Aspire: The I Have The Right To Podcast

I Have the Right To
  • 5.0 (22)
  • 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. 3d ago

    E74: Healing Through Horses | Robert Goodland on Equine Therapy, Trauma Recovery, and Emotional Literacy - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout is joined by student co-hosts Anna Turhan and Ryan for a powerful conversation with Robert Goodland, an equine-assisted therapy practitioner and coach. Robert shares how his lived experiences as a childhood sexual abuse survivor, firefighter, and first responder inspired his work helping others heal from trauma through an unorthodox approach. Robert describes the unique role horses can play in supporting emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-reflection. He explains how equine-assisted therapy creates opportunities for deep insight, self-compassion, and meaningful healing, particularly for trauma survivors and those in recovery. Throughout the episode, the group highlights the importance of reframing trauma through resilience and growth rather than shame. Robert, Alex, Anna, and Ryan discuss vulnerability, masculinity, accountability, and the transformative power of sharing our stories to foster connection, hope, and healing. To learn more about Robert's work, visit www.theheartofahorse.com To learn more about I Have The Right To's programming, visit www.ihavetherightto.org Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E74: Healing Through Horses | Robert Goodland on Equine Therapy, Trauma Recovery, and Emotional Literacy - Real Men, Real Conversations

  2. Jul 11

    E73: The Science of Healing | Peter Pruyn on EMDR, Trauma Therapy, and Emotional Literacy - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, hosts Chessy Prout and Susan Prout are joined by graduate student intern Meghan Boudreau and trauma therapist Peter Pruyn for a thoughtful conversation about trauma recovery, healing, and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors. Peter shares how his journey into psychology and EMDR therapy was shaped by years of working alongside trauma survivors, and explains how healing begins with trust, collaboration, and empowering clients to remain in control of their own recovery. Together, they discuss why choosing the right therapist matters, how trauma therapy differs from other forms of care, and why slowing down is often an essential part of the healing process. The conversation explores practical tools that anyone can use to support healing, including a simple grounding exercise, the role of emotional literacy, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Peter introduces his "No Game," an exercise designed to help people practice saying no with confidence, prompting a broader discussion about consent, survivor empowerment, and the need for society to become more comfortable both expressing and respecting personal boundaries. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that survivors are the experts on their own experiences and that meaningful healing comes through collaboration. They close by discussing the larger cultural changes needed to prevent gender-based violence, from raising emotionally literate boys to encouraging healthy allyship and challenging systems that perpetuate inequality. Peter reflects on the power of storytelling to reduce shame, normalize conversations about trauma, and inspire change, while sharing his hope that future generations will continue creating communities where every person feels heard, respected, and empowered. It is a conversation that offers both practical guidance for survivors and a hopeful vision for building a more compassionate and trauma-informed world. To learn more about Peter Pruyn and his work, please visit www.emdrforwomenshealth.com For resources on mental health that Peter mentions, check out: www.equimundo.org www.whiteribbon.ca www.coachescorner.org www.maineboystomen.org www.joinonelove.org To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit www.havetherightto.org Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E73: The Science of Healing | Peter Pruyn on EMDR, Trauma Therapy, and Emotional Literacy - Advocacy in Action

  3. Jun 27

    E72: Aspire to End the Cycle (ft. Judge Charles Ehrlich) - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Aspire - Real Men, Real Conversations, host Steve Peacock and co-host Jonas Wahl sit down with Judge Charles Ehrlich of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for a thoughtful conversation about masculinity, accountability, and the role of the justice system in creating lasting change. Drawing on decades of experience presiding over criminal cases, Judge Ehrlich reflects on the patterns he has observed among young men, explaining how pride, retaliation, untreated trauma, and mental health challenges often contribute to cycles of violence. He also shares why true strength is not found in dominance, but in self-control, honesty, and the courage to seek help. The conversation explores what meaningful accountability looks like beyond punishment, emphasizing rehabilitation, mental health treatment, education, and community support as essential tools for reducing future harm. Judge Ehrlich discusses the importance of early intervention through schools, recreation programs, faith communities, and trusted mentors, while highlighting how unresolved childhood trauma, including sexual abuse, can shape a person's life if left unaddressed. Together, the group examines how changing the conversation around masculinity can empower young men to make healthier choices before they ever enter a courtroom. They close by discussing hope, personal growth, and the responsibility communities share in preventing violence before it occurs. Judge Ehrlich explains how consistent support can help individuals rebuild their lives, while encouraging young men to lead with integrity, ask for help when they need it, and define success by the positive impact they have on their families and communities. His closing reminder: everyone has the right to live in peace and build a life they are proud of. To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E72: Aspire to End the Cycle (ft. Judge Charles Ehrlich) - Real Men, Real Conversations

  4. Jun 20

    E71: Civil Justice for Survivors | Amy Mathieu on Trauma-Informed Advocacy, Online Exploitation, and School Accountability - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, hosts Chessy Prout and Katie M. Shipp join I Have The Right To intern Jonas and guest Amy Mathieu. Amy is a trauma-informed attorney who represents survivors of adult sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, and CSAM. They discuss how civil litigation can support accountability while keeping survivor choice, control, and healing at the center. Amy explains why her first conversations with clients are paced carefully, often include an advocate, and focus on building trust before asking deeper questions. The conversation also covers the difference between civil and criminal court, the importance of revival windows for decades-old abuse cases, and why coming forward can help other survivors recognize they are not alone. Amy and the hosts talk about prevention as well, including consent education, digital safety, and the need to shift responsibility away from victims and onto perpetrators and the systems that allow harm to continue. They close by discussing online exploitation, school liability, and why institutions need more than good policy; they need real enforcement, transparency, and accountability. Amy’s work reflects a survivor-centered approach to law that prioritizes safety, agency, and meaningful change. To learn more about Amy Mathieu, please visit https://hkm.com/attorneys/amy-mathieu/ To learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E71: Civil Justice for Survivors | Amy Mathieu on Trauma-Informed Advocacy, Online Exploitation, and School Accountability - Advocacy in Action

  5. Jun 13

    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

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

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

  8. 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

    E67: Aspire to Be Honest (ft. Jon McLeod) - Real Men, Real Conversations
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5
out of 5
22 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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