Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness

Valerie Foglesong
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Defiance of Silence – A Sacred Witness is a podcast for survivors, healers, and those who walk beside them. Together, we stand against the silence that isolates us, and embrace the silence that allows us to be truly heard. Hosted by Valerie — a U.S. Army veteran, Nurse, survivor, and trauma-informed witness — the show was born from her own two-decade journey of healing from sexual trauma and the power of being witnessed. Through real and unpolished conversations, guests share stories of courage, grief, resilience, and awakening. This is not therapy. This is not performance. This is sacred witness. A space where vulnerability becomes strength, and where no one has to carry their story alone. New episodes release every other week.

Episodes

  1. Becca - Radical Acceptance & Forgiveness: A Practice That Softens Shame

    DEC 17

    Becca - Radical Acceptance & Forgiveness: A Practice That Softens Shame

    Some stories crack the shell and let the light in. Valerie sits with Becca—a tattoo artist, mom, and survivor—who turns the old script of silence on its head and shows how radical self-forgiveness can rebuild a life. We move through early violations and the ache of not being believed, into the adult patterns that followed: people pleasing, numbing with alcohol, and mistaking compliance for consent. When a trusted friend crossed a line, Becca didn’t just name the harm; she learned to name her nervous system, too. Fawn and flop aren’t character flaws—they’re survival responses—and that simple truth can dissolve years of shame. What changes once shame loosens its grip? Becca shares the tools that actually worked. Journaling that challenges “Is this 100% true?” Mindset shifts that turn ten negatives into ten grounded positives. A practice of “neutralizing” people—not saints, not monsters—so the body can stop whiplashing between idealization and resentment. She even reframed abandonment, finding the ways it made room for real love, presence with her kids, and sharper empathy for unseen people. As a creative holding space for clients’ stories, she learned that carrying someone’s pain doesn’t lighten their load; witnessing without judgment does. The heart of this conversation is radical responsibility rooted in compassion. Not blame. Not perfection. A daily choice to send love to the self-inside the memory, to retire the word "should" and to take one steady step at a time. If you’re ready to heal without a checklist, to trade drama’s “internal drugstore” for nervous system peace, and to feel truly witnessed, this one meets you where you are and walks with you forward. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us one belief you’re ready to rewrite. Your story deserves to be heard. Becca Nushell is a tattoo artist, content creator, and mom who has learned the power of radical self forgiveness. By taking full responsibility for her life, she has shifted from living in a victim mindset to finding genuine peace and freedom. Her story is about healing through accountability, compassion, and truth. Nushelltattoos.org Instagram @Nushelltattoos  Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    1h 4m
  2. Rachael - Loving a Survivor - A Sacred Witness at Home

    DEC 3

    Rachael - Loving a Survivor - A Sacred Witness at Home

    What does it take to love someone through trauma without losing yourself? We sit down with Rachel—forensic nurse, educator, and secondary survivor—to unpack the messy, courageous work of building safety, voice, and trust when PTSD lives in the home. From a brave early disclosure on a blind date to a life-saving inpatient stay and a parking-lot pregnancy reveal, her story is equal parts raw and deeply hopeful. Rachel explains why their earliest agreements mattered: medication choices stayed with him and his doctor, he owned appointments, and she stepped out of the fixer role. We walk through the strain of loud PTSD episodes, the quiet damage of walking on eggshells, and the moment a therapist finally said, “It’s time.” Later, a shared trauma retreat reframed everything: secondary trauma is still trauma, and healing belongs to witnesses, too. Rachel describes laying down resentment, learning somatic regulation, and rebuilding a marriage around honest needs and compassionate boundaries. She also shares what didn’t work—unsafe communities that wanted curated stories—and how safe witnesses, consistent therapy, and body work changed their family’s rhythm. As a forensic nurse, Rachel brings a trauma-informed lens: consent, pacing, and the sacred weight of someone’s story. She offers practical takeaways for caregivers and survivors alike—safety plans with clear steps, removing lethal means, centering the patient’s voice, and modeling resilience for kids. We end with a simple grounding exercise you can use today to release what isn’t yours to carry. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a witness, and leave a review so others can find it. Your voice helps build a braver, safer community. Rachael Reynolds is a Forensic Nurse and educator with over 15 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, Hospice, and Sexual Assault Forensic Examination. As both a nurse, secondary survivor of sexual assault and the spouse of a survivor, Rachael brings a deeply personal perspective to her work and advocacy. She and her husband Ashton have been married for 15 and a half years, growing side by side as they navigate the realities of PTSD, trauma recovery, the healing power of empathy, and the everyday work of healing — while raising four incredible children. Together, Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    1h 43m
  3. Jeanine - The Beauty of Self Compassion

