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
155. Amanda Carrasco: Losing Everything, Finding Strength, and Becoming the Brave One
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This captivating episode features Amanda Carrasco, also known as Amanda The Brave One, author of Becoming the Brave One; My Journey to Justice. Amanda’s story is one of unimaginable trauma and extraordinary resilience. She endured horrific sexual assaults and, while out of her home, suffered the devastating loss of her immediate family at the hands of another family member. Yet rather than allowing her trauma to define her, Amanda transformed her experiences into a platform for healing, education, and advocacy—helping survivors and professionals alike understand the realities of trauma...
info_outline
154. Caroline Markel: Big Changes Are Coming! What’s Next for Safe in Harm’s Way
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
It’s finally happened!!--I’m honored to welcome back Caroline Markel, Founder and CEO of Safe in Harm’s Way, for an in-depth conversation that’s both exciting and, yes!...exclusive! Over the past two-and-a-half years, Caroline and her organization have been evolving in significant ways, and this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the changes, developments, and forward-thinking initiatives that few people outside her immediate circle have been privy to. In this episode, Caroline shares her perspectives with openness and transparency, discussing not only what has changed...
info_outline
153. Pastor Michael Neely: ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ Almost Killed Him—Now He Fights for Survivors
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
This week I had the privilege and pleasure of talking with Pastor Michael Neely, a man whose faith, courage, and resilience were tested in living his own personal marriage; that 15-year marriage nearly cost him his life. Michael now channels his pain into advocacy and works to turn churches into safe spaces and mentoring victims who once felt voiceless. And the really awesome part of all of this to me, is that his story is real, raw, gripping, and completely relevant to everything this podcast is about—and it will challenge everything you think you know about abuse, faith, and healing. I’m...
info_outline
152. Johnny Braun: What the World Refuses to See About Male Survivors
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
It was an amazing day for me when Johnny Braun sent me a DM on Instagram. It was short, it was succinct, and it made me want to talk to him. Here’s what he said: “Hey there Dave, if you’re looking for another person to be on your podcast, I’d like to be on an episode. I experienced childhood sexual abuse.” That was it…that’s what started an amazing conversation, and my decision to have him as a guest today. I could go on and on about how amazing I know Johnny is. But I think he would rather I tell you about what I know about male sexual assault as a “thing” that needs to be...
info_outline
151. C Kimberly Toms: From Victimization to Voice—Changing the System
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
151. C Kimberly Toms: From Victimization to Voice—Changing the System C Kimberly Toms. She’s a survivor of rape and attempted murder, a filmmaker, writer, and business consultant. In 2013, a hopeful job move to Milwaukee turned into a harrowing ordeal when she was raped and stalked by a U.S. Department of State special agent who eventually also attempted to murder her. For the last 12 years, Kimberly has endured relentless trauma, systemic failures, and intimidation. The absolutely worst experiences, however, inspired advocacy; Kimberly created her documentary Escaping Fed and founded...
info_outline
150. Whitney Vergés: Breaking Barriers in the Sex Industry
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
The importance of this podcast includes the critical component of continuing to amplify the voices of those who've survived the unimaginable. This week, the show marks a significant milestone—Episode 150—and it’s only fitting that I have a truly monumental guest, Whitney Vergés. Whitney’s story is one of incredible courage as she bravely shares her experience of being drugged and raped. But what makes her journey even more powerful is the context surrounding her assault. Whitney, who has worked in the adult entertainment industry as both a stripper and the manager of the strip club,...
info_outline
149. Ariel Sorensen: Surviving Sexual Assault and Navigating Justice Abroad
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Ariel Sorensen reached deep inside herself to muster the strength and fortitude to reach out to me to find out if she could share her gripping and harrowing tale of her rape and sexual assault during what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Ariel and her male companion, strangers in a foreign land, were offered nightly accommodations by an elderly couple they had just met. The couple’s generous offer seemed harmless at first, but as Ariel recounts, it was part of a carefully orchestrated manipulation. Things got worse when she was invited to stay in a separate bedroom...
info_outline
148. Dave Markel: Reflections and Impacts
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
148. Dave Markel: Reflections and Impacts This week, since there’s not guest again, I want to take a moment to reflect on the growth and impact of the podcast. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from all my listeners, whose commitment has fueled the show's success and exponential growth. Whether long-time listeners or relatively new to the show, your passion and dedication are what have made SASS what it is today. I also want to emphasize the importance of normalizing the conversation around rape and sexual assault. By creating a safe space for survivors to share their...
info_outline
147. A Repeat of Episode 43: Cashaye Barrera—An Episode Worth Hearing Again!
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
147. A Repeat of Episode 43: Cashaye Barrera—An Episode Worth Hearing Again! Sometimes life throws us a curve ball when we least expect it, and it changes the trajectory of the path we were on. That’s what happened this week when a guest who was scheduled to record with me had some unexpected events thwart our scheduled appointment and we weren’t able to record. So, I made the decision to do something I have yet to do on this podcast, and that is to repeat a past episode. It didn’t take me anytime at all to decide which one: you are about to hear Episode 43 again: my adopted...
info_outline
146. Jessica Pride & Verna Griffin-Tabor: Co-Founders of Sirona Healing Center
Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS
Welcome to Episode 146. It’s an honor and pleasure to introduce you to Sirona Healing Center of San Diego, CA. This episode features the two co-founders of Sirona, Jessica (Jess) Pride and Verna (Vee) Griffin-Tabor. Jess’s name may sound familiar to some of you who’ve been long-time listeners to SASS…she was my guest on Episode 44, in August, 2023. The reason I’m featuring Sirona Healing Center this week is two-fold: first, it’s a pleasure to have Jessica Pride back as a guest this week. Secondly, I am always pleased to present avenues of support and healing that my audience may...
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