Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer.I wish when I was ...
…
continue reading
conversations with artists and makers, activists and philosophers. people who have found it within them to go beyond: the norm, the expected, the status quo. to take what is inside of them and bring it bravely and boldly into his world.
…
continue reading
1
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense - Part 2
18:50
18:50
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
18:50
Send us a text Listen to part 2 in answering the question I get: "What’s your stance on guns for personal protection?" I share honest insights for those considering firearm ownership, covering everything from the initial training needed to the responsibility of regular practice. For anyone thinking about applying for a concealed carry permit (CCW),…
…
continue reading
1
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense?
28:18
28:18
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
28:18
Send us a text Mandi opens up about her personal journey with firearms, from dealing with the vulnerability of her past to making the decision to own a gun for protection. Joined by her podcast editor Andrea, the two discuss the emotional weight, responsibility, and real-life experiences that shape their views on self-defense. Mandi talks about the…
…
continue reading
1
When Being Nice Isn't Safe: A Local Crime Story
10:39
10:39
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:39
Send us a text Hear this true crime story—a crime trend in my neighborhood. In this gripping episode of the Aware and Prepared podcast, we dive deeper into the importance of trusting your instincts when encountering overly friendly strangers. Mandi shares a recent local crime story that offers a stark reminder of how easy it is to become a target, …
…
continue reading
Send us a text Ever feel like someone is following you? Hear about the crime trend, jugging, and how to stay aware and safer. Mandi highly recommends subscribing to police news releases in your local city to be aware of crime trends. Hear this true story of "jugging," where criminals follow the victim from picking up valuable jewelry in LA. Hear wh…
…
continue reading
1
Behind the Black Belt: Part 2
29:41
29:41
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
29:41
Send us a text Elicia delves deeper into the abuse she endured and and how it affected her adult life. After leaving her abusive relationship and moving out she struggled with the trauma and feelings of guilt instilled by those around her. She explains how her abuser’s manipulation made her doubt herself for years, and it wasn’t until she reflected…
…
continue reading
1
Behind the Black Belt: Elicia’s Battle with Abuse from a Trusted Coach
15:48
15:48
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
15:48
Send us a text Elicia recounts how her experience of being groomed and abused by a martial arts instructor when she was growing up severely impacted her self-esteem, mental health, and life trajectory. Hear things to be aware of to prevent this sort of experience and how she got her power back. Elicia turned around her story for good to prevent and…
…
continue reading
1
Build the Ultimate Emergency Go Bag with My Dad, Emergency Prep Expert
30:54
30:54
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
30:54
Send us a text What if you could carry peace of mind in your car, ready to help you navigate any emergency life throws your way? In this special episode I’m joined by a very important guest—my dad, Larry, a former Marine Corps officer with over 20 years of experience and a background in corporate-level security. Building on last week's discussion a…
…
continue reading
1
Products You Need for Power Outages and Natural Disasters
39:13
39:13
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
39:13
Send us a text "Survival Mom" shares her experiences with natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, which left her and her neighbors without power for days. She explains how having backup energy sources, like generators and power banks, helped her household stay safe and comfortable. She also gives practical advice on storing food, water, and key it…
…
continue reading
1
Intuition 101: Recognizing and ACTING on Gut Feelings
13:09
13:09
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
13:09
Send us a text Intuition is a survival tool that helps us sense danger by picking up on subtle clues from our surroundings. Mandi shares a practical example of being alone at a gas station at night, explaining how these gut feelings can guide us to take protective actions, such as the ones she shared. Mandi also highlights that intuition isn't just…
…
continue reading
1
Has Your Social Security Number Been Stolen? Identity Theft
15:28
15:28
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
15:28
Send us a text My son’s social security number was stolen in 2018, the theft led to legal challenges, including filing a police report and dealing with credit bureaus to secure the account. The host emphasizes the anxiety of such situations and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect personal information. Hear practical advice for…
…
continue reading
1
Financial Sextortion: The Fastest Growing Cyber Crime
13:13
13:13
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
13:13
Send us a text Financial sextortion occurs when someone is blackmailed after sharing intimate photos or videos online, often with someone they believe to be a trusted friend or partner. The episode shares info from EndTab.org highlighting chilling statistics, with most victims being young men and boys. This has tragic results. We also explore how t…
…
continue reading
1
AI and Romance Scams: Protecting Yourself from Online Deception
13:18
13:18
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
13:18
Send us a text Dangers of online deception, particularly catfishing scams from romance scammers, are shared as the host reads insights from guest Adam Dodge, who specializes in combating tech-enabled abuse through his organization, EndTAB. Hear the evolution of catfishing tactics, now incorporating advanced AI technologies like deepfakes and voice …
…
continue reading
1
Should I Share My Passwords With My Boyfriend? Digital Abuse
10:56
10:56
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:56
Send us a text What are the risks and implications of sharing digital access with partners? Introduction to Digital Entanglement: The blend of personal and digital lives in relationships. Potential risks of sharing digital access with partners. Study by Malwarebytes: Examining digital sharing behaviors in relationships. Key findings: High Rates of …
…
continue reading
1
Get Unstuck: Navigating Freeze Responses + Intuition with Britt Frank
24:35
24:35
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
24:35
Send us a text Afraid you’ll freeze when in danger or in an awkward social situation? Returning guest, Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP and Mandi discuss the often-overlooked freeze response, exploring its biological basis and the associated feelings of shame. They highlight that freezing is a natural, uncontrollable reaction and stress the importance of se…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Does the statement “I Love You” match with loving behavior of respect, patience, etc? In this podcast episode, Dr. Jill Murray emphasizes that love should be seen as a consistent behavior rather than merely a feeling or words. She highlights the importance of evaluating actions over verbal expressions in relationships and underscores…
…
continue reading
1
Am I Addicted To Chaos and Drama?
