Phoenix Cast

Bluey & Healthy Relationships

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0600

PCA Violence Prevention Educators (VPEs) Emily Grant and Alyson Doty discuss how the children's show "Bluey" models healthy relationships, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. They highlight how Bluey's parents exemplify empathetic, patient, and emotionally regulated parenting for their children, Bluey and Bingo. The show teaches children the importance of repairing conflicts, setting boundaries, and respecting each other's feelings. It also challenges traditional gender roles by portraying both parents as active caregivers. Reflecting on episodes like "Yoga Ball," "Wagon Ride," and "Stick Bird," the hosts highlight how the show demonstrates practical ways to navigate boundary setting and emotions. Emily and Alyson emphasize the show's relevance to adults seeking to improve their emotional intelligence and parenting skills. Lastly, they focus on the importance of having fun as parents, educators, and adults through watching shows like "Bluey"!

If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call our 24/7 interpersonal violence helpline at 303-556-2255.

Request an Appointment with an Advocate at
https://www.thepca.org/online-appointment-request

Request a Violence Prevention Presentation at
https://www.thepca.org/prevention-education

Instagram @phoenixauraria

Restorative Justice on the Auraria Campus with Members of the MSU RJ Coalition

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Phoenix Cast's series on restorative justice, Megan speaks with Netty Rodriguez Arauz and Elise Krumholz, founding members of MSU Denver's Restorative Justice Coalition. We discuss the work with youth Netty and Elise did that inspired their passion for RJ, the origins of the MSU RJ Coalition, and how they envision RJ can be used to transform the ways we address harm both on campus and on larger community scales.

Check out the Coalition's website for more information about their mission and how to get involved: https://www.msudenver.edu/dean-of-students/student-conflict-resolution-services/restorative-justice-coalition/

Addressing Interpersonal Violence Through Restorative Justice with Members of Restorative Approaches to Intimate Violence (RAIV)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0700

Megan talks with Larry Jefferson, Lucy Prout, and Jamelah Zidan from Restorative Approaches to Intimate Violence (RAIV), a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing interpersonal violence through restorative practices. They discuss what brought them all to doing restorative justice work to address interpersonal violence, how restorative justice provides options for holistic, person-centered responses to harm outside of the criminal legal system, and how RJ as a social movement offers a path toward a world that embodies community, dignity, and liberation.

Connect with RAIV (including information on opportunities to join as a community member or circle keeper) through their website and their LinkedIn

Texts referenced in this episode:

Undoing the First Harm: Settlers in Restorative Justice by Edward C Valandra

Until We Reckon by Danielle Sered

The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice by Fania E. Davis

Restorative Justice and Interpersonal Violence on College Campuses

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0700

On the first episode of the Phoenix Cast's series on restorative justice (RJ), Megan and Racheal discuss what RJ is and how it can be used not just to respond to interpersonal violence on college campuses, but how it can transform the entire campus culture. They discuss the insights they gained from The Little Book of Restorative Justice for Campus Sexual Harms by Mikayla McCray and Rachel Roth Sawatzky, their thoughts on punitive systems like the criminal legal system and Title IX, and the benefits of using RJ to address conduct violations, including sexual misconduct.

For more information about restorative justice, check out the National Center on Restorative Justice's website: https://ncorj.org/what-is-restorative-justice/

Taking the Taboo Out of Sex Talk

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Alyson Doty and Shanae Adams, Violence Prevention Educators at the Phoenix Center at Auraria, discuss the importance of de-stigmatizing sex talk and the impact of societal taboos on self-disclosure.

Through a reference to a "New Girl" clip where Jess, the main character of the show, struggles to say "penis," they highlight societal issues around discussing body part names. They emphasize that children often find it easier to use correct anatomical terms until influenced by negative associations or by being taught to use euphemisms.

