Voices of Strength

Ashana Kaiulani

Voices of Strength is a podcast where survivors of domestic violence reclaim their power through story. Hosted by Ashana — trauma support specialist with the Alabama Domestic Violence Registry Project and host of The Reclamation Room — each episode features honest, heartfelt conversations with women who’ve lived through abuse and found their voice on the other side. This is a space for truth, healing, and hope. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or someone wanting to understand, Voices of Strength holds space for you. 🎧 Listen in. Speak out. You’re not alone.

Episodes

  1. Aug 4

    Moving Forward in Stillness: Healing the Nervous System with Samuel Sawyer

    In this episode of Voices of Strength, Ashana sits down with Samuel Sawyer, founder of Aquality Farms in Anniston, Alabama, for a conversation about healing that reaches far beyond nutrition. Samuel shares his personal journey through childhood trauma, substance use, nervous system dysregulation, and burnout, and how curiosity, nature, quality sleep, and functional wellness became part of his recovery. Together, they explore how many of the same patterns seen in trauma recovery also appear in physical health. The conversation highlights the importance of asking deeper questions, honoring your body's signals, and creating a life rooted in balance rather than constant survival. Whether you're healing from domestic violence, recovering from chronic stress, navigating burnout, or simply looking for practical ways to care for your nervous system, this episode offers compassionate encouragement and thoughtful perspective. Takeaways: Samuel's journey from self-medicating with alcohol and marijuana to pursuing holistic wellness. How unresolved trauma can affect the nervous system long after the danger has passed. The connection between quality sleep, emotional healing, and mental health. Why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in recovery. Understanding balance instead of hustle culture. The role of nature in calming the nervous system. Functional mushrooms, including reishi and lion's mane, and why Samuel became passionate about them. The importance of community, connection, and moving forward one small step at a time. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Aquality Farms Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Functional mushrooms including reishi and lion's mane Breathwork practices Sound healing with Danielle Hall About Our Guest: Samuel Sawyer is the co-owner of Aquality Farms in Anniston, Alabama. Alongside his brother, he grows hydroponic produce, microgreens, and functional mushrooms while helping educate the community about sustainable agriculture and holistic wellness. After his own experiences with trauma, substance use, nervous system dysregulation, and burnout, Samuel became passionate about helping others reconnect with their health through curiosity, nature, quality nutrition, and practical wellness practices. Connect With Samuel: Aquality Farmshttps://aqualityfarms.com Visit the farm in Anniston, Alabama to learn more about their fresh produce, functional mushroom extracts, microgreens, and educational programs. About Voices of Strength Voices of Strength is the official podcast of Break the Silence Alabama. Through honest conversations with survivors, advocates, professionals, and community leaders, we explore healing after domestic violence, abuse, trauma, and adversity. Our goal is to remind every listener that healing is possible, connection matters, and your story deserves to be heard. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need these words today. Content Note: This episode includes discussions of trauma, substance use, nervous system dysregulation, and domestic violence. Please listen at your own pace and prioritize your wellbeing.

  2. Apr 1

    From Fear to Freedom: A.E. Lee on Surviving Domestic Violence

    In this episode of Voices of Strength, we sit down with author A.E. Lee for a deeply personal conversation about surviving domestic violence and the reality of leaving when your safety is on the line. A.E. shares a night that changed everything. The fear, the urgency, and the decisions that had to be made in real time to protect herself and her family. This conversation brings listeners into the lived experience of what danger actually feels like, and how quickly things can escalate. We also talk about what happens after. The impact trauma has on the body, the mind, and family dynamics. The quiet strength it takes to rebuild a sense of safety. The role of community, and the moments that can make the difference between staying stuck and getting out. This episode holds both the weight of survival and the steady, ongoing work of healing. Takeaways • Violence often escalates quickly, and recognizing those shifts can save your life• Moments of danger require fast, instinctive decisions rooted in safety• Community support can be a lifeline when everything feels uncertain• Trauma leaves lasting imprints on the body, mind, and relationships• Having a safety plan creates options when fear takes over• Reaching out for help can open doors to protection and support• Sharing your story can help others recognize their own situation• Healing happens over time, with support, patience, and care• Resilience is built in small, steady steps after survival About A.E. Lee A.E. Lee is an author and survivor whose work is rooted in truth, resilience, and the lived experience of navigating domestic violence. Through storytelling, A.E. brings voice to the realities many people carry in silence, offering both awareness and connection for those walking similar paths. https://authoraelee.com/ Resources & Support 📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support:Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)or text START to 88788Free, confidential, available 24/7. Want to share your story on Voices of Strength?Reach out to connect. Learn more: breakthesilenceal.org Join us for a free weekly support call for women navigating emotional overwhelm and relational harm. A space to breathe, be seen, and reconnect with yourself. If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps more women find these conversations and reminds survivors they’re not alone.

