Voices Against Filicide

Hope Hooton

Voices Against Filicide is an advocacy-driven podcast hosted by Hope Hooton—author, advocate, lawmaker, and mother of two children lost to filicide in May 2024. Through honest storytelling, expert insight, and powerful conversations, Hope examines the factors that can place children at risk, including domestic violence, coercive control, custody conflicts, family court challenges, and mental health concerns. She also highlights the work being done to strengthen protections for children and support families impacted by tragedy. Featuring survivors, parents, advocates, professionals, and policymakers, each episode seeks to educate, empower, and inspire action while honoring the children whose voices can no longer be heard. Together, we can raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and push for meaningful change. Because every child deserves to be safe. Every family deserves to be heard. And every voice matters. TRIGGER WARNING  This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production

  1. 3d ago

    025: Amari’s Story: A Mother’s Fight Against Filicide Pt. 2

    In this episode Hope Hooton interviews Nakesa Sineath, who shares about losing her firstborn son to filicide, when she was 19. Nakesa recounts becoming a teen mom, Amari’s father’s inconsistency and manipulation, and earlier warning signs after Amari returned from his father’s care ill with walking pneumonia. In 2015, after months of no contact, she allowed Amari’s father to have him for two weeks; Amari cried at the handoff, she was prevented from speaking to him, and he was killed before his scheduled return. Nakesa remembers Amari’s gentle, loving personality and gets into the work she has done since to raise awarness and help make change.  Follow Nakesa Sineath: Instagram - (2) Instagram Facebook - (14) Facebook YouTube - Nakesa Sineath - YouTube Get your copies here: The Act Of Filicide: The Amari Barnhill Story: Barnhill, Nakesa: 9781979470988: Amazon.com: Books Heaven Didn't Wait: Grieving, Surviving & Healing Post The Loss Of A Child: Barnhill, Nakesa: 9781077491656: Amazon.com: Books BoldJourney: Reclaiming Voice Through Grief: Nakesa Sineath on Activism, Healing, and Honoring Amari – Bold Journey Magazine Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.

    41 min

  2. Jun 3

    024: Amari’s Story: A Mother’s Fight Against Filicide Pt. 1

    In this episode Hope Hooton interviews Nakesa Sineath, who shares about losing her firstborn son to filicide, when she was 19. Nakesa recounts becoming a teen mom, Amari’s father’s inconsistency and manipulation, and earlier warning signs after Amari returned from his father’s care ill with walking pneumonia. In 2015, after months of no contact, she allowed Amari’s father to have him for two weeks; Amari cried at the handoff, she was prevented from speaking to him, and he was killed before his scheduled return. Nakesa remembers Amari’s gentle, loving personality and gets into the work she has done since to raise awarness and help make change.  Follow Nakesa Sineath: Instagram - (2) Instagram Facebook - (14) Facebook YouTube - Nakesa Sineath - YouTube Get your copies here: The Act Of Filicide: The Amari Barnhill Story: Barnhill, Nakesa: 9781979470988: Amazon.com: Books Heaven Didn't Wait: Grieving, Surviving & Healing Post The Loss Of A Child: Barnhill, Nakesa: 9781077491656: Amazon.com: Books BoldJourney: Reclaiming Voice Through Grief: Nakesa Sineath on Activism, Healing, and Honoring Amari – Bold Journey Magazine Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.

    38 min

  3. May 27

    023: The Louisiana 8 - Filicide Case

    This episode covers the April 19, 2026 Shreveport, Louisiana mass filicide in which authorities say 31-year-old Shamar Elkins shot and killed eight children (seven of his own and their cousin), critically injuring two women, while a 13-year-old reportedly escaped; Elkins fled, carjacked a vehicle, and later died after a police pursuit. Hooten frames the case within domestic violence, coercive control, separation risk, and possible mental health deterioration, outlines warning signs and the importance of intervention, notes prior law-enforcement contact involving firearms and that the mother had sought police help, and advocates for stronger protections including Arizona’s proposed Alec and Lydia Act (HB 2995). TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.

