We hear that storytelling has power, but what does that really mean? Can telling our own story really make a difference in our lives? Does it matter how we tell our story? And furthermore, when we tell stories as a society, what are we really saying about people - especially people who have been impacted by trauma? This month we talk with Elissa Yancey about all these things and more. Elissa is the founder of A Picture's Worth, a nonprofit information gathering tool for journalists, educators & non-profits ..read more

Navigating Decisions Decision Science is defined as “the collection of quantitative techniques used to inform decision-making at the individual and population levels.” This month, Jamie talked with Michele Beaulieux. Michele is the creator of the Reservoir of Hope blog, and she is using decision science to create the My Choice Decision Navigator, part of the Our Choices Solution Facilitator. She came on the podcast to help us understand how decision science can help survivors of sexual violence make sense of the options in front of them and get an understanding of what they actually want to ha ..read more

This is the second of a two-part episode dedicating to exploring community and what it means to different individuals. Give a listen to part 1 here. Mentioned or referenced in this episode: Learn more about unions Cincinnati Rollergirls Queersplaining – Callie Wright’s podcast Chase Baechle’s music Sovereign Being – Chase Baechle’s band Credits: Recorded by Jamie Sivrais Voices: Jamie Sivrais, Erin O’Callaghan, Jacqlyn Schott, Callie Wright, Chase Baechle Music provided by cloudkickermusic.com Artwork provided by Aaron May at aaronbmay.com ..read more

Community (part 1) The word “community” means different things to different people – sometimes it represents a geographic location. Sometimes it means a social club based on a hobby or interest. Sometimes it’s a group of people who find each other due to an identity, such as race or sexual orientation. Whatever the definition we firmly believe that humans need other humans. We need our communities. The right community can make hard times easier, good times better, and can really become a home away from home. For this two-part episode we talk with 8 people about what communities they are a part ..read more

Trauma Informed Dating This month brings Valentine’s Day! We’ve spent a lot of time discussing how to be a good partner, but for this episode Jamie brings back La Shanda Sugg, LPC from Labors of Love to discuss how to ensure we can casually date while being sensitive to traumas that others have experienced. Make sure to check out: Labors of Love Labors of Love Podcast Labors of Love YouTube Labors of Love Facebook Also, learn more about Jean Baker Miller’s Mutually-Growth-Fostering Relationships (Five Good Things) here, and check out her book, Toward A New Psychology Of Women here. You can l ..read more

For this episode of More To The Story: Overcome, Jamie talked with Tyler Jones. Tyler is the host of the podcast Total Power Move, as well as a musician, an Olympic-style weightlifter, and a long-time friend of Jamie. Overcome episodes are stories of triumph, healing, and learning how to live life after trauma. Recorded by Jamie Sivrais Voices: Jamie Sivrais, Tyler Jones Music provided by cloudkickermusic.com Artwork provided by Aaron May at aaronbmay.com ..read more

Trafficking and Cybersecurity January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and many people still have lots of misconceptions about trafficking. So we wanted to learn about it. This month, Jamie talked with Gabrielle Hempel, a Cloud Security Engineer and Anti-Human Trafficking Specialist. She talked to us and broke down some general definitions while also showing some of the links between trafficking and cyber securities. Mentioned in this episode & additional resources: Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign ..read more

OVERCOME: Jalena Borders This episode of More To The Story: Overcome, was recorded in early 2020. Jamie talked with Jalena Borders, creator of Be Brave, Babe, a community where women inspire bravery and empower other women. She is also the author of the memoir Dear Pervert: I’m Spilling All Of Your Dirty Little Secrets…. Overcome episodes are stories of triumph, healing, and learning how to live life after trauma. *PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded pre-Covid. Credits: Recorded by Jamie Sivrais Voices: Jamie Sivrais, Jalena Borders Music provided by cloudkickermusic.com Artwork ..read more

Addiction and Recovery A “hopeshot”, as defined by Hopeshot Moms, is “someone who gives others hope simply by surviving.” Our guest for this episode is Gabi Deaton. She is one of the founders of Hopeshot Moms, and certainly fits the definition. On top of using her own personal experiences with addiction to help support and educate others, Gabi has found a profession in social work, currently as a Kenton County Prevention Specialist working with the HEALing Communities Study out of the University of Kentucky. Visit healtogetherky.org for information on where to get naloxone (Narcan) locally, as ..read more

Discussing Marsy’s Law This November, Marsy’s Law will appear on the ballots in Kentucky elections. It’s already been passed in 14 other states, and there are Marsy’s Law initiatives in even more. Marsy’s Law would provide constitutionally protected rights for victims of crime. At its very foundation, Marsy’s Law is about ensuring equal access to justice and implementing systemic change. In this bonus episode of More To The Story, Jamie talks with Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel, Director of Outreach for Marsy’s Law For Kentucky. They cover the ins and outs of Marsy’s Law, including why people beli ..read more