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. 4d ago

    E85: Reimagining Justice | Marlee Liss on Restorative Justice, Survivor Autonomy, and Healing Beyond the Courtroom - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Aspire, host Chessy Prout is joined by interns Kylie L. and Sienna L. for a conversation with survivor advocate, somatic educator, and founder of Survivors 4 Justice Reform, Marlee Liss. Marlee shares how her sexual assault case became one of the first in North America to reach a restorative justice outcome through the criminal legal system. She explains how the traditional court process left her feeling dehumanized, while restorative justice offered a survivor-centered path focused on accountability, healing, and meaningful answers. The conversation explores what restorative justice can look like in practice, therapy, facilitated dialogue, circles, letters, compensation, or community accountability, and emphasizes that justice is not one-size-fits-all. Marlee discusses her global coalition, Survivors 4 Justice Reform, which advocates for options beyond the carceral system and works to make alternative pathways visible and accessible, especially for marginalized survivors. Marlee also introduces a somatic practice: to notice, trust, value, and communicate, to help survivors reconnect with their true selves, and identify their needs. She reflects on the risks of public storytelling, her upcoming memoir If I Had Known Then, and her vision for a future in which every survivor can experience justice that is healing and survivor-centered. To learn more about Marlee Liss and Survivors 4 Justice Reform, visit https://www.survivors4justicereform.com/ To learn more about Marlee's upcoming memoir, If I Had Known Then, visit https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800053/if-i-had-known-then-by-marlee-liss/ To learn more about I Have the Right To’s educational programming, visit https://ihavetherightto.org/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E85: Reimagining Justice | Marlee Liss on Restorative Justice, Survivor Autonomy, and Healing Beyond the Courtroom - Advocacy in Action

  2. Sep 26

    E84: Youth-Led Truth (ft. World Without Exploitation's Youth Coalition) - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire, co-hosts Maria V. and Ray Epstein are joined by Alexandria S., Gabby S., Roya S., Lucy J., Charlie B., Emma H., Ryan N., and Vishudh G., young advocates from the World Without Exploitation Youth Coalition, as well as I Have the Right To's own interns. Together, they explore how online culture, influencer content, artificial intelligence, and harmful ideas about masculinity shape young people’s understanding of consent, relationships, power, and exploitation. The youth-led conversation examines how platforms such as OnlyFans and other sugaring networks can package exploitation as empowerment while hiding the economic pressure and unequal power dynamics often involved. Guests also discuss how online content can create the illusion of safety, privacy, and personal connection, even when there are entire teams actually managing accounts behind the scenes. The group challenges the idea that consent is simply a matter of saying “yes” or “no.” They explain why consent must be understood within the broader context of coercion, grooming, manipulation, fear, dependency, and power imbalances. They also emphasize that consent can change, that sexual violence can occur within relationships, and that there is no single “perfect” victim or recognizable model of assault. The conversation also addresses AI-generated sexual images, deepfakes, and the importance of digital consent. They explain that violating someone’s image or identity can cause real harm even when there is no physical contact, and that fictional or digitally created content can still normalize the objectification and exploitation of women. The episode closes with a call for more honest conversations and youth-led action. Young people are not only affected by these issues - they are identifying harmful patterns, challenging normalized behavior, educating their peers, and helping create safer communities. If you are interested in bringing these conversations to your school or community, I Have the Right To partners with K–12 schools, colleges, and universities to provide trauma-informed programming on consent, healthy relationships, digital safety, and leadership. Contact takeaction@ihavetherightto.org. To learn more about World Without Exploitation, visit https://www.worldwithoutexploitation.org/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E84: Youth-Led Truth (ft. World Without Exploitation's Youth Coalition) - Advocacy in Action

  3. Sep 19

    E83: Moving Men Off the Sidelines | Men for Choice’s Aaron Bos-Lun and Dewayne Martin on Reproductive Freedom, Bodily Autonomy, and Youth Organizing - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout is joined by student co-host Amira for a conversation with Aaron Bos-Lun and Dewayne Martin of Men for Choice. They discuss why men must move beyond passive support and become active participants in the fight for reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and reproductive justice. Aaron and Dewayne explain how Men for Choice builds community and leadership through one-on-one conversations, youth organizing, digital advocacy, and its fellowship program. They discuss the importance of meeting people where they are, helping young men understand their stake in reproductive rights, and turning personal values into concrete, time-bound action. The conversation also explores the influence of the manosphere, social media algorithms, and the lack of positive messages directed at young men. Aaron and Dewayne share why authentic voices are essential to challenging harmful stereotypes, and reflect on sustaining advocacy through purpose, community, humor, grace, and education. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that change does not always require thousands of people; sometimes it begins with a few people showing up together, having a conversation, and choosing to act. To learn more about Men for Choice and its Virtual Youth Fellowship Program, please visit https://menforchoice.org/ To join I Have The Right To’s fight to create a world free of sexual violence, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E83: Moving Men Off the Sidelines | Men for Choice’s Aaron Bos-Lun and Dewayne Martin on Reproductive Freedom, Bodily Autonomy, and Youth Organizing - Real Men, Real Conversations