    NOV 19

    Jeanine - The Beauty of Self Compassion

    Silence can isolate — but it can also safeguard a story until it’s ready to be spoken. In this episode, we sit with Jeanine McNeill, CPS—an Army Veteran, Women Veterans Program Certified Peer Specialist, and Women’s Health Liaison at the Sheridan VA. With more than 40 years of lived experience, Jeanine has transformed her own journey through Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) into advocacy, support, and education for her fellow Veterans. Jeanine’s healing path has led her into national recognition. She is a Daily Points of Light Award recipient for her work with The Pink Berets, was honored with a Quilt of Valor for her dedication to female Veterans, and served as Ms. Senior World Wyoming 2024, using that platform to elevate awareness of MST and IPV on an international stage. We begin this conversation with a grounding exercise to honor the weight of what follows. Jeanine speaks candidly about how the body often remembers what the mind cannot yet name—the freeze response, intuitive knowing, and the clarity that sometimes emerges years later. She shares a pivotal moment: an unexpected reunion with someone connected to her assault, which became a turning point in her healing and a powerful reminder of what it means to be witnessed. Jeanine also introduces the SELF Method she teaches to residents: Silence the noise Evaluate with a body scan Listen to your body Feel what you’re meant to feel, then move forward We explore what it means to support others while protecting your own energy—through breathwork, grounding walks, mindful drives, and prayer for what cannot be carried alone. Jeanine reframes triggers as information, not setbacks, and speaks to the shift from victim, to survivor, to thriver. This episode is an invitation to trust your pace, honor your body’s wisdom, and remember that healing is possible—and you are worthy of being witnessed. Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    46 min
  4. Lucy - The Invisible Weight of Silence

    NOV 5

    Lucy - The Invisible Weight of Silence

    When the US Army stamps your discharge Chapter 8 and strips your benefits, it’s easy to believe your service didn’t count. Lucy wouldn’t accept that ending. She walks us through growing up in chaos, surviving assault in uniform, and carrying a story so heavy it nearly pushed her over the edge—until a clinician named PTSD and a fellow vet’s challenge rekindled her fire. We trace the moments that changed everything: a panic attack at work that sent her to the ER, the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen that turned avoidance into action. Lucy shows how advocacy can spark policy change while quietly draining a survivor’s reserves. She speaks frankly about the Netflix spotlight, the flood of requests from other survivors, and her decision t to ask for help.  What follows is a blueprint for sustainable healing and service. Lucy returns to medication on her terms, builds daily breath work and yoga practices. Takes long walks with her husband to decompress and reconnect. She sets boundaries, practices seasonal advocacy, and reframes worth beyond a DD214. The message is clear and compassionate: give yourself grace. If you’re navigating MST, PTSD, or the invisible weight of silence, you’ll find practical tools, hard-won wisdom, and the courage to make your own pace. Lucy is a proud United States Army Veteran and a lifelong advocate for veterans’ rights and recognition, both in New Jersey and across the country. Lucy currently serves as Program Coordinator for YWCA Northern New Jersey’s Operation Sisterhood, a comprehensive initiative designed to support women veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life. Beyond her professional roles, Lucy is a dedicated volunteer and national advocate. She works with Minority Veterans of America, The Pink Berets, and is a prominent voice in the #MeTooMilitary movement, which emerged in the wake of Specialist Vanessa Guillen’s death. Lucy testified before the House Armed Services Committee on July 29, 2020, during the landmark hearing, The Military MeToo Movement. Her advocacy was featured in the Netflix documentary “I Am Vanessa Guillen.” In recognition of her leadership and service, Lucy was appointed by VA Secretary Denis McDonough to the VA’s Workgroup on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. She was also appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey Comm Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    53 min
  5. Halie - Burnout to Breath: A Trauma Nurse on Healing, Community, and Coming Back to the Body

    OCT 22

    Halie - Burnout to Breath: A Trauma Nurse on Healing, Community, and Coming Back to the Body

