In the beginning, joy is the goal. In the process, joy is the tool. We often treat movement work as a cycle of endless seriousness and burnout—but what if joy is actually a requirement for survival? In this episode, we’re reclaiming our right to feel good and redefining what joy looks like in the wake of trauma.

We’re challenging the idea that advocacy must be devoid of light and exploring why joy is an imperative, radical part of the healing journey.

Inside the Conversation:

• Joy as a Resource: Shifting from seeing joy as a "reward" to using it as a practical tool for healing.

• The Radical Pivot: Challenging the "culture of depletion" in advocacy and movement work.

• Defining Your Light: What does joy actually look like in practice, and how do we make space for it?

We are joined by Sarah Walters, former Resource and Outreach Coordinator at National Sexual Violence Resource Center, to discuss how we can center joy as a form of resistance and restoration.

When sexual violence is weaponized for control, the wounds reach across generations. In this episode, we explore how historical trauma from war-related atrocities manifests in our bodies and relationships today. We’re moving beyond the battlefield to discuss how advocates can support deep, generational healing.

Inside the Conversation:

• The Legacy of Trauma: How historical wounds shape communities long after a conflict ends.

• The Body’s Memory: How war-related trauma impacts physical health and modern relationships.

• Culturally Rooted Healing: The vital role of grassroots organizations in navigating complex political and social contexts.

We are joined by Helen Perry—Global Health Expert, Nurse Practitioner, and Veteran—to discuss building a path toward collective restoration and empowerment.

When bodily autonomy is denied, the harm of sexual violence is amplified. In this episode, we tackle the critical intersection of reproductive freedom and survivor advocacy. For survivors in marginalized and culturally specific communities, the lack of reproductive choice isn't just a policy issue—it’s a direct compounding of the trauma they already face.

We’re diving into what it means to provide truly "culturally grounded" responses and the vital role advocates play in reclaiming survivor-centered care.

Inside the Conversation:

• The Compounding Effect: How the loss of bodily autonomy deepens the impact of sexual violence.

• Culturally Grounded Care: Moving beyond "one-size-fits-all" to provide reproductive health support that honors a survivor's heritage.

• The Advocate’s Role: Navigating the intersections of health, justice, and healing.

We are joined by Morgan Hawes, Data, Grants, and Knowledge Coordinator for the Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition, to discuss how we build a future where every survivor has the right to their own body.