1d ago

Dr. Daniela Schiller: Understanding Trauma Through Neuroscience

Trauma can change how memories are formed, stored, and recalled, challenging common assumptions about how survivors should remember and describe their experiences. In this episode, Dr. Daniela Schiller explains the neuroscience behind traumatic memory, why recall can be fragmented, and how research offers hope for changing the emotional impact of trauma. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Dr. Daniela Schiller discuss: The brain’s response to fear, threat, and traumatic experiencesWhy traumatic memories differ from ordinary memoriesWhat neuroscience reveals about survivor behavior in legal settingsMemory reconsolidation and the potential for healing Key Takeaways: [0:12:39] Trauma memories do not follow ordinary expectations of recall — Survivors may remember sensory details vividly while struggling to recall dates, locations, sequences, or peripheral details of an event.[0:15:14] Gaps in traumatic memory should not automatically discredit survivors — Schiller explains that fragmented recall and missing details can be consistent with traumatic memory, and should not automatically be treated as evidence of dishonesty.[0:21:52] Trauma treatment can work with the brain’s capacity for change — Exposure therapy, emotional regulation, and research into memory reconsolidation offer different approaches to reducing trauma responses, though treatments based on reconsolidation remain a work in progress.[0:30:37] Healing can change a memory’s emotional impact without erasing it — The memory remains, but its emotional intensity and the distress associated with recalling it can become more manageable over time. "The fact that you don't remember a date and where it happened, and everything is fragmented, and you actually have like black holes - it's exactly the evidence that something happened." — Dr. Daniela Schiller About Dr. Daniela Schiller: Dr. Daniela Schiller is a Professor in Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her research focuses on emotional learning, memory, and social cognition. Her work explores the neural mechanisms of threat learning and traumatic memories, how imagination can modify emotional memories, and how the brain tracks affective states and social relationships. A Fulbright Fellow and Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow, Dr. Schiller has received numerous honors, including the Blavatnik Award and the Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Award in the Neurosciences. Connect with Dr. Daniela Schiller: Website: https://labs.neuroscience.mssm.edu/project/schiller-lab/ Email: daniela.schiller@mssm.edu Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 9

Lakeydra Houston: The Barriers Survivors Face in the Military

Military sexual trauma survivors face reporting barriers, retaliation, and systems that can prioritize institutional protection over survivor safety. In this episode, Lakeydra Houston shares her experience as a survivor and advocate while examining military culture, accountability, civilian oversight, trauma-informed support, and the need for systemic change. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Lakeydra Houston discuss: The culture surrounding military sexual traumaFinding support beyond the military systemThe role of advocacy in creating changeWhat accountability could mean for survivors and institutions Key Takeaways: [0:03:29] Reporting can carry serious personal and professional risks — Survivors may face retaliation, threats to their careers and benefits, reputational damage, and pressure to remain silent after reporting sexual abuse.[0:06:55] Reporting systems can undermine survivor safety — Commanders may learn survivors’ names through legal advisors despite reporting options intended to limit disclosure.[0:13:47] Trauma-informed training is needed in military response systems — Lakeydra describes victim shaming from law enforcement and security forces and advocates for better training on what survivors experience and how to connect them with appropriate resources.[0:16:51] Civil accountability could create greater transparency and prevention — Civil cases against governmental actors could expose institutional failures, hold those who enable abuse accountable, and create a safer environment for service members. "The military system is to protect the military's image. It's not to protect survivors." — Lakeydra Houston About Lakeydra Houston: Lakeydra Houston is a Veteran Commissioner, Social Impact Strategist, speaker, and award-winning advocate dedicated to creating stronger systems for veterans, survivors, and under-resourced communities. A former collegiate athlete and military leader, Lakeydra brings lived experience, leadership, and advocacy to conversations around transition, resilience, justice, and community impact. Her mission is simple: connect people to resources, create opportunities, and help communities move from surviving to thriving. Connect with Lakeydra Houston: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeydrahouston/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mskeys/ Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 2