    What holds a caregiver together when the work starts to pull them apart? We sit down with Halie—trauma nurse, survivor, and seeker—to explore the quiet, practical ways she rebuilt herself after moral injury, burnout, and years of outrunning her own story. She brings the ER and ICU into focus with unflinching honesty, then shows how small rituals and community transformed adrenaline into presence.  We talk about how trauma lives in the body—fear in the chest, danger in the neck—and how EMDR helped her find and soften those beliefs without rushing herself back into pain. If you’ve ever thought “I’ll deal with this later” and then never went back, her framework for actually closing the loop will land: set an intention before shift, name what you’ll return to, and claim time after to release what isn’t yours. It’s direct, doable nervous system care for anyone navigating healthcare, trauma work, or high-stakes service. This conversation also challenges the old script that caregivers must be stoic to be strong. We talk candidly about vicarious trauma, profit and vulnerability in medicine, and why “leave it at work” only works when you have a real ritual of release. Halie models what a culture shift can look like—leaders making space, teammates witnessing without fixing, and clinicians regulating in real time without shame.  A personal note and resources from Halie's heart to yours. www.CoDA.org www.adultchildren.org Don’t Clock Out Each program has zoom meetings available outside of a structured recovery program, such as Save A Warrior. https://www.saveawarrior.org Richard C. Schwartz -You Are The One You’ve Been Waiting For &-No Bad Parts I didn’t spend too much time during the podcast to disclose my childhood trauma, not because it didn’t matter, but more so because it no longer defines who I am now that I have found myself. I never would have believed a life full of self love and gratitude was possible, and now I can’t imagine living another day without this practice of self care. I encourage you, the listener, to go find you, through all of the mud and the muck, all of the self hatred, and all of the disbelief that life could be anything more than the despair you feel Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    58 min
  6. Susie - I Refuse to be a Victim

    OCT 8

    Susie - I Refuse to be a Victim

    A two‑piece swimsuit turned see‑through. A cabin in the woods. Years of silence that felt safer than the truth. Susan joins us to trace a line from early humiliation and assault to a life rebuilt on wise vulnerability, safe witnessing, and a stubborn kind of joy that doesn’t vanish when life gets loud. We talk about how shame sneaks in when adults laugh instead of protect, how silence becomes a habit that looks like strength, and how one brave share can unhook a story from your identity. We get specific about what “safe space” really means—people who listen more than they talk, don’t moralize your pain, and hold your words with care. You’ll hear practical ways to test trust with small disclosures, spot red flags, and use discretion without feeling like you’re keeping secrets. We map the move from triggers to glimmers, showing how tiny moments of safety slowly retrain the nervous system.  For those who hold space for others, we offer tools to witness without absorbing: journaling to move the weight of listening, debriefing with non‑identifying details to a trusted mentor, and simple rituals that return stories to their owners. Susan’s faith frames her courage: testimony brings light, and light starves shame. Whether you connect through spirituality, community, or professional support, the path forward starts with one step—making a call, walking into a resource center, or telling one kind person. If you’ve ever wondered how to share your story without breaking yourself open again, this conversation is your guide and your companion. If this helped, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so others can find these stories. Your voice matters—what part of this conversation stayed with you? Susan lives in Virginia with her husband, she is a mother of three and Nanny to 8 Grandies. She has been mentoring and teaching for over 30 years. At twenty-eight years old, Susan fell in love with Jesus and God’s word in print. She takes the promise of Hope and overcoming wherever she goes, whether speaking to a large group, or just meeting a complete stranger. She can't help but share that God’s promises are bigger than any obstacle she or you face. https://www.facebook.com/susan.dunning.77/ X @dunsuz I Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    48 min
  7. Lia - Write Your Own Story

