Smart Talks

Kate Casey shares her remarkable journey from aspiring politician to acclaimed storyteller and interviewer, offering insight into how her personal history and childhood experiences shaped her career and passion for uncovering truth. With depth and vulnerability, she explores the transformative power of empathy in storytelling, the art of meaningful interviews, and the lasting impact of the Milton Hershey School on her values and wo...

In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Cami courageously shares her journey as a survivor of domestic and sexual violence, shedding light on the emotional and legal battles she faced in the aftermath. Her story reveals the painful gaps and systemic failures within the justice system—failures that too often leave survivors feeling unheard, unprotected, and retraumatized.

Through honest reflection, Cammie emphasizes the tran...

Netflix star Mary Bonnet from Selling Sunset opens up about her journey from a small-town upbringing in Indiana to becoming a recognized name in luxury real estate and reality television. She shares the transformative experience of becoming a young mother, the challenges that shaped her, and the unwavering support of her family. In a deeply personal and candid conversation, Mary reflects on the impact of sexual assault, the long pa...

PLEASE NOTE: This conversation regarding Elizabeth's results starts at 22:30, with the first part of the episode containing the conversation Elizabeth and Heather have with Dr. Amen from this season's episode 2. 

In this conversation, Elizabeth Smart shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and the subsequent challenges she faced during and after her rescue. She discusses the fear of not being believed,...

In the finale episode of Season 4 of Smart Talks, the hosts reflect on the impactful stories shared throughout the season, highlighting the resilience of survivors and the complex nature of justice. They discuss the importance of sharing personal narratives to inspire others and emphasize the need for a compassionate society that supports survivors. If you have enjoyed this season of Smart Talks, we ask that you please leave us a r...

Taryn Evans shares her powerful journey as a survivor of sexual assault and her experiences navigating the criminal justice system as an attorney. She discusses her background in family law, the challenges she faced after her assault, and the importance of advocacy and awareness in supporting victims. Taryn emphasizes the need for systemic change and alternative avenues for justice, while also providing insights into the emotional ...

We are excited to introduce todays guest on Smart Talks, Dr. John Foubert! Dr. Foubert brings decades of experience and research in the areas of pornography and sexual violence. He served for 5 years as the Highly Qualified Expert for Sexual Assault Prevention for the U.S. Army. He also founded the national nonprofit organization, One in Four, an organization that worked for 20 years to apply research to rape prevention programs on...

We are so excited to share our powerful conversation with singer, actress, podcast host and NY Times Best Selling Author, Jana Kramer. Jana shares her journey from experiencing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for survivors. She discusses the challenges of opening up about her past, the importance of understanding the complexities of abusive relationships, and the green flags she found in her current marriage. 

Ou...

Meet the amazing Jessica Willis Fisher! Jess shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood as the oldest of 12 in a controlling and abusive environment to reclaiming her voice through music and storytelling. She discusses the complexities of growing up in a religious household, the impact of familial abuse, and the survival mechanisms that kept her going. Jess emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of abuse and th...

Join us for a powerful conversation with business leader and entrepreneur John Miller. In this episode, John reflects on the recent release of Hometown Betrayal. This book is based on the true story of his late wife, Valarie Clark Miller, who endured childhood sexual abuse, and the family’s fight for justice.

John opens up about the lasting effects of generational trauma and the importance of breaking the silence around ab...

Emily Fauver is a military wife, mama to two, and social media influencer! She shares her inspiring journey from a troubled childhood marked by abandonment and abuse to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. She discusses her experiences in the foster care system, the importance of vulnerability in sharing her story, and her commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma for her own children. Emily emphasizes the power of love, conn...

Tanya Kach shares her harrowing story of being held captive for ten years, the grooming process that led to her abduction, and her journey of survival and healing. She discusses the importance of sharing her story to help others, the challenges of the legal system, and the role of supportive relationships in recovery. Tanya emphasizes the impact of one person's kindness and the need for awareness in preventing abuse. Her resil...

This week, we’re excited to feature Dr. Daniel Amen-- world-renowned, Double-Board Psychiatrist and trailblazer in brain health and mental wellness!
 
Join Elizabeth and our executive director Heather Stockdale as they dive into Dr. Amen's innovative approach to mental health, exploring how trauma impacts our brains and what we can all do to promote better mental health in today’s world.
 
A little about Dr. Am...

Welcome to season 4 of Smart Talks! After a little break, we are so excited to be back! Host Elizabeth Smart introduces our new co-host Heather Stockdale, the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF). They discuss Heather's extensive background in addressing sexual violence and human trafficking, the foundation's key programs, and the importance of community education and support for survivors. 

Thank you for joining us for Season 3  of Smart Talks! In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her main takeaways from the season and leaves us with some final thoughts.

Show notes:
-View the full transcript and related links at elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks-3-19.
-Chat 24/7 with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
All views, information, or opinions expressed in the Smart Talks podcast are solely thos...

Julie Whitehead is a survivor of child sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and human sex trafficking. Her story of abuse spans 31 years and was discussed in Smart Talks season 1, episode 14. Today, Julie joins Elizabeth to talk about the steps she's taken in her healing journey and what the future holds for her. She mentions certain tools she's learned to overcome triggers, her developing book, and her thoughts on her life purp...

Through the Akron Municipal Co...

When they were children, Stephanie and her sisters suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a brother-in-law. After the abuse was brought to light, more focus and worry went toward helping the abuser recover than toward helping his victims heal. Stephanie's abuser is still married to her sister, and in this episode she discusses her journey through this difficult situation.

Stephanie is a mother to four and grandmother t...

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading organization exposing the connections between all forms of sexual exploitation, including sex trafficking, prostitution, pornography, and child sexual abuse.

Dawn Hawkins is the CEO of NCOSE. She has centered the need to address buyer demand for commercial sex, called out corporate entities facilitating exploitation through the annual Dirty Dozen List, fost...