10:59
10:59
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:59
Send us a text DRAMA DETOX! Dr. Jill Murray realized her life was filled with chaotic and drama-filled relationships. Determined to change, she made the drastic decision to cut out all toxic relationships, including some family members and friends. She apologized for her past dishonesty about her seemingly perfect life and embraced a period of lone…
…
continue reading
1
Empowering Teens: Navigating Social Media and Real-Life Challenges
16:15
16:15
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
16:15
Send us a text What is THE main issue affecting teens today? In Dr. Jill Murray’s answer: social media. She says platforms like Instagram can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to depression and anxiety. Dr. Jill suggests limiting social media use and encouraging teens to be present in their own lives. Excessive social media use isolate…
…
continue reading
1
Slow Down To Live Safer: Calm Nervous System
17:20
17:20
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
17:20
Send us a text SUMMARY Slow DOWN to live safer! Today Mandi talks about the mind body connection - the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in the body to break the cycle of stress and calm our nervous system so we can live safer with more peace! LESSONS LEARNED Importance of Slowing Down: Slowing down is crucial for safety and …
…
continue reading
1
Justice For Mica: Narcissist Pastor Predators
24:35
24:35
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
24:35
Send us a text Hear some of the unresolved aspects of Mica Miller’s death and the behavior of her abuser, Pastor JP Miller. The first part updates listeners on the inconsistencies in Micah’s death, as shared by her family. The second part delves deeper into JP Miller’s abusive patterns and broader behaviors seen in similar individuals. This part al…
…
continue reading
1
Justice For Mica: Exposing Spiritual Abuse in the Shadows
48:37
48:37
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
48:37
Send us a text SUMMARY #JusticeForMica - This episode delves into the tragic case of Mica Miller, the wife of Pastor John Paul Miller. She was found deceased with a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound shortly after having divorce papers and a no-contact order served to her husband. Despite the medical examiner ruling it as a self-inflicted gunshot wound…
…
continue reading
1
Inside The Mind (Part 3) with Dr. Manny Tau, Clinical + Forensic Psychologist
22:59
22:59
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
22:59
Send us a text SUMMARY Learn a few self defense tips and tools I have not heard of before with Dr. Manny Tau, such as avoiding phone distractions, using flashlights at night, and considering self-defense tools like tasers, etc. Communities can come together to learn and be able to support individuals facing threats. Let’s get back to family dinners…
…
continue reading
1
Inside The Mind of An Active Shooter: Effective Intervention (Part 2)
24:48
24:48
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
24:48
Send us a text SUMMARY What are the behaviors indicative of potential danger? Is it smack talk or a credible threat? Listen in with today’s guest, Dr. Manny Tau, as he shares insights on identifying and addressing threats of targeted violence. Learn the lessons and resources shared so we can identify a credible threat and have actionable skills on …
…
continue reading
1
Inside the Mind of an Active Shooter: Insights from A Threat Assessment Expert
25:37
25:37
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
25:37
Send us a text SUMMARY In this episode, the host and guest - Dr. Manny Tau, a seasoned threat assessment expert, discuss the case of Elliot Rodger, an active shooter responsible for a tragic rampage in Isla Vista (USCB area of Santa Barbara). Dr. Tau highlights Rodger's entitlement, narcissism, and lack of empathy as contributing factors to his vio…
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY This podcast episode concludes the series in practical ways to stay safer while out and about shopping and running errands. In this episode, Mandi addresses parking lot safety (getting in and out of your car, loading up groceries, etc.) Listen to the practical tips shared and enjoy a safer life! LESSONS LEARNED 1 = Be mindful…
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY Self-defense on the road! LIsten and start to feel empowered to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Covering a range of practical strategies, the discussion emphasizes many simple things one may choose to do to wisely prevent and respond to various scenarios. Improve your safety out and about and feel more safe! Enjoy! …
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY This episode discusses a tragic incident of road rage in Southern California in which a six-year-old boy named Aiden was fatally shot while his mother was driving on the freeway. YES, the killer was caught and is serving a long sentence in prison! Mandi expresses sympathy for the victims and aims to raise awareness about the …
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY Current Crime Trend = theft of purses and wallets at a specific grocery store in California. Hear actionable advice to safeguard personal belongings, drawing attention to tactics used by these thieves. How to minimize risks and stay safer while out and about. Enjoy! LESSONS LEARNED Lesson 1 = Instead of putting the purse / ba…
…
continue reading
1
3 Games To Strengthen Your Observational Skills
11:35
11:35
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
