Aspire: The I Have The Right To Podcast

I Have the Right To
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Join the I Have the Right to team and thought leaders as we Aspire to eradicate sexual assault. Inspired by Co-Founder Chessy Prout’s courageous voice and memoir, I Have The Right To- A High School Survivor’s Story of Sexual Assault, Justice and Hope, co-authored by investigative journalist Jenn Abelson, our mission is to create an ecosystem of respect,  education, and support for all students! Aspire is meant to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for growth -- by offering a forum for dialogue - about issues affecting our culture and the way we live, interact, love, learn and grow.  Real Men, Real Conversations: Aspire touches on both sides of the coin; Co-Founder of I Have the Right To and father of Chessy Prout, Alex Prout, and High School Student Leaders and Co-Hosts, Hugh Eastman and Gabriel Viscogliosi, share their voices with discussions about what it means to be a man- does it mean being aggressive, stoic, and not taking no for an answer? Or giving your buddy a hug and telling him you love him? Alex, Gabriel, and Hugh share how, across generations, common masculinity tropes impact us all, and how we can inspire the future to act with "aspirational masculinity". They interview guests to get their perspectives, while discussing how rigid gender norms can create harmful barriers for all. All this, and more, in “Real Men, Real Conversations”. Survivor Advocacy: In the “Survivor Advocacy” segment, Co-Founder and mother of Chessy Prout, Susan Prout, and Executive Director of I Have the Right To, Katie M. Shipp, highlight the power of survivor voices in driving meaningful change. These episodes —deeply inspired by Chessy’s unwavering courage to speak out despite attempts to silence her— amplify powerful survivor stories, engage with experts, and explore the path forward in the fight for justice and safety. Listeners will gain insight into where we’ve been, where we need to go, and how we can collectively create lasting impact. Together, we’ll explore diverse perspectives to drive meaningful, lasting advocacy and build a safer, more just future for all. We amplify survivors’ voices and address the root causes of sexual violence by creating open dialogue around its causes. Each episode features a variety of guests discussing survivor experiences, the aftermath of sexual assault, healthy masculinity, and the future we envision - free from sexual assault.   Let’s explore, learn, and aspire together. 

  1. E70: Teaching Kids Body Safety | Finley Muratova on Tricky Adults, Secrets, and Child Safety - Advocacy in Action

    2d ago

    E70: Teaching Kids Body Safety | Finley Muratova on Tricky Adults, Secrets, and Child Safety - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, host Katie M. Shipp and co-host Ray Epstein speak with Finley Muratova, a childhood sexual abuse prevention specialist, teacher, and survivor, about turning lived experience into prevention-focused education. They discuss how survivor-centered, trauma-informed teaching can help young people build language, boundaries, and confidence around safety. Finley shares how an anger-filled response to campus injustice led them from journalism into classroom-based prevention work, starting with Peer Health Exchange in Brooklyn. A pivotal moment with a student who needed help after a consent-related incident showed Finley how education can create real-time intervention and long-term change. The conversation explores what age-appropriate prevention education looks like in practice across elementary and middle school settings. Finley explains tools like anonymous question mugs, body safety maps, and the use of phrases like “tricky adults,” “secrets vs. surprises,” and “adults should ask other adults for help” to teach children how to notice risk without shame or fear. They highlight the importance of cultural competency and queer inclusion in education spaces. Finley and the hosts talk about using gender-neutral language, inclusive examples, and non-tokenizing approaches so more students can see themselves in the conversation. Toward the end, Finley shares what gives them hope: students who learn and grow, teachers who respond with curiosity instead of punishment, and everyday moments of normalcy and joy. Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    1h 5m
  2. E69: Aspire to Be Vulnerable (ft. John Stanczak) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Jun 6

    E69: Aspire to Be Vulnerable (ft. John Stanczak) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire: Real Men, Real Conversations, host Alex Prout and co-host Jonas Wall sit down with John Stanczak, an educator, writer, and theology teacher at Seton Hall University, to explore what healthy masculinity really looks like. The conversation centers on identity, loneliness, vulnerability, faith, mental health, and how young men can grow into more emotionally honest and connected versions of themselves. John shares how years of teaching and leading all-boys schools, along with his own lived experience with depression and anxiety, shaped his interest in men’s mental health and the emotional lives of teenage boys. He explains why he wrote Letters to Owen, What Manhood Requires of Us and how he hopes to offer a healthier counterbalance to the harmful messages many young men absorb online. To learn more about I Have The Right To, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    58 min
  3. E68: Naming the Harm | Dr. Susan Osborn on Incest, Power, and Breaking the Silence - Advocacy in Action