Jennifer Storm: Finding Recovery Beyond Trauma and Addiction

National Recovery Month is an opportunity to recognize that recovery is real and possible, especially for survivors whose substance use may have developed as a way of coping with trauma. In this solo episode, Jennifer Storm shares her own experience with childhood sexual abuse and long-term recovery while exploring trauma, substance use, healthy coping mechanisms, treatment, and hope. In this episode, Jennifer discusses: The connection between sexual trauma and substance useReplacing harmful coping mechanisms with healthy tools for recoveryTrauma therapy and the work of building long-term recoveryBreaking stigma and creating hope through connection and support Key Takeaways: [0:03:42] Trauma can shape how survivors cope with overwhelming emotions — Survivors may turn to substances, food, sex, shopping, compulsive exercise, or other behaviors when they lack the tools and resources to process the effects of trauma.[0:06:09] Harmful coping mechanisms need healthy replacements — Substance use can become a survival mechanism for managing trauma, making it important to build other ways of coping rather than simply removing the behavior.[0:09:18] Healing trauma is part of sustaining long-term recovery — Therapy, writing, meditation, exercise, vulnerability, and learning to process difficult emotions helped Jennifer develop healthier ways to respond to trauma and its triggers.[0:16:10] Recovery becomes more possible through connection and support — Asking what support looks like, providing resources, and staying connected can help people move toward recovery without judgment, one step at a time. "We should welcome progress without deciding that the work is finished because it's not." — Jennifer Storm Resources Mentioned: FindTreatment.gov for substance use treatment and support in the United States988 for immediate emotional crisis supportBlackout Girl, Jennifer Storm’s memoir about her experience and recovery: https://jenniferstorm.com/book/blackout-girl/ About Jennifer Storm: Jennifer Storm is an international public speaker with over twenty years of experience in non-profit management and governmental relations. Her powerful personal story combines experiences of survival from victimization and addiction, and today, with over twenty-seven years of active recovery, she has spent her life advocating for victims of crime. She has worked on many high-profile cases, including helping victims/survivors of Jerry Sandusky, Bill Cosby, Catholic Clergy victims, and thousands of other cases in her twenty-year-long career as a victim advocate. Ms. Storm is the current Director of Equity & Title IX at Muhlenberg College and is the immediate past Board President of the National Crime Victim Law Institute. Ms. Storm is the author of six critically acclaimed addiction, recovery, and victimization books. Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Sep 25

Leslie Slingsby: What Children Need When They Disclose Abuse

What happens after a child discloses abuse can shape their path toward safety, healing, and justice. In this episode, Leslie Slingsby explains how trauma-informed care, multidisciplinary support, and specialized training can better support children and families. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Leslie Slingsby discuss: Trauma-informed responses that put children’s needs firstMission Kids and its multidisciplinary approach to child advocacyHow civil justice has driven institutional changes in child protectionPractical safeguards, training, and resources that can help prevent abuse Key Takeaways: [0:03:42] Coordinated response reduces the burden on children and families — Mission Kids brings forensic interviews, medical care, mental health services, advocacy, law enforcement, prosecution, and child protection together.[0:07:12] An inconsistent system can make a child appear inconsistent — Separate documentation can make one interview look like three, while recorded interviews help preserve the child’s account.[0:16:10] Civil justice has driven major changes in child protection — Leslie points to the Boy Scouts, the Y, and the archdiocese as examples of stronger protections following civil justice cases.[0:29:51] Mission Kids is expanding access to specialized training — Its regional training facility includes a mock courtroom, mock apartment, and camera-equipped interview rooms for hands-on training. "I think that trauma-informed approach is essential, so that kids know that they come first before any case or criminal justice system or any civil system, like their needs come first." — Leslie Slingsby About Leslie Slingsby: Leslie Slingsby, LSW, is the CEO of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center with more than two decades of experience in child advocacy, victim services, nonprofit leadership, and public policy. She led Mission Kids’ $18 million capital campaign and the development of its new Child Advocacy Center and training center. Leslie also serves on the Pennsylvania Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary Teams Board and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Connect with Leslie Slingsby: Website: https://missionkidscac.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7b8-ofGarNG0sr-OdUKrwQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-kids-child-advocacy-center/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MissionKidsCAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mission-Kids/101177036907 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionkidscac/ Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Aug 7

Eric DiMario: How Civil Justice Can Expose Abuse, Identify Survivors, and Drive Reform