  3. Jan 27

    Loved You, Hated You: Understanding Why We Stay and How We Heal

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support:Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode of Voices of Strength, we sit down with Nikki Allen, a singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and author, for a deeply honest conversation about love, abuse, and the complex question so many survivors carry: Why did I stay? Nikki shares the story behind her book, Loved You, Hated You, which is rooted in her own experience of an abusive relationship and the emotional, psychological, and relational layers that made it hard to leave. Rather than focusing on blame or shame, Nikki invites listeners into a more compassionate understanding of how attachment, hope, fear, and love can become deeply intertwined in harmful dynamics. We talk about the role her friends played in helping her see the reality of her relationship, the internal work of rebuilding self-trust after leaving, and how her past continues to shape — but not define — the way she shows up in love today. This episode is about more than survival. It’s about healing, boundaries, and the quiet, brave decision to believe in love again — without abandoning yourself in the process. Takeaways: • Why understanding why you stayed can be a powerful part of healing• The emotional and relational complexity of abusive relationships• How outside perspectives can help break through isolation and self-doubt• The role of self-love in rebuilding after leaving harm• Why boundaries are an act of care, not punishment• How past experiences can inform — not control — future relationships• The importance of giving yourself time to heal while single• Learning to trust yourself again after relational trauma• How hope can exist alongside grief and loss• Choosing belief in love without abandoning your own safety and needs About Nikki: Nikki Allen is a singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and author whose creative work centers on emotional truth, healing, and the human experience of love and loss. Her book, Loved You, Hated You, is a deeply personal reflection on her journey through an abusive relationship and the process of understanding the emotional forces that kept her there. Through storytelling, music, and film, Nikki explores themes of self-trust, growth, and reclaiming one’s voice after trauma. Her work offers both honesty and hope for those navigating their own paths toward healing and healthy connection. Website:https://officialnikkiallen.com/ Loved You, Hated You by Nikki Allenhttps://officialnikkiallen.com/ Voices of Strength is the official podcast of Break the Silence Alabama, dedicated to amplifying survivor voices, increasing awareness, and supporting efforts to end domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and community conversations. Want to share your story on Voices of Strength?Reach out at:https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast Learn more about Break the Silence Alabama:https://breakthesilenceal.org Join us for a free weekly support call for women healing from emotional overwhelm and relational harm:https://wayhomewellness.com/womenscircle ⭐ Rate & Review:If this conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps amplify survivor voices and reach those still finding their path to safety and healing.