  4. Sep 12

    E82: The Right to Rest | Sarah Miller on Survivor Support, Community Advocacy, and Building Safer Pathways Forward - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of Aspire, hosts Katie M. Shipp and Chessy Prout are joined by student co-hosts Anna and Emma for a conversation with Sarah Miller, Executive Director of Women’s Services Inc. Sarah shares her journey into survivor advocacy and discusses Women’s Services’ holistic approach to supporting people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and other forms of violence. The conversation explores the organization’s 24-hour hotline, shelter, legal and medical advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and community-based programs. Sarah explains how survivor-centered care has evolved, why confidentiality and specialized training are essential, and how advocates support survivors in navigating systems including courts, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, and disability service organizations. Sarah, Anna, Emma, Katie, and Chessy also discuss the unique barriers survivors face in rural communities, the importance of bystander intervention and consent education, and how friends and loved ones can support someone who may not be ready to leave an abusive relationship. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the power of youth leadership, community organizing, and survivor-informed advocacy, and the many ways people can make a difference through their time, resources, skills, or simply by continuing to show up. The episode closes with Sarah’s vision for a future where survivors can access care without stigma, male survivors of childhood sexual abuse feel safe and supported in seeking help, and communities are empowered to create lasting change. Her message is also a reminder that rest is not a luxury, but an essential part of sustaining this work. Learn more and find support: Women’s Services Inc.: Learn more about the organization and its support resources at https://www.womensservicesinc.org/National Domestic Violence Hotline: For national support and referrals to local survivor services, visit https://www.thehotline.org/I Have The Right To: Join the movement to create a world free of sexual violence at https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E82: The Right to Rest | Sarah Miller on Survivor Support, Community Advocacy, and Building Safer Pathways Forward - Advocacy in Action

  5. Sep 5

    E81: Building a World Without Exploitation | Rachel Foster on Survivor Leadership, Human Trafficking, and Challenging Systems of Harm - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of Aspire, hosts Katie M. Shipp and Chessy Prout are joined by student co-host Amyra for a conversation with Rachel Foster, a human rights attorney and co-founder and president of World Without Exploitation. Rachel shares how her career in law, community organizing, and survivor advocacy led her to build coalitions that challenge human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and the systems that allow them to continue. The conversation explores Rachel’s survivor-informed policy work, including efforts to close legal loopholes that fail to protect 15, 16, and 17-year-olds from commercial sexual exploitation. Rachel also discusses survivor leadership, the importance of bringing survivors into rooms where decisions are made, and how collective action can transform isolation into power. The group reflects on the role of youth activism, peer-to-peer education, and the need to compensate survivors for their advocacy. Rachel and the hosts also examine the language surrounding “sex work,” pornography, OnlyFans, and online exploitation. They discuss how social media and algorithms can normalize exploitation, how financial privilege can create a false sense of consent, and why young people need the tools to pause, think critically, and recognize grooming and coercion. They close with a call to challenge systems that protect perpetrators and expose survivors, while building communities rooted in dignity, accountability, and support. To learn more about World Without Exploitation, please visit https://www.worldwithoutexploitation.org/ To join I Have The Right To’s fight to create a world free of sexual violence, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E81: Building a World Without Exploitation | Rachel Foster on Survivor Leadership, Human Trafficking, and Challenging Systems of Harm - Advocacy in Action

