Aware And Prepared

Mandi Pratt
  • 5.0 (26)
  • 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. 1d ago

    How to Keep Your Kid Safer at College, Sexual Assault Laws and Prevention

    Mandi breaks down campus safety from a legal and prevention standpoint, sharing key legislation every parent and student should know before orientation day. From the Jeanne Clery Act to Texas' new Summer Willis Act, Mandi covers the laws shaping campus sexual assault reporting, what colleges are now required to do, and why prevention has to include all genders. She also shares how to have the hard conversations at home, what to do if something happens, and why bystander responsibility is everyone's issue. RESOURCES Jeanne Clery Act Federal law requiring colleges to disclose campus crime stats; look up any school before enrolling.RAINN.org Sexual assault hotline and confidential online reporting resource.Summer Willis Act Texas law passed November 2025 defining consent in sexual assault cases.Mandatory Reporting BillTitle IX Resources BillBystander Intervention Episode with Kelly Mandi's earlier episode covering bystander intervention training with Kelly from Pure PraxisCollege Safety Workshops -- Mandi Pratt Two to three-hour trauma-informed, skills-based workshops on situational awareness, communication and boundaries, healthy relationships, and basic self-defense. Available in-person or online for groups this summer only with MandiConnect with Mandi: Website: AwareAndPrepared.lifeTake the Free Intuition Quiz: AwareAndPrepared.life/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattTIMESTAMPS [01:33] Campus safety overview and workshop announcement  [02:17] Conference on Crimes Against Women key takeaways  [03:36] The Jeanne Clery Act explained  [04:56] The Summer Willis Act and defining consent in Texas  [6:42] Texas Senate bills: Title IX orientation requirements and mandatory reporting  [6:58] Supportive vs. harmful responses to survivors  [8:24] Educating all genders - why boys need the conversation too  [9:36] People-pleasing, boundaries, and saying no clearly  [10:20] Survivor-centered campus processes and prevention work  [11:23] What to teach kids before college - social media, bystander responsibility  [13:52] Reporting options and knowing it's never the victim's fault  [15:37] Summer college safety workshop details and close 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. Send me a message

    17 min
  2. The Hidden Health Toll of Abuse: HPV, Cancer, and What No One Told You

    Jun 2

    The Hidden Health Toll of Abuse: HPV, Cancer, and What No One Told You

    What if the trauma you survived years ago is still quietly affecting your body today? Most people don't realize how deeply the emotions and body are connected, and for survivors of abuse and assault, the post-traumatic health effects on the body can show up in devastating ways decades later. In this powerful episode, Mandi sits down with returning guest Rev. Dr. Geneece, a domestic violence survivor, researcher, and advocate, to discuss something almost no one is talking about: the connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and how that link can lead directly to cervical cancer. "If you're a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, wouldn't you want to know if you are at higher risk for certain physical or mental health conditions?" That's the question driving Rev. Dr. Geneece's new mission. She shares her deeply personal journey through a cancer diagnosis, three surgeries in five months, and the research she uncovered that every survivor deserves to know. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why their body still feels the weight of something they survived long ago. RESOURCES HPV Vaccine Information - CDC resource on the HPV vaccine, eligibility, and efficacyPrevious episodes with Rev. Dr. Geneece on “Why Victims Stay..” and “Exposing Spiritual Abuse” and “Tricky Thing About Spiritual Abuse”Research articles on PTSD and long-term health effects “Exploring the Possible Link Between PTSD and Early Menopause” and “PTSD Symptoms and Timing of Menopause and GYN Surgery” Connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece: Website: HopeRiseThrive.comInstagram: @HopeRiseThriveFacebook: @HopeRiseThrive Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS [04:03] Emotions and body are connected; why trauma survivors feel it years later  [05:17] Geneece's HPV diagnosis and the cancer journey begins [9:04] The connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and what that means for cancer risk  [11:15] "He actually died five years ago, and here he is still trying to attack me from the grave"  [14:16] Three surgeries, robotic hysterectomy, and becoming cancer free  [18:15] Victim blaming and why survivors avoid follow-up care  [19:41] The HPV vaccine: who should get it and when  [23:11] Coping mechanisms, survivor wellness, compassion for those still healing  [26:08] How to connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece  [27:10] Recap and closing thoughts 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. Send me a message