    May 30

    E68: Naming the Harm | Dr. Susan Osborn on Incest, Power, and Breaking the Silence - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Aspire – Advocacy in Action, host Katie M. Shipp and co-hosts Ryan and Maria welcome Dr. Susan Osborn, award-winning author of She's Such a Liar: Incest, Knowledge & Power—A Manifesto. Dr. Osborn discusses how incest has been historically hidden, minimized, and dismissed, and explores the social, legal, and cultural forces that shape whether survivors are believed. The conversation examines the power of language in confronting abuse and accountability. Dr. Osborn explains why she uses the term “incestor” to describe a father who commits sexual violence against his daughter, arguing that precise language helps expose the systems that protect perpetrators and silence survivors. Together, the hosts and Dr. Osborn explore the impact of survivor storytelling, the role of medical and legal institutions in perpetuating silence, and why young advocates like Ryan are essential voices in advancing change. Rather than viewing incest as a private family matter, Dr. Osborn reframes it as a systemic issue sustained by broader cultural and institutional structures. This episode offers a thoughtful discussion on power, accountability, and the importance of creating communities where survivors are heard, believed, and supported. For more information about Susan Osborn, visit susanosborn.net To support the fight against sexual violence, sign the pledge at ihavetherightto.org/take-action Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    1h 4m
  4. E67: Aspire to Be Honest (ft. Jon McLeod) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    May 23

    E67: Aspire to Be Honest (ft. Jon McLeod) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of Aspire is a conversation about mental health, masculinity, and the power of asking better questions. Hosts Steve Peacock and Alex Prout, joined by student co-hosts Gabriel and Ryan, welcome Jon McLeod to the round table. Jon is an ESPN producer and mental health advocate who works at the intersection of sports, storytelling, and emotional well-being. Jon shares how his upbringing in Brooklyn, his family’s values, and the pressures of traditional masculinity shaped his career and his understanding of burnout, self-worth, and vulnerability. He explains how many men are taught to push feelings aside, but that real strength comes from honesty, self-awareness, and the courage to speak about what is happening underneath the surface. He also discusses how his work in sports and media led him to see how many people are silently struggling and how often a simple conversation can change that. A major theme of the episode is the importance of curiosity, trust, and asking questions without assumption. Jon tells a powerful story about challenging another man to tell the truth about his grief, which opened the door for vulnerability and healing among a group of men who had been suffering in silence. The conversation closes with reflections from the hosts on ripple effects, leadership, and the importance of creating safe spaces where men can be honest and emotionally supportive of one another. Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    1h 4m
  5. E66: Consent, Faith, and Masculinity (ft. Nathaniel Openshaw) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    May 16

    E66: Consent, Faith, and Masculinity (ft. Nathaniel Openshaw) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of Aspire is a conversation about consent, faith, and what it means for young men to protect themselves and others. Host Alex Prout is joined by co-host Maria and guest Nathaniel Openshaw, a student at BYU-Idaho who is advocating for better health education, accountability for perpetrators, and healing for survivors. Thaniel shares how hearing the experiences of friends and people he cared about pushed him to act, and how his own journey led him to recognize faults in society by analyzing his surroundings in his own life. He reflects on the lack of consent education in faith-based spaces and explains why he sees consent as a sacred principle rooted in agency, mutual respect, and ongoing communication. He also talks about how his Christian faith shapes his understanding of manhood, leadership, and the responsibility to protect others. The conversation also explores how to teach these ideas in ways that resonate with students, especially in religious communities where sex and consent are often left out of the conversation. Thaniel shares the analogy he used in his talk to help others understand victim blaming and the importance of agency, while Alex and Maria reflect on the power of speaking up, listening, learning, and acting. In closing, Thaniel offers a simple but powerful statement: “I have the right to protect myself and others.” Make sure to follow I Have the Right To and learn more at ihavetherightto.org Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    41 min
  6. E65: Aspire to be an Upstander (ft. Jackson Katz) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    May 9

    E65: Aspire to be an Upstander (ft. Jackson Katz) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of Aspire is a conversation about what it means to be an active upstander in a culture shaped by silence, harm, and pressure to conform. Hosts Alex Prouts and Gabriel Viscogliosi are joined by Dr. Jackson Katz, educator, author, and one of the leading voices in the movement to prevent gender-based violence. Jackson breaks down why violence against women is not just a women’s issue, but a men’s issue that demands men’s leadership, accountability, and courage. He explores the bystander approach, the importance of speaking up in everyday moments, and how young men can use their sphere of influence to challenge sexism, misogyny, and harmful peer pressure. He also pushes back on narrow, cartoonish ideas of strength, arguing that true strength includes vulnerability, moral courage, and the willingness to do the right thing even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation also digs into the pressures facing young men today, from social media and the manosphere to the confusion many boys feel about identity and masculinity. Gabriel shares how aspirational masculinity is being taught in his school community, and Jackson responds with practical guidance for students, athletes, and anyone trying to build healthier peer cultures. In closing, Jackson offers a powerful reminder: everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and real change starts when people choose to be part of the solution. Make sure to check out Jackson Katz’s book, Every Man: Why Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue and How You Can Make a Difference https://jacksonkatz.substack.com/p/every-man-why-violence-against-women Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    1h 14m

