Aware And Prepared

Mandi Pratt
  • 5.0 (23)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listening. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did - scared, vulnerable and needing decades of counseling and healthcare to heal. I want you to feel safer with less fear and more power!You can find more from me at my website or my Instagram:WEB: https://womenawareandprepared.com/podcast/IG: https://www.instagram.com/womenawareandprepared/

  1. Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)

    2D AGO

    Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)

    In this continuation episode, forensic psychologist Ashley Wasserburger explores the depressive face of trauma, the final of four trauma responses discussed in this series.  Ashley breaks down how depression manifests as a trauma response, addressing common misconceptions like viewing depressed individuals as lazy or unreliable. She explains how overwhelming daily tasks become, why people isolate despite craving connection, and the masks they wear to avoid feeling like a burden. The conversation covers practical support strategies including breaking tasks into manageable steps, celebrating small victories, and providing tangible help without judgment. The conversation touches on cognitive distortions, the five Cs for addressing intrusive thoughts (catch, control, challenge, change, cherish), and the importance of reframing negative self-talk with curiosity rather than forced positivity. Ashley emphasizes that trauma responses are normal adaptations, NOT character flaws, and discusses how our brains physically change to help us survive, requiring patience and self-compassion as we learn to feel safe in healthy environments. RESOURCES Ashley works at Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI), a domestic violence and advocacy organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Facebook and Instagram Take Action Short Film - "Faces of Trauma" (10-minute youth-led film showing four siblings processing their parents' divorce through different trauma responses) 988 - National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 24/7 for mental health crises) 211 - National community resource helpline (food assist, mental health support, housing…) National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Support for those experiencing domestic violence and their support persons Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    30 min
  2. Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger, and Finding Safety Together

    FEB 2

    Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger, and Finding Safety Together

    How do we take care of ourselves when we are seeing violence, heartbreak, and fear unfold across the United States every day? It feels helpless! Hear Mandi and Dr. Keean talk honestly about collective harm in America and how it impacts our nervous systems, our emotions, and our sense of safety. They explain why forcing positivity during painful times can disconnect us from reality and why fear, anger, grief, and disbelief are natural and healthy responses, not signs of weakness. Together, they explore how trauma lives in the body, why current events can trigger past experiences, and how movement, community, intuition, and speaking up help release pressure from the nervous system. This conversation offers validation for survivors and anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, reminding listeners that healing does not come from silence or shutting down, but from connection, self trust, and allowing our emotions to move through us, especially now in early 2026. RESOURCES 5calls.org to call your Representatives Connect with Dr. Keean Website: Keean.orgInstagram: @Holistic.TherapistLinkedIn: Dr. Keean Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    46 min
  3. Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger

    JAN 26

    Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger

    Mandi and Forensic Psychologist, Ashley Wasserburger, explain how behaviors like perfectionism, anger, and people-pleasing are often trauma responses, not personality flaws. They break down the different “faces of trauma” and share why curiosity, patience, and safety matter more than judgment. This conversation helps normalize trauma adaptations and reminds listeners that healing begins when people feel safe, supported, and empowered with choice. Subscribe to the show so you hear Part 2 next week! RESOURCES Ashley works at Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI), a domestic violence and advocacy organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Facebook and Instagram Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    36 min
  4. Designing Your Home for Peace: Trauma-Informed Design and the Nervous System

