132. Rachel Izzo; Part 3: The Intersection of Rape-Trauma and Law Enforcement: Rachel’s Compelling Story
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Release Date: 04/08/2025
144. Alan Manwaring: This is Just a Teaser on Strength, Resilience, and the Road to Healing
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Welcome to Episode 144 of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. This is just a short teaser…something to get you prepared for a much longer, intensive interview that will be airing in just a few weeks. Alan has been on the show four times previous to this episode…and the one that’s coming up will be his sixth! He’s worth listening to! In today's episode, Alan discusses the challenges he's faced and the progress he's witnessed in raising awareness and support for survivors. We explore his advocacy work, his reflections on healing, and the ongoing journey towards justice and understanding....
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143. Becky Nulle: From Trafficked to Triumph; A Story of Survival and Healing
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This is an episode of massive importance. My deepest thanks to my guest, Becky Nulle, who endured horrific experiences of rape and sexual assault from multiple perpetrators, one of which was the Deputy Superintendent of Chicago Schools, James Moffat, in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Becky was one of 5 victims that suffered rape and sexual assault from Moffat who was finally charged and prosecuted in the mid-80’s. But Becky’s story starts with parents who, as she puts it, were neglectful. Becky was victimized by bullies at school, vulnerable, and easy prey to “Darrel” who...
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142. Dave Markel: A Not So Empty Week—The Mission Continues
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
In this solo episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories (The SASS Podcast), host Dave Markel takes the mic alone to deliver a powerful, reflective, and informative monologue. While there’s no guest again this week, the episode is anything but empty. Instead, it offers a thoughtful exploration of recent survivor stories making headlines, along with an in-depth look at survivor-led advocacy, cultural change, and resources for healing. Dave begins by spotlighting three courageous individuals: Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy, who recently spoke out about the harassment she endured as a...
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141. Dave Markel: Rape Culture—My Take: What It Is and What to Do About It
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This week it’s just me. I want to clear up any confusion on my view of what rape culture is, and how we can do something about it. There’s a lot in here about the impact of rape culture. Please listen in! It’s time we start normalizing the conversation. An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address: I truly...
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140. Violeta Bagia: An Author’s Bold Truth – Overcoming Trauma and Telling Her Impactful Story
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Today I have the privilege of hosting Violeta Bagia, an accomplished author hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Australia. Violeta joins me to share her profound journey, intertwining her experiences as a survivor with her passion for storytelling. Her writing career, marked by a poignant blend of resilience and empathy, has captivated readers worldwide. Today, she opens up about her personal ordeal with rape and manipulation, bravely navigating the aftermath and reclaiming her narrative through prose. Born and raised in Bosnia-Herzegovina she and her mother immigrated to Germany when...
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139. Nicole Florisi: Unwavering Dedication in the Mission to Bring Justice to Victims and Survivors
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Hi! I'm glad you're here!...this is some powerful information. When you listen to this episode, consider this: Nicole is more than just a business colleague and mutual advocate for bringing justice to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence; she is a good friend, confidant, and someone whose integrity and unwavering dedication inspire everyone around her to do better and be better, both professionally and personally. I want to tell you a little bit more about Nicole than I have in past episode notes, because who she is, and what she has accomplished, is important for you to know in...
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138. Victor Lyons: An Approach to Trauma Recovery and a Path to Healing
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This episode is a deep dive into the transformative journeys of individuals making significant strides in trauma recovery and advocacy. I am finally having the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Victor Lyons, a dedicated trauma incident reduction coach whose work has reshaped the landscape of trauma recovery. Victor Lyons was introduced to me through Derrick Hurley (Episodes 125 through 128), and brings to this show a wealth of experience and expertise in his role as a trauma incident reduction coach. With a background rooted in psychology and extensive training in trauma-informed care,...
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137. Leslie McFadden; Part 2: A Gut Punch
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This is the concluding episode of Leslie McFadden’s appearance on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Leslie’s experience is a powerful example of the systemic issues that many survivors face. In October 2015, she was drugged and raped in Brooklyn. The last thing she remembers was drinks on Stone Street; she would wake up in a hospital many hours later, not knowing what happened. Slowly, she began to piece together that something terrible had occurred. When Leslie reported her sexual assault to the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, she faced additional trauma. One of the first questions a...
