Cocoon is hosted by Ruby Mikolaitis from The Blue Butterfly Institute, an Australian not for profit founded to empower victims and survivors of sexual assault, educate the broader public about the impact of trauma on behaviour and functioning, and to advocate for changes to legislation to strengthen support for victims and survivors. Each month, an aspect of trauma will be discussed or a significant person in the field will be interviewed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. It's Not Just 'Kids Being Kids' (Teaser)

    Trailer

    It's Not Just 'Kids Being Kids' (Teaser)

    Former police officer and child protection specialist Kristi returns to The Cocoon with a statistic that stopped us mid-conversation: child-on-child harm has now overtaken adult-on-child abuse in Australia. How did we get here, and why is nobody talking about it? Full episode drops Sunday 28th of June. If you’re a parent, educator, or survivor, you can’t afford to miss this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 sec
  2. "I'm Finally Free" Breaking 20 Years Of Silence: Nicole's Story

    May 30

    "I'm Finally Free" Breaking 20 Years Of Silence: Nicole's Story

    Warning: This episode contains themes surrounding childhood sexual assault, listener discretion is advised. Nicole shares her 20-year journey from childhood sexual abuse to conviction and what it actually takes to survive a courtroom. If you're a survivor afraid of testifying, carrying shame, or wondering if justice is possible: this is for you. Nicole's story shows what happens when you finally speak, how to stay grounded through a brutal legal process, and why healing on the other side feels like a fresh lease on life.We made it on Feedspot's 2025 Top 30 Aussie Not For Profit Podcasts! TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueButterflyInstitute/videos(watch for video footage of podcast recording which includes uncut and behind the scenes footage!) (Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  3. The Doll That Held Her Secrets: Bambi Lynn’s Story

    Apr 25

    The Doll That Held Her Secrets: Bambi Lynn’s Story

    At six years old, Bambi Lynn was given a ragdoll named Josephine. What her mother didn’t know was that Josephine would become the only witness to years of childhood sexual abuse, alcoholism, and trauma that Bambi couldn’t speak aloud. In this episode, Bambi shares how a simple doll carried her secrets, her tears, and her survival, and why it took her 24 years to finally tell her story. From “poor Bambi” to thriving author and speaker, this is what it looks like to stop letting trauma define you. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Bambi Lynn, who spent her final years turning pain into purpose. Rest easy, Bambi. Josephine’s got you now We made it on Feedspot's 2025 Top 30 Aussie Not For Profit Podcasts! Bambi's Book "The Journey Of Josephine": link TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueButterflyInstitute/videos(watch for video footage of podcast recording which includes uncut and behind the scenes footage!) (Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  4. Dignity After Death: Trauma-Informed Funeral Care for Survivors with Michelle Dwyer

    Mar 29

    Dignity After Death: Trauma-Informed Funeral Care for Survivors with Michelle Dwyer

    In “Dignity After Death: Trauma-Informed Funeral Care for Survivors with Michelle Dwyer,” Ruby sits down with funeral director and celebrant Michelle Dwyer from Dwyer Family Funerals to unpack what dignity after death really looks like – especially for survivors of sexual trauma. Together, they explore how language, boundaries and respectful body care can transform funeral practice from something clinical and cold into something deeply humane, safe and family-centred. Michelle shares how her family-run funeral home focuses on empathy rather than profit, why the words “we’re bringing them into our care” matter so much, and how trauma-informed funeral directors can support anxious families who fear their loved one being mishandled. She also explains what actually happens in the mortuary, common myths about embalming, and practical ways we can advocate for ourselves and our loved ones in end-of-life planning. If you’ve ever worried about how your body – or your loved one’s body – will be treated after death, this gentle, grounded conversation offers validation, clear information and real-world tools to ask for the care you deserve. We made it on Feedspot's 2025 Top 30 Aussie Not For Profit Podcasts!Link Dwyer Family Funerals: Website and Info TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueButterflyInstitute/videos(watch for video footage of podcast recording which includes uncut and behind the scenes footage!) (Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  5. Trailer

    Teaser – Dignity After Death: Trauma-Informed Funeral Care (Part One Preview)

