Podcast
Dear Katie: Survivor Stories
Hosted by Katie Koestner · EN
The Dear Katie Podcast features survivors of sexual assault, rape, and abuse; supporters; authors; celebrities; and agents of change about their survivorship and support. Learn how their journeys can help all survivors and their supporters. Delve into backlash, legal systems, campus reactions, family and friends, mental health, PTSD, substance use, body image, and the journey from hurt to healing and thriving.
After Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18 as the first person to speak out nationally and publicly as the victim of “date” rape, she received 100+ letters from others who had never told anyone about their own story. Katie wrote back to all of them, and some of them have now been guests on her Podcast 30+ years later to share their story with the world. The name “Dear Katie” honors all survivors in the power of sharing their story. Silence changes nothing.
47episodes
Episodes
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S9E16 Top 100 US Swimmer to Founder of Child Abuse Laws
6d ago01:10:49Tap to summarize'I went in there to be safe... I couldn't protect myself.' Partying on spring break as teenagers do, Carissa seeks safety among friends after drinking too much. She is taken advantage of in her vulnerable state, assaulted by the group, and recorded. Getting through her healing journey one day at a time, today she advocates and lobbies state legislators to lift the statute of limitations for sexual assault and child molestation. Her passion is speaking for others until they find their voice, and whether it's as a guest speaker or at the state house, she hopes to advocate for our survivors. She wants survivors to know that they too matter and that healing and finding your voice take time. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E15 Going for the Fastest Known Time on the John Muir Trail
2w ago00:57:05Tap to summarize'I remember so much of it... In my previous traumas, I blacked out a lot of the very traumatic stuff... but this one was different.' Today, we're joined by Lizzy Fowler, an ultra-marathon trail runner and award-winning documentary filmmaker. After finding her own passion for running while exploring the neuroscience of the "flow state" in her film work, Lizzy has gone on to complete grueling races like the Moab 240. Now, she's channeling that experience into her next challenge: a Fastest Known Time attempt on the legendary John Muir Trail, along with her mission ahead to empower other women along the way. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E15 Going for the Fastest Known Time on the John Muir Trail (Uploaded for Spotify)
2w ago00:57:05Tap to summarize'I remember so much of it... In my previous traumas, I blacked out a lot of the very traumatic stuff... but this one was different.' Today, we're joined by Lizzy Fowler, an ultra-marathon trail runner and award-winning documentary filmmaker. After finding her own passion for running while exploring the neuroscience of the "flow state" in her film work, Lizzy has gone on to complete grueling races like the Moab 240. Now, she's channeling that experience into her next challenge: a Fastest Known Time attempt on the legendary John Muir Trail, along with her mission ahead to empower other women along the way. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E14 USA Mrs Arizona's Day After Christmas (Uploaded for Spotify)
3w ago00:48:52Tap to summarizeIsolated from her family and friends, Jenna finds herself on the receiving end of abuse from a serial cheater. Prompted to leave by her mother-in-law, she packs up in the night and gets back up on her feet with the help of Section 8. Today, she has dedicated her life to helping others get the second chance she did. Jenna Ghisolfo is the Founder and CEO of Housing Consultants of America, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness move off the streets and into safe, stable housing. With over 18 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, she partners with property owners, nonprofits, and housing agencies across the country to ensure compliance while expanding access to housing for vulnerable populations. Jenna is also a national speaker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her voice to raise awareness about housing stability and crisis resources. A former Section 8 resident herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her mission. She currently serves as the United States of America’s Mrs. Arizona, using her platform to empower, inspire, and uplift communities across the nation. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E14 USA Mrs Arizona's Day After Christmas
3w ago00:48:52Tap to summarizeIsolated from her family and friends, Jenna finds herself on the receiving end of abuse from a serial cheater. Prompted to leave by her mother-in-law, she packs up in the night and gets back up on her feet with the help of Section 8. Today, she has dedicated her life to helping others get the second chance she did. Jenna Ghisolfo is the Founder and CEO of Housing Consultants of America, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness move off the streets and into safe, stable housing. With over 18 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, she partners with property owners, nonprofits, and housing agencies across the country to ensure compliance while expanding access to housing for vulnerable populations. Jenna is also a national speaker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her voice to raise awareness about housing stability and crisis resources. A former Section 8 resident herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her mission. She currently serves as the United States of America’s Mrs. Arizona, using her platform to empower, inspire, and uplift communities across the nation. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E13 Ship Assault Leads to Pink Berets (Uploaded for Spotify)
4w ago01:19:54Tap to summarize'Today, if I had to change course, I would still choose the Navy.' Stephanie Gattas is a U.S. Navy veteran and mission-driven marketing and communications leader based in San Antonio, Texas. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of The Pink Berets, a nonprofit supporting women veterans and first responders through trauma-informed, holistic wellness programs. She’s also the CEO of Tactical One, a newly formed women’s safety technology company focused on building tools that help women feel safer in everyday life. Stephanie brings a blend of real-world leadership, advocacy, and practical strategy to every conversation. When she’s not working, she loves cooking, especially when it’s an excuse to gather people and take care of her community. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E13 Ship Assault Leads to Pink Berets
4w ago01:19:54Tap to summarize'Today, if I had to change course, I would still choose the Navy.' Stephanie Gattas is a U.S. Navy veteran and mission-driven marketing and communications leader based in San Antonio, Texas. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of The Pink Berets, a nonprofit supporting women veterans and first responders through trauma-informed, holistic wellness programs. She’s also the CEO of Tactical One, a newly formed women’s safety technology company focused on building tools that help women feel safer in everyday life. Stephanie brings a blend of real-world leadership, advocacy, and practical strategy to every conversation. When she’s not working, she loves cooking, especially when it’s an excuse to gather people and take care of her community. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E12 FGM Followed by Sierra Leone Civil War Rebels Gang Rape (Uploaded for Spotify)
May 1401:08:08Tap to summarizeSurviving incredible normalized violence from a young age, Adama Nyama Bah lives in incredible pain in silence as her suffering is celebrated. Sharing her harrowing personal journey finding freedom after being repeatedly victimized, she finds power and healing by speaking up and fighting for the voices of fellow survivors. Adama is a strong advocate for survivors of sexual violence and aims to provide holistic support that will enable individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E12 FGM Followed by Sierra Leone Civil War Rebels Gang Rape
May 1401:08:08Tap to summarizeSurviving incredible normalized violence from a young age, Adama Nyama Bah lives in incredible pain in silence as her suffering is celebrated. Sharing her harrowing personal journey finding freedom after being repeatedly victimized, she finds power and healing by speaking up and fighting for the voices of fellow survivors. Adama is a strong advocate for survivors of sexual violence and aims to provide holistic support that will enable individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Transcribe →S9E11 Woman Warrior Yogi (Uploaded for Spotify)
May 700:56:03Tap to summarize"Even just the honoring of 'it happened' ... is just so important." Halli Lou Faulkner is a somatic therapist and trauma-informed trainer who specializes in creating healing spaces for sexual assault survivors. Drawing on body-based practices, mindfulness, and compassionate presence, she supports individuals and communities in reconnecting with their bodies and restoring a sense of safety, agency, and wholeness. Through her trainings and programs, Halli Lou helps women cultivate resilience, deepen embodiment, and build pathways toward collective healing. She loves reality TV, swimming in the ocean, and riding bikes with her six-year-old daughter. For more information on Halli Lou Faulkner and her work, look here: https://www.emdrandpsychotherapy.com/about/ https://www.hallifaulkner.com/trauma-informed-training https://www.hallifaulkner.com/somatic-therapy
Transcribe →