  4. Jan 13

    Self-Defense is a Confidence Booster: The Mission of Defense in Heels

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support:Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode of Voices of Strength, we sit down with Patti Stewart, founder and CEO of Defense in Heels, for a powerful conversation about women’s safety, awareness, and self-defense as a form of empowerment. Patti shares how her decades of experience in personal protection, threat management, and self-defense training have shaped her mission to help women feel confident, capable, and prepared in their everyday lives. As an internationally certified self-defense instructor, mother of two, public speaker, and women’s safety advocate, Patti brings both real-world expertise and a relatable, grounded approach to conversations about safety. Together, we explore why self-defense is about far more than physical techniques. It’s about awareness, intuition, confidence, and reclaiming a sense of agency in a world that often teaches women to minimize themselves. Patti breaks down common myths about safety, explains how confidence itself can be protective, and reminds listeners that learning to trust your instincts is a skill that can be strengthened. This episode invites listeners to shift from fear-based thinking into informed, empowered awareness — and to see safety not as restriction, but as freedom. Takeaways: • Why self-defense is about awareness, not living in fear• How confidence and presence can deter potential threats• The importance of trusting intuition and internal warning signals• Common myths about women’s safety and self-defense• How preparedness supports autonomy and independence• Why safety education should feel empowering, not intimidating• Teaching women to take control of their personal safety • Safety is a skill that can be learned and strengthened• Awareness is one of the most powerful forms of self-defense• Confidence changes how you move through the world• Trusting your intuition is not paranoia; it’s wisdom• Empowerment comes from preparation, not fear About Patti Stewart Patti Stewart is the founder and CEO of Defense in Heels, a women’s safety and self-defense education company dedicated to helping women live life on their own terms while taking control of their safety. With over 20 years of experience, Patti is an internationally certified self-defense instructor who has trained thousands of women worldwide. She has also worked as a bodyguard for celebrities, bringing real-world insight into threat management and personal protection. Known for her fun, relatable teaching style, Patti blends humor with practicality to make safety education approachable and empowering. Her work centers on confidence, awareness, and helping women embrace their strength — one woman at a time. Website: http://www.defenseinheels.com/Book: Defense in Heels (Amazon): https://a.co/d/6esqT9M Resources mentioned: The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Beckerhttps://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Survival-Signals-Violence/dp/0440226198 Voices of Strength is the official podcast of Break the Silence Alabama, dedicated to amplifying survivor voices, increasing awareness, and supporting efforts to end domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and community conversations. Want to share your story on Voices of Strength?Reach out at: https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project:https://breakthesilenceal.org Join us for a free weekly support call for women healing from emotional overwhelm and relational harm:https://wayhomewellness.com/womenscircle ⭐ Rate & Review:If this conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps amplify survivor voices and reach those still finding their path to safety and healing.

  5. 12/16/2025

    Breaking the Silence: Childhood, Awareness, and the Reality of Sexual Violence

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support:Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode of Voices of Strength, we sit down with Dr. Dawnmarie Risley-Childs, psychiatrist and author of The Offering, for a powerful and necessary conversation about childhood trauma, awareness, and the widespread reality of sexual violence. Dr. Risley-Childs shares how growing up without space to freely express herself shaped her understanding of trauma and healing. Together, we explore why sexual violence is far more common than many people realize, why these experiences are often underreported, and how increasing awareness — not punishment — is a critical step toward meaningful societal change. This conversation invites listeners to look beyond myths, confront uncomfortable truths, and understand how early experiences shape the nervous system, identity, and long-term healing. We also discuss why open, honest conversations are essential if we want to create a safer world for future generations. In this episode, we discuss: How childhood restrictions around expression impact long-term awareness and healing Why sexual violence is far more common than most people are taught to believe The reality that 1 in 6 women experience sexual violation before age 18 — and why this number is likely underreported The difference between punishment and awareness when addressing harm How early trauma shapes the body, nervous system, and understanding of safety Why societal change begins with naming what is actually happening The role of honest conversations in healing individual and collective trauma Key Takeaways: Healing begins with awareness, not denial Sexual violence is not rare — it is widespread and often hidden Childhood experiences deeply shape how trauma is carried and processed Change requires open dialogue, education, and accountability Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or minimizing harm Dr. Dawnmarie Risley-Childs is a psychiatrist and the author of The Offering, a raw and inspiring exploration of childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and the radical act of forgiving without forgetting. Her work centers on truth-telling, awareness, and creating pathways toward healing that honor lived experience. Website: www.drrisleychilds.com Instagram: @drrisleychilds The Offering on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9MERfYk Voices of Strength is the official podcast of Break the Silence Alabama, dedicated to amplifying survivor voices, increasing awareness, and supporting efforts to end domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and community conversations. Want to share your story on Voices of Strength? Reach out at ⁠⁠https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast⁠⁠ Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project: ⁠⁠breakthesilenceal.org⁠ Join us for a free weekly support call for women ⁠healing from emotional overwhelm and relational harm: https://wayhomewellness.com/womenscircle Rate & Review: If Dawnmarie's story moved you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps amplify survivor voices and reach those who are still finding their path to safety and healing.

