Aspire: The I Have The Right To Podcast

I Have the Right To

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. 2d ago

    E77: Caring Men = Stronger Communities | Equimundo's Gary Barker on Masculinity, Fatherhood, and Breaking the Cycle of Violence - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire, Alex Prout is joined by his daughter and co-host Lucy Prout, along with student interns Ryan and Sylvie, for a conversation with Gary Barker, founder and CEO of Equimundo Center for Masculinities and Social Justice. Gary reflects on the personal experiences that led him into this work, including violence he witnessed in school and his early exposure to neglect, abuse, and silence around harm. The conversation explores how boys and men learn harmful ideas about strength, silence, and dominance, and how those norms can shape relationships, identity, and violence. Gary explains why he centers care in his work, arguing that boys and men need examples of emotional connection, fatherhood, self-care, and community responsibility if we want to prevent violence upstream rather than just responding after harm has happened. Ryan and Sylvie share their own experiences of speaking up, while Lucy reflects on the importance of collective responsibility and restorative approaches. The episode closes with a hopeful vision of aspirational masculinity: one that makes room for tenderness, accountability, and choosing who you want to be rather than inheriting a narrow script. To learn more about Equimundo, visit: equimundo.org To join I Have The Right To's fight for a world free of sexual violence, please visit: ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E77: Caring Men = Stronger Communities | Equimundo's Gary Barker on Masculinity, Fatherhood, and Breaking the Cycle of Violence - Real Men, Real Conversations

  2. Aug 1

    E76: Be Becoming Your Own Man | Jonathan Jacobs on Redefining American Manhood - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Aspire, Alex Prout is joined by co-hosts CJ and Vishudh for a conversation with Jonathan Jacobs, an entrepreneur, investor, marketing expert, and masculinity advocate working to redefine what it means to be a man. Jonathan shares how his father’s hidden alcoholism and death pushed him to examine masculinity, grief, and the pressure many men feel to be physically strong and aggressive instead of emotionally intelligent. The conversation explores how father-son relationships shape identity, how boys and men are taught to police themselves and each other, and why many harmful norms are reinforced by fear, shame, and social expectations. Jonathan introduces the idea of “American manhood” as something socially constructed rather than fixed, and talks about expanding the meaning of provider and protector to include emotional support, community care, and vulnerability. CJ and Vishudh bring powerful reflections from their own lives, sharing how their relationships with their fathers evolved through honesty, patience, and emotional openness. The episode closes with a hopeful message about choosing who you want to be, breaking out of narrow definitions of masculinity, and building relationships grounded in authenticity, accountability, and care. To learn more about Jonathan Jacobs, visit https://www.jonathanjacobs.com/ To join I Have The Right To's fight for a world free of sexual violence, visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E76: Be Becoming Your Own Man | Jonathan Jacobs on Redefining American Manhood - Real Men, Real Conversations

  3. Jul 25

    E75: Fighting Back | Meg Stone on Self-Defense Myths, Intuition, and Evidence-Based Prevention - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Aspire, Advocacy in Action, Chessy Prout and Ray Epstein are joined by student co-hosts Amyra Basu and CJ La Mar, for another conversation with Meg Stone. Meg is the executive director of Impact Boston and author of The Cost of Fear, and recently released Don’t Fight Back And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence. Together they explore empowerment self-defense, survivor-centered advocacy, and the evidence-based strategies that challenge fear-based myths about safety. Meg explains how years of teaching self-defense and working as a court advocate showed her that many common “safety tips” are based more on stigma and control than on research. The conversation covers myths about intuition, victim-blaming, resistance, and how media narratives often erase survivors’ agency. They also dive into the dangers of fear-based advice online, and why fact-checking matters in prevention work. Throughout the conversation, Meg reinforces her principal message: that safety should be grounded in evidence, agency, and community, not fear.  For Meg's books, visit https://megstone.org/books To learn more about Impact Boston, visit https://impactboston.org/ To join I Have The Right To's fight for a world free of sexual violence, visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E75: Fighting Back | Meg Stone on Self-Defense Myths, Intuition, and Evidence-Based Prevention - Advocacy in Action

  4. Jul 18

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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