Rhode Island has enacted sweeping civil statute of limitations reform for child sexual abuse cases, creating new opportunities for survivors to pursue accountability. In this episode, attorney Eric DiMario explains how the law was reformed, why civil litigation goes beyond financial compensation, and what it means for survivors and institutions. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Eric DiMario discuss: Rhode Island's path to comprehensive statute of limitations reformWhy civil litigation uncovers hidden perpetrators and institutional failuresLegislative opposition and constitutional arguments surrounding reformThe role of civil justice in survivor healing and institutional accountability Key Takeaways: [0:06:09] Rhode Island's reform required years of persistence — After failed legislative efforts beginning in 2019, Rhode Island enacted a comprehensive civil ‘window’/reform bill in 2026 that reopened the courthouse doors to child sexual abuse survivors.[0:09:12] Civil lawsuits can identify perpetrators and survivors — Litigation helps expose hidden offenders, identify additional survivors, connect victims with resources, and uncover institutional failures.[0:14:35] Delayed reporting should not shield institutions from accountability — Claims that evidence fades over time ignore the fact that institutions often delayed justice by concealing abuse.[0:20:33] Strong legal reform can reshape institutional responses — Broad civil accountability encourages organizations to report abuse promptly, strengthen safeguards, and reduce future cover-ups. "If they feel that they are somehow prejudiced by the passage of time, they have nowhere to look other than in the mirror." — Eric DiMario About Eric DiMario: Eric DiMario is an attorney at Kiernan Plunkett & Redihan whose practice focuses on civil litigation involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and other complex disputes. He has represented clients before the Rhode Island Superior Court, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Eric also lectures for the Rhode Island Bar Association and serves as a Superior Court Mediator. Connect with Eric DiMario: Website: https://www.kprlaw.com/ Email: edimario@kprlaw.com Phone: 401-831-2900 Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Jul 7

Jennifer Freeman: Holding Powerful Institutions Accountable for Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse survivors often face significant barriers when seeking accountability. In this episode, attorney Jennifer Freeman discusses statute of limitations reform, civil litigation, institutional responsibility, and the ongoing fight for survivor justice. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Jennifer Freeman discuss: Legal and legislative barriers facing child sexual abuse survivorsCivil litigation as a tool for accountability and systemic changeInstitutional failures in responding to abuse allegationsEmerging challenges involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and online exploitation Key Takeaways: [0:05:02] Statute of limitations reform can reopen paths to justice — A child sexual abuse case filed in 1995 was revived decades later through legal reform, creating a new opportunity for accountability.[0:07:50] Institutional failures can prolong abuse for years — The Jeffrey Epstein case shows how ignored reports and inadequate responses can allow offenders to continue harming victims before accountability occurs.[0:20:12] Civil litigation serves purposes beyond compensation — For many survivors, lawsuits are about being heard, uncovering the truth, holding wrongdoers accountable, and helping prevent future abuse.[0:32:37] Technology has created new risks for child exploitation — Online platforms, smartphones, and CSAM-related offenses have expanded opportunities for abuse, increasing the need for stronger safeguards. "There should be no statute of limitations when it comes to child sex abuse — there just should be none." — Jennifer Freeman About Jennifer Freeman: Jennifer Freeman is a leading attorney advocate dedicated to protecting victims of sexual abuse, child pornography (CSAM), discrimination, and exploitation. Since filing her first child sex abuse case in 1995, she has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for survivors while holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable. She serves as Chair of CHILD USAdvocacy, advancing statute of limitations reform and access to justice for survivors. Connect with Jennifer Freeman: Website: https://www.jamesmarshlaw.com/our-team/jennifer-freeman/ Email: jenniferfreeman@marsh.law LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfreeman2/ Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Jun 25

Katie Muth: Why Survivors Are Still Waiting for Justice in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's fight for child sexual abuse statute of limitations reform remains unresolved despite years of advocacy and public support. In this episode, Pennsylvania State Senator Katie Muth discusses the political and institutional barriers that continue to stall survivor-centered reform. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Katie Muth discuss: Statute of limitations reform for child sexual abuse survivorsPolitical and institutional barriers to survivor-centered legislationCivil litigation as a tool for accountability and transparencyThe role of public advocacy in driving legislative changeProtecting future victims through systemic reform Key Takeaways: [0:06:58] Legislative gap in access to justice — Pennsylvania’s failure to enact a civil revival window continues to deny many child sexual abuse survivors access to the courts and may leave abusers and enablers unaccountable.[0:11:39] Leadership control and special-interest obstruction — Despite bipartisan support, leadership decisions, procedural hurdles, and lobbying efforts have repeatedly blocked a civil revival window.[0:25:10] How civil litigation creates accountability — Civil litigation can uncover abuse, expose institutional cover-ups, and hold enablers accountable, helping prevent future harm.[0:33:40] The imperative for sustained public pressure and voter engagement — Public awareness and voter engagement remain essential to advancing reform, as many Pennsylvanians are unaware that expired claims generally cannot be pursued. "I always think there's a chance, because I think that if the people are engaged and putting pressure, then there's always a chance." — Katie Muth About Katie Muth: Senator Katie Muth represents Pennsylvania’s 44th Senatorial District and has been a leading advocate for government accountability, transparency, and survivor-centered reform. First elected in 2018, she has championed efforts to expand access to justice for child sexual abuse survivors while also advancing legislation on veterans’ services, environmental protections, and student debt relief. Connect with Katie Muth: Website: https://www.senatormuth.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/senatormuth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senatormuth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senatormuth/ Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Mar 6