  6. 09/26/2025

    Live Your Life, Not Your Lawsuit: How Rebecca Broke Free

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support:Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode of Voices of Strength, Rebecca Stack shares her powerful story of surviving domestic violence and rebuilding her life. She opens up about the complexity of her abusive relationship, the ongoing trauma that followed, and the challenges she faced navigating a legal system that too often fails to protect survivors. Through her journey, Rebecca reminds us of the power of intuition, the importance of boundaries, and the deep work of reclaiming self-worth after abuse. She also shares the lessons she hopes to pass on to her daughter — about respect, safety, and knowing what love should feel like. Rebecca’s courage shows that healing isn’t linear — it’s a process of finding your voice, trusting yourself again, and refusing to let someone else’s harm define your future. Key Takeaways: We are never alone — there is support and solidarity in our stories. Red flags are real, and trusting our intuition can save our lives. The legal system needs change — but survivors are still showing up and fighting for justice. Healing from trauma takes time, compassion, and strong boundaries. Self-worth is not lost; it’s something we can reclaim. Teaching the next generation about healthy love is part of breaking the cycle. Speaking out turns pain into power — and creates space for others to heal, too. ✨ Rebecca now uses her voice to advocate for other survivors through her writing and blog, showing that we can transform our stories into tools for change. Rebecca's blog site: Voice After Violence Want to share your story on Voices of Strength? Reach out at ⁠https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast⁠Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project: ⁠breakthesilenceal.org⁠ Rate & Review: If Rebecca’s story moved you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps amplify survivor voices and reach those who are still finding their path to safety and healing.

  7. 08/25/2025

    Leaving Was Just the Beginning: Kimberly's Story Part 2

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode of Voices of Strength, we continue our conversation with Kimberly in Part 2 of her powerful story. We explore the lasting impact of emotional abuse, the uphill battles of navigating the court system, and the strength it takes to keep showing up for ourselves and our children when the road ahead feels overwhelming. Her journey reminds us that healing doesn’t have to happen all at once; it’s a process of resilience, honesty, and courage. By sharing her voice, she shows us the power of speaking out and how hope grows when we walk this path together. Key Takeaways: We don’t give up—we are stronger than we realize. We all deserve love, respect, and safety. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging than physical abuse. Navigating the legal system is tough, but survivors are doing it every day. Protecting ourselves and our children is always worth it. We don’t need a “reason” to leave; our safety is reason enough. Healing happens one day at a time. When we share our stories, we create space for others to heal too. We can take our time before stepping into new relationships. We are not alone. Support is out there. ✨ If you haven’t heard Part 1 of her story yet, we encourage you to go back and listen—it lays the foundation for the strength and insights shared here in Part 2. Want to share your story on Voices of Strength? Reach out at https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project: breakthesilenceal.org Rate & Review: If Kimberly’s story resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps amplify survivor voices and reach those who are still finding their path to safety and healing.

    Leaving Was Just the Beginning: Kimberly's Story Part 2

  8. 08/06/2025

    Leaving Was Just the Beginning: Kimberly’s Story of Survival and Self-Worth

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly, a courageous survivor who opens up about her journey through domestic violence, the long shadow trauma can cast, and the ongoing process of reclaiming her voice. Kimberly shares raw, honest reflections about how abuse slowly took hold in her life, what it looked like in teenage relationships, and how control and manipulation can be mistaken for love. We talk about the red flags that are often brushed aside, the pivotal moment she chose to leave, and how, for many survivors, the hardest part comes after getting out. This conversation touches on the emotional weight of parenting through trauma, the role her children played in breaking the cycle, and the power of looking back with clarity and compassion. If you’ve ever felt trapped, questioned your reality, or struggled to see your worth after abuse — this episode is for you. Some Takeaways: Sharing your story takes guts — and it matters. Abuse doesn’t always look how we think it will. Red flags are easier to spot in hindsight — but learning them now can save lives. Teenage relationships can lay the groundwork for harmful patterns. Love isn’t control — and control isn’t love. Leaving abuse is a turning point, but the healing journey is just beginning. Kids are watching. And sometimes, they help show us the way out. Self-worth can be rediscovered — and it changes everything. If you or someone you love is navigating the aftermath of domestic violence, know this: you’re not alone, and your story isn’t over. Resources & Links: Want to share your story on Voices of Strength? Reach out at ⁠⁠https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast⁠⁠ Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project: ⁠⁠breakthesilenceal.org⁠⁠ Rate & Review:If Kimberly’s story moved you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps us amplify the voices of survivors and reach those still finding their way out.