11:35
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi announces the rebranding of her podcast to "Aware and Prepared" and shares why. She states the podcast is now one year old and shares statistics on the podcast's listenership. The top 10 episodes from the past year are listed. Mandi then introduces three games to improve situational awareness th…
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY In celebration of International Women's Day, your host shares with you what she would tell her 15 year old self. Listen in and see if some of these things you also would tell younger you! And what else can we impart to our younger generation to help prevent harm and encourage a brighter life filled with peace? RESOURCES Book …
…
continue reading
1
When Your Admirer Becomes a Stalker: Safety Strategies
27:58
27:58
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
27:58
Send us a text SUMMARY What happens when an unwanted admirer escalates to a stalker? Mandi and guest, Joe, urge listeners to take these situations seriously. They explore the nuances of establishing a red line or boundary and what to do when this person crosses it. Insights into legal measures, self-defense tactics, and community support networks a…
…
continue reading
1
What To Do If I Have an Unwanted Admirer?
28:45
28:45
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
28:45
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi welcomes back Joe, her mentor and self-defense teacher, to address a scenario where a family friend faces an unwanted admirer who waits for her outside the gym and persistently intimidates her despite her rejections. Joe begins by emphasizing the importance of breaking predictable patterns and u…
…
continue reading
1
Is My Dating Relationship Healthy? Lessons from Gabby Petito's Experience
22:15
22:15
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
22:15
Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi delves into the tragic story of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie, highlighting the red flags that were present in their relationship before it turned deadly. She discusses warning signs (red flags) of abusive relationships, such as control, jealousy, and isolation, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and address…
…
continue reading
1
Silent Struggles: Exposing 7 Teen Dating Violence Myths and Realities
16:30
16:30
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
16:30
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode of "Woman Aware and Prepared," the host discusses the critical issue of teen dating violence during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This episode covers seven common myths about teen dating violence, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing that violence and unhealthy behavior are prevalent in tee…
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi introduces a small membership for listeners, sharing insights from their recent quarterly call. A member’s question prompts a discussion on how exactly to call the non-emergency police line and will you get dispatch on the line when you do? Listen to her Mandi answer the question. LESSONS LEARNE…
…
continue reading
1
Important Tips from A 911 Dispatcher - Part 2
25:11
25:11
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
25:11
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Glenna, the dispatch supervisor at a local police department joins us again in part 2. She explains the dispatcher's training in active listening and asking questions in a specific order. Glenna emphasizes that dispatchers may appear to be cutting off callers to keep them focused and efficient in prov…
…
continue reading
1
Important Tips from a 911 Dispatcher - Part 1
31:47
31:47
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
31:47
Send us a text In this podcast episode, the host, Mandi, is joined by Glenna, Dispatch Supervisor at Mandi’s local police department. The episode covers: - When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line - Handling suspicious situations - Providing tips for effective communication with law enforcement Glenna emphasizes the importance of using 911 fo…
…
continue reading
1
When To Call 911 or Non-Emergency
12:15
12:15
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
12:15
Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi announces an upcoming episode featuring a role play with a local police dispatcher named Glenna. To prep for that, Mandi covers topics such as when to call 9-1-1 versus the non-emergency number, emphasizing the importance of saving the local police department's number in your phone. Additionally, the host provides six t…
…
continue reading
1
Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safer Online with The Cyber Safety Cop - Part 2
16:29
16:29
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
16:29
Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi continues a crucial conversation about online safety for children with Clay from the Cyber Safety Cop. Their discussion centers on the alarming issue of online grooming and how children, regardless of their family background, are susceptible to manipulation and exploitation. The conversation dives into the tactics preda…
…
continue reading
1
Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safer Online with The Cyber Safety Cop - Part 1
24:49
24:49
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
24:49
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the guest is Clayton Cranford, a retired law enforcement sergeant from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who has expertise in internet safety for families. He emphasizes the importance of addressing online safety for children. Clay also discusses the challenges parents face in managing their chi…