    JAN 19

    Designing Your Home for Peace: Trauma-Informed Design and the Nervous System

    Is your home helping or harming your nervous system? Mandi sits down with trauma-informed interior designer and author, Sarah Trop, to explore how our environments impact emotional safety, regulation, and peace. How can small, thoughtful changes make a big difference?  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why earth tones and nature-inspired elements tend to feel more grounding and calming How light, texture, and color affect the nervous system Simple, low-risk ways to add color without overwhelm How to create nourishing spaces even if you’re renting or living somewhere temporarily What “dignified design” means and why it matters in therapy offices, nonprofits, and healing spaces Budget-friendly ways communities can come together to create safer, more welcoming environments How to design sacred personal spaces that support rest, regulation, and self-care Why clutter, organization, and shared routines can impact your ability to truly relax This conversation is filled with practical ideas to help your home or workplace feel more supportive, comforting, and aligned with how you want to feel. RESOURCES Connect with Sarah Trop: - Website: FunCycled.com (Book a virtual consultation or buy her book) - Free Design Tips PDF: Funcycled.com/free - Instagram: @FunCycled - Facebook: @FunCycled - Pinterest: @FunCycled Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    41 min

  5. JAN 5

    Home Safety Tip: Trust Your Intuition and Act On It

    A loud knock at the door. Early morning. Something feels off. What you do in that moment matters more than you think. In this short but powerful episode, Mandi shares a recent real-life moment that highlights why intuition is one of our most important safety tools. Why listening to that “something isn’t right” feeling matters, and simple, practical ways to stay safer at home. This episode is a reminder to slow down, think smart, and take your inner warning system seriously. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why ignoring intuition can create unnecessary riskSimple, realistic safety choices you can make at homeThat you can call non-emergency servicesHow acting on intuition builds confidence and inner peace Past episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2 Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    5 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    14 Simple Ways to Calm Your Nervous System When Stressed (Perfect for the Holiday Season)

    Hear 14 simple, practical ways to calm your nervous system when you feel stuck in fight-or-flight like during the holidays! These are the same tools Mandi learned while healing from years of hypervigilance and complex trauma. These are research-backed gentle practices that help your body relearn what safety feels like. You’ll hear easy, accessible strategies you can use anywhere: at home, in your car, or during stressful moments, to reset your stress response, lower anxiety, and return to calm. This episode is especially supportive during the holidays, when emotions run high and your nervous system may need extra care. These practices aren’t about avoiding what’s hard. They’re about reminding your body that, in this moment, you can feel safe and that peace is something you can return to again and again. RESOURCES N.O.W by Solu Tone Therapy System Grab the Calm Checklist pretty printable here on Mandi's website. Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    9 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Belongings and Spot Tracking Devices - Part 2

    Welcome to Holiday Safety Series Part 2! Mandi shares practical street-smart habits to help you protect your belongings, stay alert in busy places, and avoid distraction-based thefts like purse snatching in stores.  She also breaks down what everyone needs to know about AirTags and tracking devices (tech-facilitated abuse): how they’re misused, what warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take if your phone alerts you to unexpected tracking.  This episode gives you simple, confidence-boosting strategies to stay aware, safeguard your stuff, and navigate the season with more calm and control.  RESOURCES Grab the free Checklist with MANY more tips or purchase Mandi’s Toolkit with ALL the tips to keep you safer. Article on theft from shopping carts at Trader Joe's (2024) Past episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2 Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    15 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: How To Avoid Jugging and Stay Safer in Parking Lots

    How do I stay safer while out and about this holiday season or any season? In part one of the Holiday Safety Series, Mandi breaks down two key topics: jugging and parking lot safety, so you can move through the holidays with more confidence.  You’ll learn how jugging works, what red flags to watch for, smart habits that keep you from looking like a target, and practical parking-lot strategies that make a big difference. This episode gives you simple, real-world tools to help you stay aware, calm, and empowered all season long.  RESOURCES Mandi’s Toolkit with ALL the tips to keep you safer Past episodes Tips From 911 Dispatcher Part 1 and Part 2 Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

    13 min
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Trailer

5
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About

Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listening. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did - scared, vulnerable and needing decades of counseling and healthcare to heal. I want you to feel safer with less fear and more power!You can find more from me at my website or my Instagram:WEB: https://womenawareandprepared.com/podcast/IG: https://www.instagram.com/womenawareandprepared/

Information

  • Creator
    Mandi Pratt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Aware And Prepared
  • Show Website
    Aware And Prepared