They discuss the significance of teaching children about their bodies and consent from a young age. Alyson and Shanae then shift to reflect on the impact of social media algorithms on language and the need for media literacy. The importance of using accurate terminology to prevent sexual assault and promote healthy sexual education is stressed all throughout the podcast as they examine the need to demystify the terminology used when discussing sex and sexual assault.

Sources:

Play New Girl Scene- Jess Can't Say The Word Penis | New Girl

Words Matter — First Light SC

I feel genuine rage when I see words like “unalive or grape” in an attempt to get past tiktok guidelines filters : r/offmychest

Resources - Sex Positive Families

Sex-positive parenting: What you need to know - ParentsTogether

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvGyo1NrzTY

How social media is changing how you talk | Adam Aleksic | TEDxPenn

Is Social Media Censorship Unaliving Language? | Otherwords

The Twilight Saga: Twilight

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Will you be watching the Twilight Saga series in theaters this week?

Before heading to the theater, join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Marissa Moreno (she/her) as they talk about the first movie in the Twilight Saga, Twilight, and the forms of interpersonal violence that arise in the film including stalking, the cycle of violence, victim blaming, power and control, and more.

Domestic Violence Fatality

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0600

Today is the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (A.K.A. Relationship Violence Awareness Month).

Join host Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as she speaks with the Rose Andom Center's Fatality Review Program Manager, Keisha Sarpong (she/her), about domestic violence fatality in Colorado, Denver's Domestic Violence Fatality Team, and review the 2024 annual domestic violence fatality report. We will conclude this podcast talking about how to talk to a loved one who you are concerned is at risk of being murdered by their partner and you will hear the three stories of Auraria Campus members who have been murdered by their partners.

You can contact Keisha at keishas@roseandomcenter.org.

Learn more about The Rose Andom Center at https://roseandomcenter.org/.

Content Warning: Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Fatality

Sources

Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board https://roseandomcenter.org/domestic-violence-fatality-review/
2024 DVFR https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2024/10/DomesticViolenceReport2024-FINAL.pdf
Notes from the Field: Intimate Partner Homicide Among Women — United States, 2018–2021https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7334a4.htm
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-games/202312/domestic-violence-some-us-states-residents-at-higher-risk
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/gun-violence-data/state-gun-violence-data/texas
https://violencefreecolorado.org/find-help/survivor-resources/
https://www.cawc.org/news/the-history-of-domestic-violence-awareness-month/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/toxic-latina-girlfriend-stereotype
https://zcenter.org/blog/machismo-in-latino-culture/

The State of Fem Sexuality

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0600

We found a lost tape from Women's History Month!

Join our host, Shanae Adams (they/them), as they receive voicemails from their femme peers, Dr. Clarissa Francis, Noel Bennett, and Al answering the following questions: what does it mean for them to identify as femme and how does being femme interact with their other identities , what has changed their perspectives or lives as femme folks, and what is the current state of femme sexuality?

Criminalized Survivorship

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as she speaks with Auraria Campus student, Devyn Dewey (she/her), about research they are doing focused on neurobiology and aggression, how our current systems fail to support survivors who have been charged as offenders of domestic violence, and how mandatory arrest laws harm survivors.

Sources

Mandatory Arrest Laws https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-18-criminal-code/co-rev-st-sect-18-6-803-6/
POST Training https://post.colorado.gov/sites/post/files/Manual%20-%20Program%20and%20Instructor%20Programs%20Jan%202024%20%282%29.pdf
DV Colorado law https://www.denverda.org/domestic-violence/
Black Women & Mandatory Arrest Laws https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/926631/dl?inline
Same Sex Couples & Dual Arrest https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077801220920378
https://survivedandpunished.org/quick-statistics/

Campus Sexual Assault & The Red Zone

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Content Warning: Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence

It’s our first episode of the 2025-2026 academic year!

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as she connects with representatives from The Blue Bench, Community Education Director Kaity Gray (she/her) and Executive Director Becca Tiell-Krekeler (she/her), to talk about sexual violence on college campuses, The Red Zone, the impact sexual violence has on college students, and how you can intervene if you are witnessing something that may lead to sexual violence.