    Leaving Was Just the Beginning: Kimberly’s Story of Survival and Self-Worth

  9. 07/24/2025

    Where Was the Gap? Jessica’s Fight to Be Believed

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this gripping and deeply human episode of Voices of Strength, Jessica opens up about how narcissistic abuse first arrived in her life dressed as love — and how the man who love-bombed her turned out to be an abuser. We talk about how manipulation, control, and chaos often coexist in abusive dynamics, and how survivors are often made to feel like the “crazy one” when they start asking questions. Jessica shares how she began waking up to the truth of her relationship, the ways her close friends helped her plan her escape, and how the legal system repeatedly failed her when she needed protection the most. She also speaks about the healing power of storytelling — and her upcoming memoir, Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves — a raw and unflinching look at the aftermath of abuse, and the journey of reclaiming identity, voice, and dignity. In this episode, we cover: How love bombing masked dangerous red flags early on The moment Jessica discovered his criminal past — and how he manipulated her trust The system’s failure to hold him accountable and protect her safety The role of sisterhood and friendship in her escape and survival What recovery looks like after repeated trauma and betrayal Her experience writing a book as a form of reclamation and truth-telling This episode is for you if: You’ve been gaslit into questioning your own reality You’ve ever loved someone who turned out to be someone entirely different You’re learning to trust your gut again after it was constantly overridden You want to hear from a survivor who’s turning pain into power — and publishing it Resources & Links: Want to share your story on Voices of Strength? Reach out at ⁠https://www.breakthesilenceal.org/podcast⁠ Learn more about the Alabama Domestic Violence Research Project: ⁠breakthesilenceal.org⁠ Rate & Review:If Jessica’s story moved you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps us amplify the voices of survivors and reach those still finding their way out.

  10. 06/05/2025

    Healing Out Loud: Amber’s Story of Survival and Justice

    📞 If you are in danger or need immediate support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In this heartfelt conversation, Amber, a survivor of domestic violence, shares her journey from being a victim to becoming an advocate for others. She discusses the red flags she missed in her relationship, the impact of abuse on her children, and the challenges she faced in the court system. Amber emphasizes the importance of speaking out and the role of advocacy in healing, while also addressing the complexities of motherhood in abusive situations. Her story is a powerful reminder that survivors are not alone and that healing is possible. 💜 In This Episode: Amber's journey highlights the importance of speaking out against abuse.Recognizing red flags in relationships can be challenging, especially for young individuals.The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the victim to their children.Courage can manifest in many forms, including the decision to testify against an abuser.The court system often fails to protect victims of domestic violence.Advocacy plays a crucial role in the healing process for survivors.Healing is a continuous journey that requires support and understanding.Survivors often grapple with feelings of guilt and self-doubt after leaving an abuser.Community support is vital for those recovering from trauma.Every survivor's story is unique, and it's important to listen and validate their experiences. This episode includes descriptions of domestic violence and legal proceedings. Please listen with care and prioritize your emotional safety. Take breaks or skip ahead as needed. 🔗 Resources & Support: 💜 BreakTheSilenceAL.org – Tools, education, and resources 🧡 Alabama Domestic Violence Registry Project – Learn more about our mission and sign up for our newsletter or share your story via our confidential contact form 🙏🏼 Thank You: Thank you for holding space for Amber’s story. If it resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your voice helps amplify the voices of survivors everywhere.

  11. 05/22/2025

    Welcome to Voices of Strength: A Space for Survivors to Be Heard

    In this episode: -What Voices of Strength is all about -Why domestic violence can look different for everyone -How sharing stories supports healing and connection -What to expect in future episodes -Sneak peek: Amber’s story in Episode 2 Resources mentioned: 💜 BreakTheSilenceAL.org — Support, resources, and information for survivors 📱 Follow us on Facebook: [ALDVRP] This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. Your safety and well-being matter.

  • 11 Episodes

About

Voices of Strength is a podcast where survivors of domestic violence reclaim their power through story. Hosted by Ashana — trauma support specialist with the Alabama Domestic Violence Registry Project and host of The Reclamation Room — each episode features honest, heartfelt conversations with women who’ve lived through abuse and found their voice on the other side. This is a space for truth, healing, and hope. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or someone wanting to understand, Voices of Strength holds space for you. 🎧 Listen in. Speak out. You’re not alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashana Kaiulani
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ashana Kaiulani
  • Show Website
    Voices of Strength