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136. Leslie McFadden; Part 1: A Gut Punch
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Never one to pull any punches, this SASS episode is no exception. This is a full throttle, deep dive, all-in listen. A Gut Punch. Leslie McFadden’s experience is a powerful example of the systemic issues that many survivors face. In October 2015, she was drugged and raped in Brooklyn. The last thing she remembers was drinks on Stone Street; she would wake up in a hospital many hours later, not knowing what happened. Slowly, she began to piece together that something terrible had occurred. When Leslie reported the assault to the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, she faced additional...
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135. Lauren King and Shannon Porter: What They Don’t Say Podcast Meets Sexual Assault Survivor Stories for a Power Episode
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
In this powerful crossover episode, I had the fantastic fortune to join forces with the hosts of the What They Don't Say: Sexual Assault and Everything in Between podcast for a special pod-share episode. It was an incredible opportunity for all of us to come together and share our unique perspectives on the journey of healing and justice after sexual assault. I’ve been following Shannon and Lauren’s work for a while, and it was great to finally connect and collaborate. Their podcast offers such an unfiltered, raw approach to discussing trauma and healing, and this episode felt like the...
info_outlineThis is the final episode of Rachel Izzo's encounter with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a harrowing tale of systemic failure and the enduring impact of trauma on survivors of sexual assault. Her story is not just a narrative of personal suffering but a stark indictment of institutional shortcomings in handling cases of sexual violence.
In her quest for justice, Rachel found herself navigating a labyrinth of bureaucracy that seemed more intent on an outward image than true empathetic support. Her initial report of assault, bravely detailed to law enforcement, was met with skepticism and administrative inertia, compounding her anguish. Despite the gravity of her allegations and the evident trauma she had experienced, Rachel faced a stark reality: the system designed to protect failed to meet the standards of a trauma-informed approach or provide the compassionate response she needed.
Rachel's journey through the NYPD's investigative process revealed a disturbing undercurrent of disbelief and procedural indifference, echoing broader societal challenges in addressing sexual violence with the gravity and sensitivity it demands. Rachel's courage in confronting her ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required of survivors who dare to seek accountability and healing within a system that all too often falls short.
As Rachel bravely shares her story, she illuminates not only the personal devastation wrought by assault but also the imperative for systemic reform. Her experience underscores the critical need for law enforcement to adopt trauma-informed practices that prioritize survivor-centered approaches. And Rachel’s experience isn’t restricted to just the NYPD; others with whom she shared her story had a role in Rachel feeling unbelieved, blamed, and denied in seeking a thorough investigation. Through her search for advocacy and an unwavering support system, Rachel challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about institutional and societal responses to sexual violence, urging a paradigm shift towards empathy, accountability, and genuine support for those who have endured rape or sexual assault.
In listening to Rachel's journey, we are required not only to engage with and open mind-set, but to reflect critically on our collective responsibility to ensure that survivors are heard, believed, and supported. Her story, etched in resilience, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of profound adversity.
I want to remind you—we all have a role to play in this fight. The first step? Start by Believing. When a survivor reaches out to tell their story, we need to listen without judgment, without skepticism. We need to believe them, because we all know someone whose life has been touched by sexual assault—whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even ourselves. The more we normalize these conversations, the stronger we become in pushing back against rape culture and the systems that perpetuate it.
An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address: [email protected] I truly look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you again for being part of this journey with me. Don’t miss next week’s episode as I bring you a new, compelling episode —right here on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS Podcast. See you next week. In the meantime, we encourage you to share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues. Spread the word about Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, as we continue to amplify the voices of survivors and educate the public and professionals on the importance of trauma-informed care. Together, we can make a difference.
Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of sexual assault, please reach out to a professional or utilize resources such as National Sexual Assault Hotline or Local Support Resources.
Subscribe and Support: Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories; and, give us a five-star rating! Your support helps us continue to provide this important platform for survivors and advocates alike. I hope you will also do your part to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. You can do that by sharing this episode with others. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It also helps the show grow, which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence of rape culture that surrounds us all. It only takes a minute, and I truly appreciate your support.
You’ll also notice in this episode that there may be ads added to the episode to help bring attention to Survivor School, founded by Arci Grey. SS is an organization in which I play a part as both a Masterclass Presenter, and as a member of the SS advisory panel. There’s nothing like this phenomenally innovative approach to healing from trauma and becoming un-stuck. To join Survivor School, please use this link:
https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL
Thanks again for listening! And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2025/01/29/special-victims-unit-nypd-investigation-
https://open.spotify.com/episode/61EYk28V2tI9qqTZA5UnN5?si=dc49fda7e8454346
https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL