167: Combating Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women

On the new episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Micki Ridd, Mesa Weidle, and Ellen Welch — three powerhouse SASSGO instructors — for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about survival, healing, and the mission to empower and protect women and girls. SASSGO is a nonprofit organization that is on a mission to protect women and girls from assault and exploitation through education, self-defense, and community empowerment. This episode continues our special month-long series on SASSGO and the transformative I Will Survive Weekend — and Micki, Mesa, and Ellen each bring their own unique story to the conversation. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ How Micki, a yoga instructor, was sent to a SASSGO training by her boss and discovered a deeper sense of strength and empowerment — sparking her passion to protect and train other women and girls; ✨ Mesa’s courageous journey as a college student and member of the University of Utah track team when her teammate Lauren McCluskey was tragically murdered — and how that trauma led Mesa to SASSGO and a mission to ensure no woman ever feels powerless again; ✨ Ellen’s story as a mother whose daughter, Carly, was assaulted in college — and how SASSGO gave her family the tools, hope, and strength to heal and fight back, inspiring Ellen to become an instructor herself; ✨ How each of these women turned trauma into purpose and now travel the country empowering others through SASSGO’s life-saving programs; ✨ The critical importance of training, education, and community when it comes to women’s safety and freedom; ✨ How you can support this movement and be part of the solution; ✨ And so much more! 🌟 Learn more and support the mission: SASSGO.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this powerful, inspiring episode — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe and join the movement to empower girls and change the world — one story at a time! 🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: Register for SASSGO’s I Will Survive Weekend during the month of July (2025) and use promo code 1GIRL to receive $100 off this all-inclusive weekend! Bonus: Get a group of four girls together and book a room — use the code 1GIRL and save an additional $75 per person! 🌟Register today at: sassgo.org/iwillsurvive   For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

9 Jul 1h 9min

On the new episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Shannon Henry — founder of SASSGO — and Brett Brown, Executive Director of SASSGO, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation to kick off our special month-long series on SASSGO and the I Will Survive Weekend. SASSGO is a nonprofit organization that is on a mission to protect women and girls from assault, exploitation, and trafficking through education, self-defense, and community empowerment. Shannon and Brett are passionate leaders, educators, and advocates who are changing lives and transforming communities through their tireless work. This episode launches our SASSGO Series for the month of July, where we’ll spotlight instructors, security experts, and changemakers who are leading the charge to protect and empower women and girls. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Shannon’s personal journey to founding SASSGO and the heart behind the organization; ✨ How Brett got involved and why she’s dedicated her life to empowering and protecting women; ✨ The alarming realities facing women and girls today—and what we can do about it; ✨ The life-changing impact of the I Will Survive Weekend and why it’s unlike anything else in the world; ✨ How SASSGO is equipping women with tools, confidence, and strength to navigate the world safely; ✨ What sets SASSGO apart and why this movement is growing; ✨ How you can be part of the solution—by attending, donating, or spreading the word; ✨ And so much more! 🌟 Learn more and support the mission: SASSGO.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this powerful, inspiring episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and change the world, one story at a time! 💫 Shannon was previously featured on episode #183 of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast — be sure to check out that episode to hear her powerful personal story and the origins of SASSGO. 🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: Register for SASSGO’s I Will Survive Weekend during the month of July (2025) and use promo code 1GIRL to receive $100 off this all-inclusive weekend! 💃 Bonus: Get a group of four girls together and book a room — use the code 1GIRL and save an additional $75 per person! For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