    30 min
  3. Mastering Self-Care: Practical Tips for Burnout Prevention & Healing

    May 18

    Mastering Self-Care: Practical Tips for Burnout Prevention & Healing

    What if the key to preventing burnout wasn't a weekend retreat or a complete life overhaul, but a 30-second reset in the middle of your day? Dianne Andree, professional speaker, former school counselor supervisor, and self-compassion advocate, joins us to challenge the way high-achieving women think about self-care. In this episode, Dianne shares the practical frameworks she uses with audiences everywhere, including habit stacking, body scanning, and micro-moments of intentional rest. If you've been telling yourself you'll slow down "someday," this conversation will show you how to start right now. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dianne Andree and Her Journey 01:45 The Importance of Self-Compassion 05:06 Caring for Ourselves in a Hurry Culture 09:24 Practical Techniques for Self-Care 16:35 Body Awareness and Checking In 20:18 Integrating 30 Second Body Scan 20:30 Mindful Eating and Intentional Breaks 24:24 Micro Breaks and Movement 26:32 Intentionality in Daily Routines 28:46 Cumulative Self-Care Practices 30:28 Finding Joy and Preventing Burnout Resources Connect with Dianne Andree: Website: DianneAndree.com - Download her Morning RoutineLinkedIn: Dianne AndreeInstagram: @dianandre7Connect 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. Send me a message

    35 min
  4. From Burnout to Hope: A Leader's Journey Out of Hypervigilence

    May 11

    From Burnout to Hope: A Leader's Journey Out of Hypervigilence

    Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her journey as a high-achieving leader when her body and mind finally say "enough" from the stress of leadership. She didn't just survive, she built a system to help others do the same: hope and purpose through faith, reflection, and community. She discusses her system of HOPE, overcoming hypervigilance, and building resilience as a woman leader. Everyone can gain actionable help through this episode! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brandi Kelly and Her Journey 02:57 Navigating Health Challenges and Career Transitions 05:46 The Impact of Personal Loss and Professional Stress 06:30 Overcoming Hypervigilance and Stress 08:46 Finding Clarity Through Self-Assessment 12:00 Building Community and Connection 14:55 The Role of Faith and Reflection in Healing 17:49 Creating a Supportive Community for Leaders 20:50 HOPE: Habits, Outlook, Purpose, Excellence in Leadership 23:58 Overview of the Book: Lead with Hope 26:45 Connecting with Brandi and Resources Resources BOOK: Lead with Hope: Building a System of Self-Efficacy  Connect with Dr. Brandi Kelly: Website: SparkHopeEDU.comLinkedIn: Brandy KellyWEBSITE: Spark Hope EDUPODCAST: Lead with Hope PodcastConnect 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. Send me a message

    31 min

  5. May 4

    What Students Reflected on Victim Blaming and Boundaries

    We have to stop teaching only potential victims and start asking what we're doing to prevent harm from being caused at all. In this episode, Mandi Pratt returns from delivering her keynote "End Victim Blaming: Creating Safer Communities" at two college campuses, and the students' own words in their feedback after the keynote say it all. One student admitted they never learned how to respect boundaries. Another said it was the first time she heard it wasn't her fault for being a people pleaser. That's why this work matters. Mandi makes the case that women's safety is a community issue, not an individual one. Listen in! RESOURCES Last episode (sneak peek of my keynote)Bloom365 - Organization supporting both survivors and those who cause harm, addressing the full spectrum of relationship violence.Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe 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. Send me a message

