Aware And Prepared

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 a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listeni

Aware And Prepared is a health podcast hosted by Mandi Pratt, with 157 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Mandi Pratt hosts Aware And Prepared, a health show with 157 episodes published.

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  Episode #23

  Co-Parenting Apps and AI Platform That Helps Document Post-Separation Abuse

  Sep 29, 202640 minS4

  What if you had a friend who never got tired of hearing about your co-parent, and quietly kept the receipts for you? For survivors of relationship abuse, leaving is only the beginning. Post-separation abuse often continues through co-parenting messages, custody disputes, and the constant pressure of documenting every incident, all while your nervous system is still in survival mode. In this episode, Mandi welcomes back Anne Wintemute, founder of Amy Says, an AI support platform built for survivors navigating co-parenting after abuse. Anne shares how AI can help spot coercive control, document patterns for legal and custody proceedings, and lighten the mental load that comes with every notification. You'll also hear how popular co-parenting apps fit into the picture, what privacy protections survivors should look for in AI tools, and why reducing the impact on your nervous system is part of healing, especially for those living with complex PTSD. RESOURCES Aimee Says - AI support platform for survivors of relationship abuse that helps document co-parenting experiences and recognize abusive patterns. Amy Detects - Amy Says tool that analyzes communication records from other apps and documents to flag coercive control and abusive behavior. (confirm URL) OurFamilyWizard - Co-parenting communication app often mandated by courts that creates a permanent record of messages. TalkingParents - Co-parenting communication app that keeps a secure, unalterable record of exchanges between co-parents. Connect with Anne Wintemute: Website: AimeeSays.com Instagram: @aimeesaysdv LinkedIn: Anne Wintemute Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Take the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt Approximate Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Anne Wintemute and Amy Says [02:08] How AimeeSays supports survivors and co-parenting [04:01] Privacy stance and data security in AI tools [06:49] Overview of co-parenting apps and Aimee Detects [09:57] Using Aimee Detects to analyze communication records [12:37] Impact of trauma and complex PTSD on survivors [16:48] Softening the bull ride: reducing trauma impact [20:46] Integrating AI with existing co-parenting apps [26:36] Advice for using AI tools in co-parenting and legal contexts The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation. Send me a message

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  Episode #22

  Dianne Andree Acuna - Suicide Awareness Month

  Sep 22, 202642 minS4

  How do you know if someone you love is thinking about suicide, and what do you actually say if they are? For Suicide Awareness Month, Mandi welcomes back returning guest Diane Andre Acuna, a speaker and burnout prevention specialist trained in suicide intervention for a conversation most people are afraid to have. Diane breaks down the real warning signs (hint: it's not what you think), the exact language to use instead of "commit suicide," how to ask someone directly if they're thinking about it (even a child), and when to call 988 versus 911. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who wants to be a safe person for the people in your life, this episode gives you the words and the confidence to have this conversation before it's too late. RESOURCES 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor; can connect you to local resources and a safety plan. LivingWorks - The suicide prevention training with programs: safeTALK teaches how to recognize signs and do a warm handoff to help / ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training) trains people to directly ask about suicide and intervene Connect with Diane Andre Acuna: WEBSITE: DianneAndree.com - Free download on how to start your day off well; also where to inquire about bringing safeTALK or ASIST training to your organization. LINKEDIN: Diane Acuna Andree - Weekly "Tuesday Tip" posts for a daily micro-reset. INSTAGRAM: @Diandree7 Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Take the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:13 Personal experiences with mental health and trauma 04:25 Training and resources in suicide prevention 07:12 Signs to look for in teenagers and children 11:14 Recognizing giving away possessions and verbal cues 17:28 How to approach someone showing warning signs 21:26 Handling disclosures and direct questions 26:18 The importance of a safety net and involving others 30:54 Resources, follow-up, and community support 34:40 The aftercare and ongoing support process Send me a message

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  Episode #21

  What Does It Actually Take to Get Out of Hypervigilance?