…
continue reading
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host takes a break from the regular content to offer listeners a chance to get to know her better. She shares personal details about her life, such as living in California, being married for 16 years, having a 22-year-old son, and being a passionate pet lover with a business related to photographi…
…
continue reading
1
My Story Part 3: How I Healed [Episode 40]
30:21
30:21
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
30:21
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host addresses a question she frequently receives about her healing journey after escaping a domestic abuse situation. Her friend, Andrea, interviews her, posing questions that many people ask her. The host shares details about her leaving process and the lack of resources available at the time, a…
…
continue reading
1
Stalker Prevention 101: Tracy's Journey and Proactive Safety Lessons
27:45
27:45
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
27:45
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi engages in a conversation with her guest, Joe, who shares a real-life story about helping a woman named Tracy deal with a serious stalking threat. Joe, who has a background in teaching shooting and personal defense, explains how Tracy sought his assistance after her life was endangered by a pers…
…
continue reading
1
A Young Woman's Tale of Being Stalked, Using Intuition, and Surviving
12:52
12:52
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
12:52
Send us a text SUMMARY My guest, Andrea, recounts a chilling stalking experience from over a decade ago when she was a young graduate living in Pasadena. As the story unfolds, she shares the gradual realization of being watched, the eerie encounters, and the unsettling intuition that preceded the revelation of an imminent threat. The narrative inte…
…
continue reading
1
Narcissist Tactics: Watch Out Empaths
10:50
10:50
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:50
Send us a text SUMMARY The podcast episode delves into the contrasting traits of narcissists and empaths, shedding light on their dynamics in relationships. It emphasizes how narcissists, lacking empathy and introspection, manipulate and control empathetic individuals, making them feel unworthy and drained. Real-life examples depict how narcissists…
…
continue reading
1
FAQ: How Do I Get Started with Self Defense? How Do I spot a Narcissist? ...and More
12:08
12:08
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
12:08
Send us a text SUMMARY In this week's episode, Mandi, the host and Andrea, the show producer, have a discussion about the best way to start learning self defense and also how to spot a narcissist and what types of personalities they are most drawn to. Listen in as Mandi shares from personal experience. RESOURCES The book CoDependent No More by Melo…
…
continue reading
1
Pets and Domestic Violence: Pet-Friendly DV Shelters
10:45
10:45
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:45
Send us a text SUMMARY Mandi, the podcast host, shares a heartbreaking story of Caitlin and her dog losing their lives, due to domestic violence, emphasizing the urgent need for help. There is a lack of pet-friendly shelters for domestic violence victims, but there are organizations working to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. Ther…
…
continue reading
1
Is Your Safety in Your Hands? How to Take Control
10:27
10:27
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:27
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, the host delivers a message emphasizing the importance of personal safety and preparedness. They stress that individuals should not rely solely on military or police in times of crisis and should take responsibility for their own safety. Mandi outlines a five-step approach to prioritize safety. LESSON…
…
continue reading
1
What To Do If You Are Followed By An Air Tag
10:59
10:59
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
10:59
Send us a text SUMMARY In this podcast episode, Mandi recounts her experience of being followed by an Apple AirTag and offers valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding new technologies, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse. She guides listeners on what to do if they suspect they're being tracked by an AirTag, incl…
…
continue reading
1
"Digital Self-Defense: Do You Really Need to Be a Tech Expert?" (Part 2)
26:21
26:21
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
26:21
Send us a text This episode with special guest, Adam Dodge, continues the conversation from last episode on the complexities of gender-based violence in the digital age, the importance of developing empathy and awareness in online interactions and what we can do to help prevent tech-abuse. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Prevention is key. Providing young adult…
…
continue reading
1
"Digital Self-Defense: Do You Really Need to Be a Tech Expert?" (Part 1)
25:45
25:45
Lejátszás később
Lejátszás később
Listák
Tetszik
Kedvelt
25:45
Send us a text This episode with special guest, Adam Dodge, highlights the complexities of gender-based violence in the digital age and the importance of developing empathy and awareness in online interactions. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Tech-facilitated gender-based violence is not limited to a specific region but is a global issue affecting victims world…
…
continue reading