    7 min

  6. Apr 20

    Sexual Assault Awareness: Ending Victim Blaming and Building Safer Communities

    In this episode Mandi Pratt breaks down why victim-blaming culture persists, where it comes from, and most importantly what we can ALL do to dismantle it: one conversation, one word choice, one moment of showing up at a time.  Drawing on her own powerful story of survival and resilience, Mandi shares practical tools anyone can use to trust their intuition, set boundaries, and create communities where survivors are believed and supported. This episode is for everyone: survivors, allies, students, parents, and anyone who has ever wondered what they can actually do to make the world a safer, more peaceful place. Because it turns out the answer starts closer to home than most of us think. RESOURCES Hassl.Uk for free courses men (or anyone) can take Bloom365.org for victims AND those who cause harm and violence Past episode: Empowering Bystanders RAINN: Sexual Assault Hotline Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.comTake the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/QuizInstagram: @WomenAwareAndPreparedLinkedIn: Mandi PrattThe 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. Send me a message

    30 min
  7. How to Cope With Grief From Divorce to Pet Loss and More With Thanatologist Karen Omand

    Apr 13

    How to Cope With Grief From Divorce to Pet Loss and More With Thanatologist Karen Omand

    What if the grief you're carrying doesn't have a name BUT it's still very real? Most of us know grief as something that follows death. But what about the loss of your identity after divorce? The quiet grief of watching the world change around you? Pet loss? These losses are just as profound and they deserve to be processed, not pushed aside. In this episode, I sit down with Karen Omand, a thanatologist (yes, that's a real degree: the study of grief, bereavement, and loss) who has dedicated her career to helping people navigate all kinds of loss, not just the ones society gives us permission to mourn. If you've ever felt like you were grieving something you couldn't quite explain or wondered why moving on feels so much harder than it "should" this episode is for you. We cover: The hidden layers of loss that come with divorce beyond just the relationship endingWhy grief looks so different from person to person, and how to stop judging yourself or others for itHow to cope when the grief isn't just personal, but collective like the weight so many of us feel from today's nonstop news cyclePractical ways to practice self-compassion when you're in the thick of it RESOURCES Dr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion  Connect with Karen Omand: Website:  DivorceWorkshop.caEmail: Karen@divorceworkshop.caInstagram: @DivorceWorkshop.caLinkedIn: Karen OmandConnect 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. Send me a message

    30 min
  8. Use Your Senses to Find Joy in Chaos | Simple Steps to Feel More Joy

    Apr 6

    Use Your Senses to Find Joy in Chaos | Simple Steps to Feel More Joy

    SUMMARY Discover practical ways to foster joy, especially when the world feels chaotic. Helen Thompson, a seasoned life coach, shares actionable tips on using your senses, managing feelings, and cultivating more joy regardless of external circumstances. Key Topics / Timestamps 02:37 - Sensory Triggers for Joy  03:16 - How the 5 Senses Create Joy in Everyday Life & Examples 05:29 - Our relationship with joy & how thoughts influence our experience  06:50 - Overcoming Guilt Around Feeling Joy in Hard Times 07:55 - Benefits of Joy: Resilience, Clarity and More  09:22 - Holding multiple feelings: sadness, anger, and joy simultaneously  10:47 - Happiness vs. Joy: Key Differences Explained  11:30 - Reframing Shame & "Shoulds" Around Feeling Joy  12:22 - Guilt as Unprocessed Sadness: Neuroscience Insights  13:35 - Using gratitude as a tool to cultivate joy daily  15:01 - Noticing "glimmers" of joy through small, intentional moments  17:20 - Helen's "Joy Guide" Resource Overview  22:00 - Negativity Bias & Intentional Practices for Positive Emotions   23:33 - Self-Care as a Gift to Others, Not Just Yourself 25:06 - Overcoming Your Brain's Default to Negativity RESOURCES Your Joy Guide – Download Helen Thompson's Joy Guide to cultivate daily joy Life Coach Helen Thompson – Weekly Love Notes Connect with Helen Thompson: Website: Lifecoachhelenthompson.comInstagram:@LifeCoachHelenThompsonFacebook:@LifeCoachHelenThompson 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. Send me a message

    23 min
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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
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Aware And Prepared
  • Show Website
    Aware And Prepared