  Sep 15, 202630 minS4

  In this follow-up to last week's episode on Complex PTSD vs PTSD, Mandi breaks down what's actually happening in the brain during hypervigilance, and more importantly, what to do about it. Pulled from a keynote Mandi recently delivered to a mastermind group titled "Leading Beyond Hypervigilance," this episode walks through the neuroscience behind hypervigilance and hustle mode (parts of the brain affected most), three simple nervous system tools you can use anywhere, two breathing techniques, and Mandi's personal self-care menu she encourages listeners to create for themselves. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to lead yourself out of survival mode, this episode gives you real, practical tools, not just another reminder to relax. RESOURCES Calm App - App Mandi uses for grounding sounds like ocean waves and daily calm practices. Previous Episode: Complex PTSD vs. PTSD - Last week's episode explaining the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD. Previous Episode: Panic Attack Tools For Relief with Tom - Referenced episode on what happens in the body during a panic attack and what to do about it. Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Take the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS 02:07 Understanding Hypervigilance in the Brain 03:14 Trauma and the Brain's Overactive Alarm System 04:14 Fueling Hustle Mode and Its Roots in Trauma 05:20 The Importance of Asking for Help 06:07 Symptoms and Costs of Hypervigilance 07:01 Signs of Hypervigilant Leadership 08:12 Brain Parts Affected by Trauma 09:45 Neuroplasticity and Healing the Brain 12:55 The Nervous System and Its Role in Safety 14:30 Nervous System Tools: Body, Breath, Environment 17:52 Grounding Techniques: Body, Senses, and Environment 18:32 Breath Techniques for Regulation 20:34 Supporting Yourself with Environment and Self-Care 21:00 Small Steps and Self-Compassion 23:36 Building a Self-Care Menu 29:45 Summary and Resources for Further Support The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation. Send me a message

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  Episode #20

  What's the Real Difference Between PTSD and Complex PTSD?

  Sep 1, 202627 minS4

  What is complex PTSD, and how is it different from PTSD? As a complex PTSD survivor herself, Mandi breaks down the real distinction in this episode, timed around Complex PTSD Awareness Day (September 2nd). Mandi shares what invisible struggles actually look like in the workplace, the brain science behind hypervigilance, and her PEACE framework for rebuilding trust in your own intuition. Whether you're managing a team, supporting someone you love, or recognizing pieces of your own story, this one gives you the language and the tools to respond with acknowledgement, compassion, and consistency instead of confusion. RESOURCES The Mend Project - Clarity for people navigating interpersonal and domestic violence. Amy Says - A platform helping people navigate relationship harm Previous Episode: Neuroplasticity and Healing with Dr. Keean - Neuroplasticity Previous Episode: Anxiety and Panic Attacks with Tom - Panic attacks and anxiety Previous Episode: Tracy Mathison, Project Beloved - Soft environments Connect with Mandi: Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Take the Free Intuition Quiz WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS [03:00] PTSD and Complex PTSD Awareness [03:27] The rip current metaphor for complex PTSD [05:10] PTSD vs. complex PTSD [07:15] How C-PTSD shapes identity and brain processes differently [09:42] What this looks like day-to-day at work: top signs [10:52] Panic attacks, defensiveness, and trauma responses [12:23] The brain science: amygdala, hypothalamus, fight/flight/freeze/fawn [13:23] Hypervigilance and the restaurant choking story [14:19] Three foundations: acknowledgement, compassion, consistency [15:32] Resources: The Mend Project and Amy Says [16:20] Why affirmations backfire, and adding curiosity to affirmations [16:50] The PEACE framework for trusting intuition [19:03] Language for checking in on someone [20:03] Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) [22:33] Softer physical environments, supportive phrases, consistency [25:00] Great news: brains do heal! The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation. Send me a message

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  Episode #19

  22 Safety Tips Every College Freshman Needs to Know Especially During The "Red Zone"

  Aug 25, 202624 minS4

  I can't tell you how many people disclose past assaults to me once they hear what I do for a living. EVERY SINGLE TIME it was someone they knew. In this episode, Mandi breaks down the "red zone," the stretch from move-in day through Thanksgiving break when first-year college students are statistically most likely to experience sexual assault, including the stat that 73% of victims know their attacker. If you have a kid heading off to college, this one's for you. Mandi shares her PEACE framework for trusting your intuition, why boundaries and people-pleasing matter more than "stranger danger," and 22 practical tips for staying safer this fall (for college students or anyone really!). RESOURCES RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization; created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. rainn.org 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Previous Episodes: Project Beloved episode with Molly Jane's mother and Boundaries For Kids With Sydney and Lacye PEACE Framework - Mandi's framework for trusting your intuition, taught in her workshops. Take the quiz to see how well you are trusting your intuition In-Person Safety Workshop in San Diego on September 15, 2026 CONNECT WITH MANDI Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt TIMESTAMPS [01:00] Last week's episode about Molly Jane’s murder and legacy with Project Beloved [03:00] The red zone explained; three key stats from RAINN [05:30] Why boundaries and people-pleasing matter more than "stranger danger" [07:30] What age to start these conversations [09:00] Mandi’s in person workshop September 15, 2026 [10:30] Two sources of harm: strangers vs. acquaintances [11:30] 22 Safety Tips Every College Freshman Needs to Know [32:00] Recap and join the email list to get each week’s episode The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation. Send me a message

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