2 Jul 1h 3min

On this week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Tatyana Ali — actress, singer, advocate, mother, and founder of Baby Yams. You may know Tatyana from her iconic role as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or from her music, film, and television career — but in this powerful and personal conversation, we go beyond Hollywood to explore Tatyana’s heart for women, mothers and their babies, and social impact. Tatyana is a Harvard graduate, a passionate advocate for women and children, and the founder of Baby Yams — a social enterprise working to combat the maternal and infant mortality crisis in Black communities and across America. Baby Yams centers the voices and lived experiences of mothers of color, while providing life-saving information, community, and support. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Tatyana’s journey from child star to activist and social entrepreneur; ✨ Why becoming a mother changed everything for her; ✨ How her own experience inspired the creation of Baby Yams and how the social enterprise is building a movement rooted in love, storytelling, culture, and care; ✨ The maternal and infant health crisis facing Black women and families in America; ✨ Why Tatyana believes storyteeling can change the world; ✨ And so much more! Support the mission: Learn more about Baby Yams and their work to empower, inform, and support mothers and families: babyyams.com 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this inspiring, joyful, and thought-provoking episode — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower women and girls and change the world, one story at a time. For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

25 Jun 47min

On this week's new episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Chacrice Miles — founder and CEO of Transition 1, 2, 3, Inc., a Detroit-based nonprofit organization that empowers women to rebuild their lives after domestic abuse. Transition 1, 2, 3 provides safe housing, basic necessities, life-skills training, workforce development, and a supportive community that walks alongside women as they reclaim their lives. Chacrice is a survivor, advocate, and changemaker who turned her own story of trauma and survival into a mission to serve others. She knows the pain, fear, and silence that domestic abuse can bring — and she also knows the courage it takes to break free and begin again. What began as her personal journey of healing has grown into a powerful movement to uplift other women, break cycles of abuse, and restore dignity, safety, and hope. Transition 1, 2, 3 is more than a nonprofit — it’s a lifeline for women in crisis, and a launchpad for women to step into a new, empowered chapter of life. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Chacrice’s powerful personal story of survival and what inspired her to launch Transition 1, 2, 3; ✨ The vital services Transition 1, 2, 3 provides to women healing from domestic abuse; ✨ The importance of safe housing, stability, and supportive community; ✨ Stories of women who have found healing, strength, and purpose after abuse; ✨ How trauma-informed care and real opportunities can change lives; ✨ Why second chances matter and how you can be part of someone’s new beginning; ✨ And so much more! 💖 Learn more and support the mission: transition123inc.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this moving, empowering episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower women and girls and change the world, one story at a time. For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

18 Jun 1h 4min

On the new episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Lauren Costabile — founder of Hearts of Joy International, a nonprofit organization that provides life-saving heart surgery for children with Down Syndrome in developing countries and raises awareness about the dignity and value of every life. Lauren is a passionate advocate, speaker, and changemaker who has dedicated her life to serving children with Down Syndrome around the world. What began as a call placed on her heart quickly grew into a global mission—bringing hope, healing, and life-saving care to families who need it most. Hearts of Joy International now operates in multiple countries—including Uganda, the Philippines, Mexico, and India—partnering with doctors, hospitals, and families to ensure that children with Down Syndrome have access to the heart surgery they need to survive and thrive. In this episode, you’ll hear: ❤️ Lauren’s journey to founding Hearts of Joy International and what inspired her to take action; ❤️ The incredible impact Hearts of Joy is having in communities around the world; ❤️ Why children with Down Syndrome are often not able to receive surgery—and how Hearts of Joy is changing that; ❤️ Powerful stories of children and families whose lives have been transformed by this mission of this incredible organization; ❤️ The global need for awareness, inclusion, and dignity for people with Down Syndrome; ❤️ How you can get involved and support this life-saving work; ❤️ And so much more! 💖 Learn more and support the mission: heartsofjoyinternational.com 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this powerful, inspiring episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and change the world, one story at a time! For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

