28. Getting Uncomfortable with Anna Akana
Gray Area Stories
Erica and Johanna lay down on the floor with content creator Anna Akana to discuss changing the narrative of sexual violence and allyship. How do we approach a world without rape culture? By holding each other accountable - which is uncomfortable work! Lean into the discomfort with us! [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Follow on Instagram Follow us and Hosted by and Edited by Sarah Kaplan Produced by Erica M. Hart Theme Song by Show logo by
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27. The Profundity of Pleasure with EbonyJanice Moore
Gray Area Stories
Erica and Johanna are joined by special guest EbonyJanice for a party of passion and pleasure. From using vibrators that suck (in a good way!) to feeling all of our feelings, how do we connect to our embodied sensuality after sexual trauma? EbonyJanice discusses strategies for loving ourselves out of shame. [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. EbonyJanice is a hip hop womanist, scholar, and a black girl dream expert. Follow EbonyJanice at on Instagram Follow us and Created and hosted by and ...
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26. Knowing It’s Never Our Fault with Tess Bartholomew
Gray Area Stories
In this episode, we discuss the way in which sharing our stories of sexual assault can help us to acknowledge our trauamas. Is there a difference between sexual assault and sexual trauma? Why do we blame ourselves for sexual violence that doesn’t feel “bad enough”? Grab a cup of tea or some Halloween candy and join our conversation! [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Tess is a Filipino-American actor, writer, producer, rollerskater, and horror film fanatic. Follow Tess at on Instagram Follow us and ...
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25. Your Story Belongs To You with Thea Monyeé
Gray Area Stories
Take a deep breath and join us as we explore the authority of our voices and the power of claiming and shaping our stories with Thea Monyeé. How can we practice trusting our instincts as survivors when those around us wish to place our stories in their own containers? [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Thea Monyeé is a licensed therapist and Oya priestess in the Ifa tradition, committed to creating healing opportunities to Black/Marginalized bodies through the decolonization of joy, mental health, and...
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24. Joy Episode with Nailah Middleton-Haynes aka Nailah Hunter
Gray Area Stories
Join us for our first ever Joy Episode - a series of episodes all about cultivating joy! Erica and Johanna sit down with a super special guest, Johanna’s sister and all-around magical human, Nailah Middleton-Haynes aka Nailah Hunter!!! Nailah takes us through her joyful morning - dropping into a flow state while practicing music and choosing stillness. Nailah Hunter is an experimental sound artist from Los Angeles. She combines harp, synth, found sounds, and voice to create reflective sonic landscapes. Follow on Instagram for more information. Follow us and Hosted by and ...
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23. Finding the Right Words with Vilna Bashi
Gray Area Stories
This week Johanna and Erica welcome survivor guest Vilna Bashi to share her stories. They discuss the inadequate, or, as Vilna puts it, the “horrible and stupid-ass” terms used to describe acts of sexual violence. Later, Vilna helps us dive into visioning a world where all people can walk safely and proudly, with their chests held high. Join us by dunking your feet in some water while we honor Vilna’s story. [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Survivor Vilna Bashi is (in no particular order) a...
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22. Listener Story: Michelle's Story
Gray Area Stories
Erica and Johanna reflect on a listener-submitted story from Michelle, leading to a very “gray area” conversation. This week’s Blanket Burrito is any small object you can fiddle with in your hands. ! So grab something petite and prepare for dialogue about reporting sexual assault and also reacting to an extraterrestrial if they moved in next door. [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Follow us and Created and hosted by and Edited by Erica M. Hart Theme Song by Show logo by If you would like to submit...
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21. Your Truth is Still Your Truth with Candace Nicholas-Lippman
Gray Area Stories
Erica and Johanna are pleased to welcome survivor guest Candace Nicholas-Lippman. Light a strawberry shortcake-scented candle and join us as we witness Candace’s truth and discuss the magical qualities of journaling. [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. Survivor Candace Nicholas-Lippman is an artist, actress, and spoken-word poet. She stars as Janelle in the STARZ series Blindspotting. She is the author of the three-part series Purpose in Poetry and the creator of the one-woman show A Rose Called...
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20. Welcome to Season 2 (We Have Seasons Now!)
Gray Area Stories
At long last, Johanna and Erica are back, and this time, there’s SEASONS! Join them as they remember the summer (all things Travis Barker) and introduce the upcoming JOY SERIES (as well as introducing Johanna's NEW DOG!!!!) Welcome to Season 2, friends! Follow us and Hosted by and Edited by Erica M. Hart Theme Song by Show logo by
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19. Listener Story: Tara's Story
Gray Area Stories
With tears and laughter, Joh and Erica discuss grief and the loss of a dear friend as well as the excitement of an upcoming wedding! This week’s listener submission story comes from Tara who says “when thinking about what story to share, my first thought was ‘which one should I share?’” Tara’s story reflects the healing aspect of sharing your story in a safe container to a trusted person when you’re ready. [Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. This episode includes additional discussion around grief and...
info_outlineLight a crackling wood wicked candle and join Erica and Johanna in conversation with guest Rebecca Ume Crook, joining all the way from Nairobi, Kenya.
[Content Warning]: This is a podcast where survivors share stories of sexual assault, sexual violence, and r*pe. In this episode, Rebecca's story includes partner r*pe and other acts of sexual assault. The story is told between the 15 minute and 22 minute mark but is referred back to throughout the episode.]
Rebecca describes her journey of knowing her own truth--from feeling pride in the creation of her photography work to unpacking the narrative she had been telling herself regarding the partner r*pe she survived. As a self-described learner and leader, she calls for more spaces for us all to practice how we ask permission.
Survivor Rebecca Ume Crook is an educator, a faciliator, and a photographer. She runs Metis, a nonprofit in Kenya dedicated to building local leadership and innovation to transform education. Find her on IG @stickylittleleaves
Follow us @grayareastories and visit www.grayareastories.com
Hosted by Johanna Middleton and Erica M. Hart
Edited by Erica M. Hart
Additional editing by Maya Bingham
Theme Song by Nailah Hunter
Show logo by Brianna Guerra