    SEP 24

    Lia - Write Your Own Story

    What happens when your very survival depends on disconnecting from your own body? For Paralympic champion and Army veteran Lia Coryell, this wasn't a philosophical question—it was her childhood reality. Born into extreme poverty in northern Wisconsin with a father in prison and an illiterate mother, Lia learned early that the world could be unimaginably cruel. By age nine, she had developed a profound dissociative response, believing her soul lived outside her physical form. "I was Lisa's soul and I'm like, 'It's okay,'" she explains. "My job as her soul was to love and protect her." What mental health professionals would later identify as a trauma response, young Lia experienced as her superpower. Despite teachers who dismissed her as "not worth it," Leah developed a rebellious determination that would define her life: "I'm going to know everything." This drive led to multiple academic degrees and accomplishments.   Lia's most powerful achievement might be her perspective on trauma and healing. After rebuilding her foundation "one rock at a time" following devastating setbacks, she now shares a truth both simple and profound: "You are not what happened to you. You get to choose who you are and what you want to be. You get to write your own story." Whether you're facing your own trauma history or supporting someone through theirs, this conversation offers wisdom on creating sacred space for healing, recognizing when you need boundaries, and transforming rebellion into resilience. As Lia proves through her remarkable journey, sometimes our deepest wounds become our greatest gifts to the world. See Lia's winning match from the 2022 World Para Championships in Dubai. https://youtu.be/5DACOWUm4zE?feature=shared https://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2022/03/lia-coryell-wins-team-usas-first-women-w1-world-para-championship/ Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    1h 7m
  8. Amber - The Sacred Art of Witnessing

    SEP 10

    Amber - The Sacred Art of Witnessing

    "The body keeps the score." This phrase has become commonplace in trauma-informed circles, but what does it actually mean when your physical symptoms have emotional roots? How do we become truly present in bodies that have stored years of unprocessed experiences? In this profound conversation with Air Force veteran, former firefighter, and bodyworker Amber Miskovich, we explore the sacred art of witnessing—both ourselves and others. Amber breaks down the science of how our thoughts create physical constriction or dilation in our bodies, explaining why anxiety, digestive issues, and countless other symptoms often connect to emotional states we've yet to process. We will delve into what makes a good witness versus someone who simply wants to fix, rescue, or join in your drama. Amber shares powerful practices for healers and helpers to avoid absorbing others' pain while still holding compassionate space.  The conversation also addresses the challenging balance between sharing your story and practicing discretion, why truth-tellers are essential on your healing journey, and how to recognize when your body is signaling "yes" or "no" to a person or situation. Join us for this deeply nurturing exploration of coming home to yourself while learning to witness others with presence and care. Find Amber on IG: @awonderly @thewonderwithin https://www.thewonderwithin.com Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    59 min
  9. Valerie - The Birth of A Sacred Witness

    SEP 10

    Valerie - The Birth of A Sacred Witness

    In this first episode Valerie shares her personal story of surviving sexual trauma, breaking the silence and discovering the power of being witnessed. Hear how being witnessed led to a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to the birth of Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness Podcast.  For decades, I carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse and military sexual trauma without telling a soul. When I unexpectedly encountered my military assailant years later, it cracked open the vault of repressed memories, beginning a long and difficult journey of healing. In 2020 sparked by the collision of the #iamvanessaguillen and #metoo movements, and the stress of COVID isolation triggered a profound PTSD episode that forced me to confront the cost of my silence. Finding community among women veterans who simply said "me too" began to break that isolation. Being witnessed without judgment cracked open decades of silence. My heart and hope for Defiance of Silence: A Sacred Witness is to create space for survivors, healers, and witnesses to share their truth. This podcast isn't about sensationalizing trauma but honoring the journey through communal witnessing. We defy the silence that isolates while embracing the silence that allows true listening – sitting with someone's pain without judgment, without fixing, without rushing. Whether you're seeking healing or coming to witness others, you're welcome here. Your presence matters. Together, we'll discover the power of being seen and the healing that follows. Remember: you are not alone, your story deserves to be heard, and you are worthy of being witnessed. Contact Valerie Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed! If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1 Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/ *This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform Submit Season ONE Witness Reflections here: https://forms.gle/woYKUrXJTjbyWjVK6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podca...

    25 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Defiance of Silence – A Sacred Witness is a podcast for survivors, healers, and those who walk beside them. Together, we stand against the silence that isolates us, and embrace the silence that allows us to be truly heard. Hosted by Valerie — a U.S. Army veteran, Nurse, survivor, and trauma-informed witness — the show was born from her own two-decade journey of healing from sexual trauma and the power of being witnessed. Through real and unpolished conversations, guests share stories of courage, grief, resilience, and awakening. This is not therapy. This is not performance. This is sacred witness. A space where vulnerability becomes strength, and where no one has to carry their story alone. New episodes release every other week.

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