LaQuisha Anthony: Giving Survivors Time, Voice, and Autonomy in the Fight for Justice

About LaQuisha Anthony: LaQuisha S. Anthony is a thought leader, educator, author, and nationally certified advocate who amplifies voices and promotes healing. She serves as the Manager of Advocacy at WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence and has devoted her career to empowering those impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. She played an intricate part in the historical change of the PA Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in 2018, forcing an amendment to include college-age students. She studied at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and completed an Executive Education Program at Harvard University as a Making Change Honorary. LaQuisha received the 2022 Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award, the NSRVC 2021 Visionary Voice Award, and honors from the Philadelphia City Council. She is passionate about changing the world in her generation while curating joy & being the best mother to her son, Asher Ryan. In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and LaQuisha Anthony discuss: Survivor-led statute of limitations reform for young adultsCultural stigma and silence surrounding trauma in Black communitiesTherapy, faith, and community as pathways to healingVision boards and community spaces as tools for empowerment Key Takeaways: It took LaQuisha 12 years to seek support after her campus sexual assault, reinforcing why survivors ages 18 to 23 need extended time to process trauma before pursuing civil justice.Her testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee helped secure the passage of Act 87, which now allows 18 to 23-year-olds in Pennsylvania to file civil claims until their 30th birthday.Trauma can fragment memory and distort behavior, and not recalling events in a linear way does not invalidate a survivor’s experience or credibility.Healing required a combination of therapy, faith, community, and reclaimed autonomy — particularly the ability for survivors to choose what happens next after sexual violence. "When you've experienced sexual violence, choices matter to a survivor, even the most minute choice matters. Give us autonomy and give us [the] opportunity to choose, even if it's something small." — LaQuisha Anthony Episode References: Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR)24/7 Crisis Hotline: 215-985-3333 Connect with LaQuisha Anthony: Website: https://www.woar.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quisha.anthony Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_thevoice/ Connect with Ben Andreozzi: Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/ Connect with Jennifer Storm: Website: https://jenniferstorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoutgirlauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferStormAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAP8AOfFrlRq-DYCLBSYbA Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Justice Interrupted

Dr. Daniela Schiller: Understanding Trauma Through Neuroscience

Lakeydra Houston: The Barriers Survivors Face in the Military

Jennifer Storm: Finding Recovery Beyond Trauma and Addiction

Leslie Slingsby: What Children Need When They Disclose Abuse

Eric DiMario: How Civil Justice Can Expose Abuse, Identify Survivors, and Drive Reform

Jennifer Freeman: Holding Powerful Institutions Accountable for Child Sexual Abuse

Katie Muth: Why Survivors Are Still Waiting for Justice in Pennsylvania

LaQuisha Anthony: Giving Survivors Time, Voice, and Autonomy in the Fight for Justice

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Justice Interrupted

Episodes

Dr. Daniela Schiller: Understanding Trauma Through Neuroscience

Lakeydra Houston: The Barriers Survivors Face in the Military

Jennifer Storm: Finding Recovery Beyond Trauma and Addiction

Leslie Slingsby: What Children Need When They Disclose Abuse

Eric DiMario: How Civil Justice Can Expose Abuse, Identify Survivors, and Drive Reform

Jennifer Freeman: Holding Powerful Institutions Accountable for Child Sexual Abuse

Katie Muth: Why Survivors Are Still Waiting for Justice in Pennsylvania

LaQuisha Anthony: Giving Survivors Time, Voice, and Autonomy in the Fight for Justice

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information