Self-Defense Moves cover art

Self-Defense Moves

Self-Defense Moves

Written by: Maya Thomson
Listen for free

About this listen

 While it's easy to think about obvious situations where you might be attacked, there are those that aren't so obvious, namely when you're in your car.

Women have a tendency to get into their car and sit while they check messages—a habit that can actually spell trouble."If a predator is watching you, this is the perfect opportunity for that person to get in the passenger side, [threaten you], and tell you where to go," says fourth-degree black belt and trainer Teri Jory. That's why as soon as you get in the car, as a matter of habit, you should immediately lock the doors and leave.Also, if you're at a party, stick with friends, and if you've left a drink out of sight even for a few seconds, get a new one. "Spiking a drink with a date rape drug can happen quickly," Jory says.When going on a date, tell family or friends where you're going, especially if this is a first date or blind date. If somebody pushes you to do something you don't want to do, know that you have a right to leave. And, of course, charge your cell phone and keep it and a charger on you at all times.Maya Thomson Hygiene & Healthy Living Self-Help Success True Crime
Episodes
  • The Late Night Shift

    The Late Night Shift
    Sep 20 2025
    Maya Thompson,
    A 26-year-old nursing student, worked the night shift at a 24-hour gas station in a quiet suburb outside Cleveland, Ohio. She was smart, cautious, and always followed the rules. But nothing could have prepared her for what happened on the night of February 11, 2019.
    It was just past 2:00 a.m. The store was empty except for the hum of the refrigerators and the occasional gust of wind outside. Maya stood behind the counter, sipping lukewarm coffee and reviewing her anatomy notes. She noticed a man walk in—mid-40s, tall, with a heavy coat and a hoodie underneath. His hands were deep in his pockets.
    Maya greeted him. “Good morning. Let me know if you need anything.”
    He didn’t respond. He walked straight to the counter, eyes darting around. A sense of unease prickled Maya’s neck.
    Then he spoke, low and rushed:
    > “Give me the money. Now. Don’t make this harder.”

    Maya glanced at the surveillance camera, then at his right pocket, where she could see the outline of something metal—maybe a knife. Maybe a gun.
    Instead of panicking, Maya followed the self-defense training her brother, a former Marine, had drilled into her.
    She calmly opened the register. As the man leaned in and reached across the counter, she made her move. With practiced speed, she pulled a canister of pepper spray from under the counter—something she'd started keeping there after a previous late-night scare—and blasted him in the face.
    The man screamed, stumbling backward and clawing at his eyes. Maya hit the silent alarm and dashed to the back room, locking the door behind her.
    Police arrived in under four minutes. The suspect, later identified as Leonard Blake, had a long history of robbery and assault. He was arrested on the spot and sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted armed robbery.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
No reviews yet