Podcast Summary: "We're All Insane" – Episode: "Raised by a Serial Child Rapist"
Host: Devorah Roloff
Release Date: August 10, 2025
Introduction
In this harrowing and deeply personal episode of We're All Insane, host Devorah Roloff interviews Kelsey Zazanis, a courageous survivor who recounts her life being raised by a serial child rapist. Kelsey's story is one of unimaginable trauma, resilience, and the enduring quest for healing. This summary delves into the chronological unfolding of Kelsey's experiences, the impact on her and her family, and her journey toward reclaiming her narrative.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Kelsey Zazanis begins her story by introducing her early childhood, marked by love and routine before her parents' divorce disrupted her sense of stability.
Kelsey Zazanis [04:00]: "I just kind of got in the routine of. My father had visitation every Sunday."
At the age of three, Kelsey's father, William Lee Owen, began his weekly visits, initially seeming like a typical divorced father. Kelsey and her sister, Stephanie, shared a close bond, but underlying tensions were about to unravel.
First Encounter with Abuse
When Kelsey was six years old, a pivotal and traumatic event occurred that forever altered her perception of her father and her family.
Kelsey Zazanis [06:43]: "I was just a six-year-old walking into a dark room and seeing my dad on top of my sister. It was terrifying."
One Sunday, Kelsey walked into her father's back bedroom to find her sister being raped. Her father briefly acknowledged her presence with a cold glance before resuming his abusive actions, leaving Kelsey frozen and powerless.
Impact on Sister and Family
Stephanie, Kelsey's sister, bore the brunt of their father's abuse, exhibiting signs of severe psychological distress. Despite the gravity of her suffering, both sisters were coerced into silence through manipulative threats.
Kelsey Zazanis [11:27]: "If you tell her I'm gonna kill myself, you have to keep this secret."
Stephanie's response to Kelsey's attempts to understand the abuse was a chilling threat of suicide, effectively silencing her and deepening the trauma.
Subsequent Abuse and Escalation
As the years progressed, William's abuse continued, both overtly and covertly. Kelsey recounts multiple instances of sexual abuse that compounded her suffering and that of her sister.
Kelsey Zazanis [32:16]: "He molested her. And then ... this is how much daddy loves you."
At age eight, Kelsey herself became a victim, experiencing molestation that left her body numb and psychologically shattered. Her father's twisted justifications and manipulative tactics further entrenched the cycle of abuse.
Repression and Coping Mechanisms
Faced with relentless abuse and enforced secrecy, Kelsey and Stephanie developed coping mechanisms to survive. For Kelsey, this manifested as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, leading to her being misdiagnosed with OCD.
Kelsey Zazanis [54:30]: "Controlling what I ate and what went into my body ... was my way of reclaiming my body."
Stephanie's coping involved immersing herself in reading and withdrawal, while Kelsey's attempts to maintain normalcy in school masked the underlying turmoil.
Memory Repression and Awakening
A decade of repressed memories defined Kelsey's adolescence and early adulthood. It wasn't until she was nineteen that traumatic memories began to resurface, catalyzed by a series of flashbacks and a serendipitous reunion with Stephanie, now identified as Noah.
Kelsey Zazanis [120:12]: "This is what happened. I witnessed your rape."
Kelsey's journey towards memory retrieval was both painful and enlightening, leading her to confront the full extent of her father's atrocities and seek justice.
Healing Through Writing and Advocacy
Determined to heal and help others, Kelsey turned to writing as a form of therapy and advocacy. Her essays and forthcoming book, Father's Daughter, aim to shed light on the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse and the societal mechanisms that perpetuate silence.
Kelsey Zazanis [133:39]: "I'm writing in the past tense ... I needed to offload that."
Her proactive stance not only facilitated her healing but also connected her with a community of survivors, emphasizing the importance of speaking out to break the cycle of abuse.
Confrontation and Continued Trauma
Despite years of distance, Kelsey's father discovered her writings, leading to renewed fear and intimidation. This confrontation underscored the enduring impact of his abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking accountability.
Kelsey Zazanis [148:19]: "He cursed me out and went ballistic. He denied it."
The episode poignantly highlights the ongoing struggle for survivors to reclaim their power and the complexities involved in facing their abusers after prolonged periods of repression.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Kelsey's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of profound adversity. Her openness serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden battles many endure and the vital need for supportive environments that encourage survivors to speak their truths.
Kelsey Zazanis [166:11]: "Childhood and how prevalent it is ... we all need to talk about it."
Through her narrative, Kelsey advocates for greater awareness, better support systems, and systemic changes to address and prevent child sexual abuse, urging listeners to educate themselves and support survivors in their healing journeys.
Notable Quotes
- Kelsey Zazanis [06:43]: "I was just a six-year-old walking into a dark room and seeing my dad on top of my sister. It was terrifying."
- Kelsey Zazanis [11:27]: "If you tell her I'm gonna kill myself, you have to keep this secret."
- Kelsey Zazanis [32:16]: "He molested her. And then ... this is how much daddy loves you."
- Kelsey Zazanis [54:30]: "Controlling what I ate and what went into my body ... was my way of reclaiming my body."
- Kelsey Zazanis [120:12]: "This is what happened. I witnessed your rape."
- Kelsey Zazanis [133:39]: "I'm writing in the past tense ... I needed to offload that."
- Kelsey Zazanis [148:19]: "He cursed me out and went ballistic. He denied it."
- Kelsey Zazanis [166:11]: "Childhood and how prevalent it is ... we all need to talk about it."
Final Thoughts
Kelsey Zazanis's episode on We're All Insane offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a survivor navigating the shadows of childhood sexual abuse. Her willingness to share such a painful narrative serves not only as a path to her own healing but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity for others who have faced similar horrors. This episode underscores the importance of breaking silences, seeking support, and fostering environments where survivors can reclaim their stories and lives.
For those wishing to hear Kelsey's full story, visit wereallinsanepodcast@gmail.com or fill out the submission form here.