    In this teaser for Part One of “Dignity After Death: Trauma-Informed Funeral Care for Survivors with Michelle Dwyer,” Ruby shares a powerful clip from her conversation with funeral director and celebrant Michelle Dwyer from Dwyer Family Funerals. They explore what dignity after death really means for survivors of sexual abuse and complex trauma, and why the words “we’re bringing them into our care” can make all the difference when you’re grieving. If you’ve ever worried about how your body or your loved one’s body will be treated after death, this preview offers a gentle, trauma-informed introduction to funeral care, mortuary practices and advocating for respectful body care. 🔔 Full Part One episode drops on 29 March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min
  6. Denise (Part 2): Parenting After Sexual Trauma, Somatic Triggers & Breaking the Silence Around Birth

    Feb 21

    Denise (Part 2): Parenting After Sexual Trauma, Somatic Triggers & Breaking the Silence Around Birth

    In Part 2 of her powerful conversation, Denise opens up about the somatic aftermath of sexual trauma and how it’s shaped her experiences of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. From panic attacks during breastfeeding to triggering OB/GYN procedures and setting boundaries with her child, Denise shares the raw truth of what it means to raise a family while living with a dysregulated nervous system. We also talk about survivor guilt, formula vs breastfeeding stigma, and the judgement women face when their maternal experiences don’t match the “perfect mother” narrative. Denise explains how trauma can hijack our sense of safety, how neuroperception misfires in the body, and why traditional talk therapy alone sometimes isn’t enough. This episode is an honest look at parenting after sexual violence — the triggers, the shame, the resilience — and how healing is possible through somatic therapy, spiritual tools, and radical self-compassion. 🔹 Topics: parenting after trauma, sexual violence, breastfeeding triggers, birth trauma, somatic healing, neuroception, survivor guilt, motherhood, energy work 🔹 Content warning: mentions of sexual assault, birth trauma, body-based triggers We made it on Feedspot's 2025 Top 30 Aussie Not For Profit Podcasts! Link Denise's Linktree: www.deniseelysa.com/link-tree TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueButterflyInstitute/videos(watch for video footage of podcast recording which includes uncut and behind the scenes footage!) (Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  7. Trailer

    “It’s not my baby’s fault. But when her hand touched my neck, I panicked" Denise- Teaser

    "It’s not my baby’s fault. But when her hand touched my neck, I panicked — like I wasn’t even in my body anymore.” In this month's upcoming episode, Denise speaks the truth so many survivors hold in silence — what happens when sexual trauma doesn’t stay in the past, but shows up in the most intimate, everyday moments of parenting. Breastfeeding. Birth. Even a hug from your child. When your nervous system still holds the memory, motherhood hits differently. In Part 2, we dive into: — Birth trauma & why it’s often worse for survivors — The shame of not being the “perfect mother” — Breastfeeding, body boundaries & the guilt no one talks about — How healing your neuroception can shift your whole life — Why talk therapy alone wasn’t enough for her — And the one thing she wishes every OB/midwife knew This episode is raw, real, and deeply validating. You are not alone. And you are not broken. Available soon on all streaming services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 sec
  8. “It Felt Like Necrosis”: Denise on Trauma, Healing, and the Nervous System

    Jan 24

    “It Felt Like Necrosis”: Denise on Trauma, Healing, and the Nervous System

    What does healing really feel like after trauma? For Denise, it wasn’t soft or peaceful. It felt like necrosis, like something inside her was dying slowly while the outside world thought she was fine. In Part One of this honest, vulnerable chat, Denise and I talk about what happens after the trauma. The messy, quiet part no one really prepares you for. We talk about the nervous system, the shame, and how hard it is to trust your own body again when it’s been through hell. Some of the things we get into: 🦋 Why trauma doesn’t end when the moment is over 🧠 How your body can still feel unsafe even when you’re safe now 💔 What healing actually looks like — especially when it’s not pretty 🗣️ And what happens when you finally say the things you’ve never said out loud If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while “getting better,” this one’s for you. Denise's Linktree: www.deniseelysa.com/link-tree TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueButterflyInstitute/videos(watch for video footage of podcast recording which includes uncut and behind the scenes footage!) Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
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About

The Cocoon is hosted by Ruby Mikolaitis from The Blue Butterfly Institute, an Australian not for profit founded to empower victims and survivors of sexual assault, educate the broader public about the impact of trauma on behaviour and functioning, and to advocate for changes to legislation to strengthen support for victims and survivors. Each month, an aspect of trauma will be discussed or a significant person in the field will be interviewed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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