  6. Aug 29

    E80: Beyond the Athlete | James Smith-Williams and Pete LeBoutillier on Vulnerability, Leadership, and Accountability in Sports - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire, host Ray Epstein is joined by student co-hosts Anna and Ryan for a conversation with former professional athletes James Smith-Williams and Pete LeBoutillier. They discuss their transitions from the NFL and NHL into advocacy, leadership, and mentoring, and how their experiences in professional sports shaped their understanding of vulnerability, connection, and accountability. James and Pete reflect on the pressure athletes face to perform toughness, hide their emotions, and conform to locker-room expectations. They explain how leadership in sports is changing from intimidation and fear toward trust and safety. They also explore how coaches and teammates can create healthier environments by building real relationships, praising progress, and making space for honest conversations. The group discusses the responsibility athletes have when they are given a public platform, including how to support survivors, challenge harmful behavior, and use influence to promote positive change. Pete and James share why being vulnerable is a form of strength and why their greatest legacy is helping young people become more caring, connected, and courageous human beings. To learn more about I Have the Right To and bring trauma-informed programming to your school or community, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E80: Beyond the Athlete | James Smith-Williams and Pete LeBoutillier on Vulnerability, Leadership, and Accountability in Sports - Advocacy in Action

  7. Aug 22

    E79: The Stories We Choose to See | Lisa Kristine on Modern Slavery, Human Dignity, and the Power of Photography - Advocacy in Action

    Send us Fan Mail In today's episode of Aspire, hosts Katie Shipp and Chessy Prout are joined by student co-hosts Anna and Aubrey for a conversation with Lisa Kristine, an internationally recognized humanitarian photographer and activist. Lisa shares how her photography has documented modern slavery and human trafficking in over 150 countries, helping make hidden realities visible while honoring the dignity and humanity of the people whose stories she captures. The conversation challenges the idea that human trafficking and forced labor are problems that happen “somewhere else.” Lisa explains how exploitation is embedded in global supply chains and exists in communities across the United States, including agriculture, domestic work, the sex industry, and other forms of forced labor. She discusses how photography can move people beyond statistics, helping viewers connect emotionally with individuals they might otherwise overlook. Lisa also explains how she builds trust with communities, seeks permission, protects survivors’ ownership of their stories, and works to portray people with dignity rather than pity. The group discusses responsible storytelling, the risks of exploitative media coverage, and the importance of balancing difficult truths with hope, resilience, and survivor-led advocacy. The episode also explores social media, the manosphere, attention culture, and the importance of teaching children about trafficking, grooming, and coercion instead of shielding them from difficult realities. Lisa emphasizes that knowledge can help young people recognize danger and protect themselves, while slowing down and engaging thoughtfully with art and stories can help rebuild empathy and connection. To learn more about Lisa Kristine, please visit https://lisakristine.com/ To join I Have The Right To's fight to create a world free of sexual violence, please visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E79: The Stories We Choose to See | Lisa Kristine on Modern Slavery, Human Dignity, and the Power of Photography - Advocacy in Action

  8. Aug 15

    E78: The Right to Feel | Movember’s Peter Fisher on Men’s Mental Health, Social Norms, and Emotional Freedom - Real Men, Real Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of Aspire - Real Men, Real Conversations, host Alex Prout is joined by three student co-hosts, Vishudh, Shreyas, and Kaiden, for a conversation with Peter Fisher. Peter is a research fellow at the Movember Institute of Men’s Health. He explains how his work looks at the social norms, identity pressures, and “man box” expectations that shape boys’ and men's behavior, especially around emotional expression and connection. The conversation focuses on how harmful masculinity norms are formed early, reinforced by peers, schools, family systems, sports culture, and social media, and why young men often feel pressure to act tough even when it's against their own interest. Peter introduces Movember’s research on the “perception gap” and “pluralistic ignorance,” explaining how many boys and men overestimate how much others expect them to stay silent, self-reliant, or emotionally restrained. A major theme throughout the episode is prevention through early intervention. Peter discusses Movember’s youth programs like Game Changers, which uses near-peer mentors, sports, and emotional literacy tools to help boys build healthier habits and stronger support systems. The co-hosts share their own experiences with friendship, competition, school pressure, and family relationships, grounding the conversation in real-life examples of how young men can learn to speak up, check in on others, and resist harmful norms. They close with a hopeful message on correcting misperceptions, creating trusted spaces, and how making emotional expression feel normal can lower the barrier for boys and men to seek help and connect more honestly with others. Peter’s “I have the right to” statement, “I have the right to feel," captures the heart of the episode’s message about emotional freedom and healthier masculinity. For more information on Movember, please visit https://movember.com/ To join I Have The Right To's mission to create a world free of sexual violence, visit https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/ Support the show Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com

    E78: The Right to Feel | Movember’s Peter Fisher on Men’s Mental Health, Social Norms, and Emotional Freedom - Real Men, Real Conversations
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5
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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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