11 Jun 53min

On this week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Ellen Boyer — co-founder of The Brett Boyer Foundation, wife, mother, and advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease (CHD). Ellen and her husband Bo founded The Brett Boyer Foundation in memory of their beautiful daughter, Brett, who was born with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Though Brett’s life was tragically short, her light continues to shine through the work of the foundation that bears her name. The Brett Boyer Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness for CHD—the most common birth defect in the world—and to celebrating the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome. In this powerful episode, Ellen shares her journey of grief, motherhood, and mission—and how she and Bo turned heartbreak into hope for others. Through education, advocacy, CHD grants, family support, and their joyful mission of love, The Brett Boyer Foundation is lighting up the world, one little legacy at a time. In this episode, you’ll hear: 👼 Brett’s story and the inspiration behind The Brett Boyer Foundation; 👼 The realities of congenital heart disease and why awareness and advocacy are so critical; 👼 How the foundation is supporting families and funding life-saving CHD research; 👼 Ellen’s experience navigating grief, and how she keeps Brett’s light shining; 👼 How The Brett Boyer Foundation is changing lives—and lighting up the world; 👼 Why every life, no matter how short, can have a lasting impact; 👼 And so much more! 💛 Learn more about The Brett Boyer Foundation and how you can get involved: thebrettboyerfoundation.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and women—and change the world, one story at a time! For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

4 Jun 57min

On this week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Kristi Wells and Brittany Dunn — national anti-trafficking advocates and the powerhouse co-founders of The Safe House Project, a nonprofit organization that’s transforming the fight against human trafficking in America. Founded in 2017, The Safe House Project was born out of Kristi and Brittany’s shared passion to end human trafficking and offer safety, healing, and hope to survivors. Inspired by the Underground Railroad and the legacy of safe havens, they created a national movement to build safe homes and restore freedom to survivors across the country. Today, The Safe House Project has become a national leader in the anti-trafficking space — providing over 227,000 safe nights for survivors each year, launching safe houses across the U.S., and mobilizing communities with tools, education, and action steps to end trafficking for good. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🚨 Kristi and Brittany’s journey to founding The Safe House Project and what inspired their mission 🚨 How they’re creating safe homes and long-term support systems for survivors of human trafficking 🚨 The shocking realities of trafficking in America—and what we can do to fight it 🚨 How The Safe House Project is identifying victims, training first responders, and building powerful community partnerships 🚨 Why they created Simply Report, the first-of-its-kind app that allows anyone to anonymously report suspected trafficking 🚨 The impact of their OnWatch training and how it’s empowering everyday people to recognize and respond to trafficking 🚨 How each of us can be a safe place—and a force for change 🚨 And so much more! 💙 Learn more and support The Safe House Project: safehouseproject.org 📲 Download the Simply Report app: simplyreport.com 🎓 Take the OnWatch training: iamonwatch.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this eye-opening, action-inspiring episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and women—and change the world, one story at a time. For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, please visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

28 Mai 57min

On this week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Monica Anderson — founder of Remembering Cherubs, a powerful nonprofit organization that supports families through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. After her own experience with infant loss, Monica was moved to transform her personal grief into a mission to help others. She founded Remembering Cherubs to provide community, comfort, and resources to grieving parents and family members—ensuring no one has to walk through loss alone. With deep compassion and courage, Monica is changing the conversation around pregnancy and infant loss and offering hope to families across the country. In this episode, you’ll hear: 👼 Monica’s heartbreaking journey with infant loss—and how it inspired a mission of love; 👼 How her personal experience led to the founding of Remembering Cherubs; 👼 The importance of honoring and remembering babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or shortly after birth; 👼 How Remembering Cherubs is supporting grieving families through their Care Concierge, The Pregnancy Loss Guidebook, support groups, and advocacy; 👼 Monica’s vision for a world where every loss is acknowledged, every family is supported, and every baby is remembered; 👼 And so much more! 💛 Connect with and support the mission of Remembering Cherubs: https://www.rememberingcherubs.org 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss this deeply moving, hope-filled episode—and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and women—and change the world, one story at a time. For more information on 1 Girl Revolution, please visit: 1GirlRevolution.com

21 Mai 47min