Teal Talk

What does it really mean to strengthen advocates and why does it matter for survivors? In this episode, we sit down with Elyse McConnell, Executive Director of the Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA) to talk about the systems, standards, and support shaping victim advocacy across Ohio. We also break down the Ohio Advocate Network (OAN)—what it is, who it’s for, and how the credentialing process works.

If this episode was helpful...

What does it really take to communicate about hard things in a way that actually connects? In this episode, Laurie, OAESV's Resource & Engagement Manager, takes you inside her experience at Create Good, a conference for nonprofit communicators, and unpacks what it means for those of us working in sexual violence response and prevention.

From burnout and “doing more with less,” to storytelling that centers dignity (not pity), to ...

Can AI ever be trauma-informed? Never in a million years did we think we'd ask that question. Artificial intelligence is already shaping the lives of survivors and the work of advocates. In this episode of Teal Talk, Laurie sits down with Chad Sniffen, Director of Digital Experience and Safety at me too. International, to explore the impact of AI on the anti-violence movement.

This conversation is both practical and philosophical, o...

Many survivors turn to faith or spirituality first after experiencing trauma, but those spaces can be both sources of comfort and harm.

In this episode of Teal Talk, we’re joined by Brenda Glass, Founder and CEO of the Brenda Multi-Purpose Trauma Center, to explore survivor-centered spiritual care. Brenda shares how belief systems shape healing, how trauma can disrupt spiritual connection, and what it looks like to support survivors...

In this New Year’s episode, we sit down with Meg and Rachel, two OAESV team members who just completed their first year with the coalition. Together, we reflect on their transition from local programs to statewide advocacy, the moments that shaped their first year, and the wins, lessons, and challenges of 2025. We also look ahead to 2026: from new initiatives and big projects to hopes for the movement and the continued work of supp...

As we head into colder months and a busy holiday season, many advocates tell us the same thing: even when there’s time to relax, actually relaxing feels impossible. In this episode, we’re joined by Hope and Cassandra of Abide Yoga, two yoga and mindfulness instructors. Together, we talk about why our bodies stay alert, how rest can look different for each of us, and simple grounding practices that meet you where you are. This conve...

What does nonprofit sustainability really mean in the world of sexual violence advocacy? In this episode, we talk with Nikki, OAESV’s former Funding & Grants Manager, about the challenges of sustaining prevention and advocacy work, how to build trust with funders, and creative strategies for long-term support. She shares insights on donor relationships, trends in fundraising, and why investing in people—not just programs—is ess...

Stories can inspire change, but when shared unethically, they can also cause harm. In this episode, Elliott Fullenkamp, OAESV’s Manager of Training and Technical Assistance, talks about what ethical storytelling means in survivor advocacy. We explore consent, survivor readiness, and how to share stories in ways that honor and empower survivors.

Read Elliott's blog: Ethical Storytelling for Education, Awareness, & Outreach. Conta...

What happens when a former rape crisis volunteer becomes a state lawmaker? In this episode, Representative Michele Grim shares her journey from answering hotline calls as a teenager to shaping laws in the Ohio Statehouse. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of passing meaningful legislation on sexual violence, the role survivor stories play in influencing policy, and why stigma and silence remain barriers to justice.

Host...

Join us for a rich, powerful conversation that highlights the complexity of legal advocacy for survivors of human trafficking. In this episode, we speak with Emily Dunlap, Managing Attorney at Advocating Opportunity, about the complexities of expungement, immigration protections, and the systemic barriers survivors face even after escaping exploitation. She challenges myths about trafficking—including who is affected and how it hap...

We can't stop reminiscing about what a success our 2025 Voices of Change Conference was! Between opening statements, to workshop sessions, toindividual community groups, voices were encouraged to come together now morethan ever and rise up. On day 3, we had a panel discussion with survivors about their healing journeys. This episode is a recording of that panel discussion with members of OAESV’s Survivor Empowerment & Advisory ...

What if our data systems reflected the realities and needs of survivors—not just funders? In this episode, we talk with UBUNTU, our partners in Ohio’s statewide data transformation project. Together, we explore the challenges of fragmented data collection, the need for standardization, and what it takes to build a system that centers survivors, supports advocates, and drives change.

Follow OAESV on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

What does advocacy look like when it's not tied to one community, but an entire state? In this episode, we’re joined by Shelby Lieber, our Survivor Coordinator, for an inside look at what it means to do advocacy across an entire state. Together, we explore the key differences between local and statewide advocacy, the importance of staying connected to on-the-ground work, and the unique challenges that come with influencing systems....

Kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a conversation about survivor-led advocacy and community engagement. Hosts Laurie Hamame and Taylr Ucker-Lauderman are joined by JaQue Galloway, a dedicated advocate working in rural Ohio, who shares insights on the power of survivor voices, creative outreach efforts, and the importance of collaboration in the movement to end sexual violence.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on buildin...

In today’s episode of Teal Talk, host Laurie Hamame invites you to take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. As sexual violence advocates, we often carry immense emotional and physical labor. With the weight of the world heavy on our shoulders, this episode offers a space for restoration and affirmation. Take a break from the chaos and join us for a meditation that will ground and center you. You deserve this moment of peace.

Fo...

Calm, pleasure and satisfaction are what most people experience after eating. But for people with eating disorders, food brings anxiety, disturbance and noise. In today's episode, host Laurie Hamame sits down with Sarah Bergen, Regional Medical Director of Ohio for The Emily Program eating disorder recovery center, to explore the intersection of sexual violence and eating disorders. This episode provides a powerful discussion on th...

Welcome to 2025! Teal Talk hosts Laurie Hamame and Taylr Ucker-Lauderman are joined by members of OAESV's leadership team to take a deep dive into the highs and lows of their work tackling sexual violence in Ohio, with plenty of real talk, big ideas, and a dash of humor! We open up about the challenges of fighting such a massive issue while juggling self-care and avoiding burnout. But it’s not all heavy – we're also celebrating exc...

In this episode of Teal Talk, hosts Laurie Hamame and Taylr Ucker-Lauderman welcome back Natasha Larson, the Director of Training and Member Engagement, to discuss the intricacies of coalition membership within the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. We discuss the various membership tiers and the unique roles each plays in the collective effort to end sexual violence. Our conversation delves into our biannual program visits, the...

In this special episode of Teal Talk, hosts Laurie and Taylr take a break from interviews to have a heartfelt discussion on navigating election season as advocates for survivors. They explore how the political climate impacts survivors’ experiences and mental health, offering tips on self-care and resources for those feeling overwhelmed by the season's intensity. Join them for a compassionate chat on balancing civic engagement with...