  7. May 2

    E64: Own Our Voices | Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky on Changing the Law that Perpetuates Silence

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of Aspire is a conversation about breaking silences around workplace harassment and discrimination, and how survivors can turn personal pain into policy change. Hosts Chessy Prout and Alex Prout are joined by intern co-host Kalaya Hudziec-Leiva, and guests Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky, the co-founders of Lift Our Voices. Gretchen and Julie share how their own experiences at Fox News led them to challenge the systems that kept people silent, including forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. They reflect on how difficult it can be to speak publicly, how institutions often protect power instead of people, and why educating young people about their rights is essential. The conversation also explores how public storytelling, legal advocacy, and bipartisan organizing helped move major federal reforms forward. Chessy brings the discussion back to the survivor experience, naming the importance of holding onto a full identity beyond trauma and of building communities where people feel safe to speak up. Alex highlights the need to shift culture, not just law, while Kalea asks thoughtful questions about legislative change and the role of public voices in shaping public understanding. Together, they make a strong case that silence is what allows harm to continue, and that collective action can create real accountability. Make sure to follow Lift Our Voices and learn more at https://liftourvoices.org/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    48 min
  8. E63: Aspire to Speak Up (ft. Charlie Pillsbury) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Apr 25

    E63: Aspire to Speak Up (ft. Charlie Pillsbury) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout and student co-host Ryan welcome Charlie Pillsbury, a survivor, Quinnipiac law professor, and family friend to the Prouts, for a deeply personal conversation about his lifelong journey toward healing from sexual assault. Charlie reflects on his early years at St. Paul's School, sharing a painful experience of sexual assault during his time as a young boarding student and the culture that allowed and encouraged the abuse. He speaks candidly about how he buried that experience until years later, a news story about another assault at the same institution brought back those memories and compelled him to act. This moment became a turning point. Charlie wrote a public op-ed recounting his experience, breaking years of silence and becoming the first member of the St. Paul's community to publicly support Alex Prout's family following Chessie's assault. The conversation explores how trauma lingers across decades, shaping one's sense of safety, identity, and belonging. Charlie shares how, even 50 years later, returning to campus required emotional preparation and trust. Together, Alex, Ryan, and Charlie examine the broader themes of masculinity, power, and accountability. They lay the groundwork for a larger conversation about what it means to challenge harmful norms and build communities rooted in respect and care. Breaking the silence is never easy, but it can create connection, spark change, and open the door for healing. For more information, please visit ihavetherightto.org Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    43 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Join the I Have the Right to team and thought leaders as we Aspire to eradicate sexual assault. Inspired by Co-Founder Chessy Prout’s courageous voice and memoir, I Have The Right To- A High School Survivor’s Story of Sexual Assault, Justice and Hope, co-authored by investigative journalist Jenn Abelson, our mission is to create an ecosystem of respect,  education, and support for all students! Aspire is meant to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for growth -- by offering a forum for dialogue - about issues affecting our culture and the way we live, interact, love, learn and grow.  Real Men, Real Conversations: Aspire touches on both sides of the coin; Co-Founder of I Have the Right To and father of Chessy Prout, Alex Prout, and High School Student Leaders and Co-Hosts, Hugh Eastman and Gabriel Viscogliosi, share their voices with discussions about what it means to be a man- does it mean being aggressive, stoic, and not taking no for an answer? Or giving your buddy a hug and telling him you love him? Alex, Gabriel, and Hugh share how, across generations, common masculinity tropes impact us all, and how we can inspire the future to act with "aspirational masculinity". They interview guests to get their perspectives, while discussing how rigid gender norms can create harmful barriers for all. All this, and more, in “Real Men, Real Conversations”. Survivor Advocacy: In the “Survivor Advocacy” segment, Co-Founder and mother of Chessy Prout, Susan Prout, and Executive Director of I Have the Right To, Katie M. Shipp, highlight the power of survivor voices in driving meaningful change. These episodes —deeply inspired by Chessy’s unwavering courage to speak out despite attempts to silence her— amplify powerful survivor stories, engage with experts, and explore the path forward in the fight for justice and safety. Listeners will gain insight into where we’ve been, where we need to go, and how we can collectively create lasting impact. Together, we’ll explore diverse perspectives to drive meaningful, lasting advocacy and build a safer, more just future for all. We amplify survivors’ voices and address the root causes of sexual violence by creating open dialogue around its causes. Each episode features a variety of guests discussing survivor experiences, the aftermath of sexual assault, healthy masculinity, and the future we envision - free from sexual assault.   Let’s explore, learn, and aspire together. 

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