    16 min

  4. May 20

    022: Two Year Angelversary - Hope After Filicide Pt. 2

    This episode marks the two-year angelversary of Alec and Lydia Mater. In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Hope shares the unimaginable reality of losing her two children and her estranged husband to filicide, while reflecting on the grief, advocacy, and healing that have followed in the years since. Hope opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the difficult process of learning how to survive profound loss. She also shares how she transformed tragedy into purpose through public speaking, advocacy work, writing a book, attending events, connecting with other families, and creating Voices Against Filicide. Over the past two years, Hope has made the choice every single day to continue showing up — not only for Alec and Lydia’s legacy, but for families searching for answers, support, awareness, and change. Welcome back to Season Three of Voices Against Filicide. Thank you for listening to this incredibly personal and important episode, and for holding space for Hope as she courageously shares her story, her grief, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. This is a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to both parts. TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.

    1 hr

  5. May 20

    021: Two Year Angelversary - Hope After Filicide Pt.1

    This episode marks the two-year angelversary of Alec and Lydia Mater. In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Hope shares the unimaginable reality of losing her two children and her estranged husband to filicide, while reflecting on the grief, advocacy, and healing that have followed in the years since. Hope opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the difficult process of learning how to survive profound loss. She also shares how she transformed tragedy into purpose through public speaking, advocacy work, writing a book, attending events, connecting with other families, and creating Voices Against Filicide. Over the past two years, Hope has made the choice every single day to continue showing up — not only for Alec and Lydia’s legacy, but for families searching for answers, support, awareness, and change. Welcome back to Season Three of Voices Against Filicide. Thank you for listening to this incredibly personal and important episode, and for holding space for Hope as she courageously shares her story, her grief, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. This is a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to both parts. TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.

    51 min

  6. Mar 18

    020: Silenced No More - A mother's battles against the courts

    Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both.She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforcement to intervene in parental kidnapping cases even without a custody order. Topics Covered: Parental kidnapping and police inactionChild sexual abuse disclosure and forensic interviewsGuardian ad litem biasHow the court system silences protective parentsResources:- RAINN: 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.org Childhelp Hotline: 1-800-422-4453National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233TRIGGER WARNING  This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production

    1h 20m

  7. Mar 18

    019: Silenced No More - A mother's battle against the family courts

    Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both.She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforcement to intervene in parental kidnapping cases even without a custody order. Topics Covered:Parental kidnapping and police inactionChild sexual abuse disclosure and forensic interviewsGuardian ad litem biasHow the court system silences protective parentsResources:- RAINN: 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.orgChildhelp Hotline: 1-800-422-4453National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233TRIGGER WARNING  This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop: https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/ The Rowan Project: https://therowanproject.org/ Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production

    55 min

  8. Mar 13 ·  Bonus

    There's Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith

    In this special update, Hope shares an important milestone — the release of her memoir, There’s Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith This deeply personal book tells the story of Hope’s life, her unwavering faith, and the profound love she holds for her children, Alec and Lydia. Through unimaginable loss, Hope has transformed grief into purpose — advocating for child safety, raising awareness about filicide, and giving a voice to families through the Voices Against Filicide podcast. There’s Still Hope is more than a memoir. It is a story about resilience, faith, and the power of turning pain into advocacy. Hope shares the journey that led her to become a national voice for child protection and how Alec and Lydia’s legacy continues to inspire meaningful change. Her hope is that this book reaches others walking through difficult seasons and reminds them that even in the darkest moments — there can still be hope.  Purchase the book: Kindle and paperback versions are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969338903 Leave a review: Every review helps amplify the message of hope, child safety, and advocacy — allowing Alec and Lydia’s legacy to reach families across the world. Thank you for supporting this mission and standing with the Voices Against Filicide community.  Connect & Learn More Host: Hope Hooton Podcast: Voices Against Filicide Website: hopeinthepain | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

    1 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Voices Against Filicide is an advocacy-driven podcast hosted by Hope Hooton—author, advocate, lawmaker, and mother of two children lost to filicide in May 2024. Through honest storytelling, expert insight, and powerful conversations, Hope examines the factors that can place children at risk, including domestic violence, coercive control, custody conflicts, family court challenges, and mental health concerns. She also highlights the work being done to strengthen protections for children and support families impacted by tragedy. Featuring survivors, parents, advocates, professionals, and policymakers, each episode seeks to educate, empower, and inspire action while honoring the children whose voices can no longer be heard. Together, we can raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and push for meaningful change. Because every child deserves to be safe. Every family deserves to be heard. And every voice matters. TRIGGER WARNING  This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed. Connect with Hope Hooton: Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com  Support & Subscribe: If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Production Credits: Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway A Momcast Production

Information

  • Creator
    Hope Hooton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Rachel Holloway
  • Show Website
    Voices Against Filicide

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