Learn more about the free and low-cost services The Blue Bench has to offer to the Denver Metro Community below.

The Blue Bench

24/7 Hotline (available in English & Spanish) 303-322-7273

Live Chat

Sources for this podcast episode

Relationship Violence & MTV Part 2

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Jenae McCall (they/she) as they continue their conversation about MTV’s gendered responses to relationship violence and how this can impact viewers perceptions of relationship violence. They will also conclude this final episode of Season 6 discussing the importance of media literacy.

Fun Note: Your silly host is terrible with numbers. When you hear her say “Season 7” she means “Season 6”. When you hear her say “see you in Season 8!” She means “See you in Season 7!”

Sources

Papp, L. J., Ward, M. L., & Marshall, R. A. (2022). Contributions of Reality TV Consumption to College Women’s Endorsement of the Heterosexual Script and Acceptance of Sexualized Aggression. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 46(50-65), https://doi-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/03616843211044686
Rodenhizer, K. A. E., Siller, L., MacPherson, A. R., & Edwards, K. M. (2021). Reality Check! Perceptions of MTV’s Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom and Dating Violence Attitudes and Experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(15–16), NP8538–NP8566. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519844776
Scharrer, E. & Blackburn, G. (2017). Cultivating Conceptions of Masculinity: Television and Perceptions of Masculine Gender Norms. Mass Communication and Society, 21(144-177), https://doi-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15205436.2017.1406118
Wright, P. J., & Tokunaga, R. S. (2016). Men’s Objectificating Media Consumption, Objectification of Women, and Attitudes Supportive of Violence Against Women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(955-964), 10.1007/s10508-015-0644-8
https://www.thehotline.org/news/the-national-domestic-violence-hotline-mtv-launch-survivor-gotv-initiative/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-mtv-was-right-to-show_b_755839
https://vocal.media/geeks/all-of-the-times-mtv-should-have-fired-teen-mom-star-amber-portwood
https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-ronnie-ortiz-magro-physical-altercation-girlfriend-livestream/
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/august-1/mtv-launches

Relationship Violence & MTV Part 1

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Jenae McCall (they/she) as they review MTV’s gendered responses to relationship violence on their reality TV shows.

Sources

Papp, L. J., Ward, M. L., & Marshall, R. A. (2022). Contributions of Reality TV Consumption to College Women’s Endorsement of the Heterosexual Script and Acceptance of Sexualized Aggression. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 46(50-65), https://doi-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/03616843211044686
Rodenhizer, K. A. E., Siller, L., MacPherson, A. R., & Edwards, K. M. (2021). Reality Check! Perceptions of MTV’s Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom and Dating Violence Attitudes and Experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(15–16), NP8538–NP8566. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519844776
Scharrer, E. & Blackburn, G. (2017). Cultivating Conceptions of Masculinity: Television and Perceptions of Masculine Gender Norms. Mass Communication and Society, 21(144-177), https://doi-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15205436.2017.1406118
Wright, P. J., & Tokunaga, R. S. (2016). Men’s Objectificating Media Consumption, Objectification of Women, and Attitudes Supportive of Violence Against Women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(955-964), 10.1007/s10508-015-0644-8
https://www.thehotline.org/news/the-national-domestic-violence-hotline-mtv-launch-survivor-gotv-initiative/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-mtv-was-right-to-show_b_755839
https://vocal.media/geeks/all-of-the-times-mtv-should-have-fired-teen-mom-star-amber-portwood
https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-ronnie-ortiz-magro-physical-altercation-girlfriend-livestream/
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/august-1/mtv-launches

Going Low or No Contact: Teen Mom Next Chapter

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Jenae McCall (they/she) as they discuss what it means for someone to go low or no contact with a loved one, and, how this is depicted on the most recent season of Teen Mom: Next Chapter.

Sources

Clip of Leah preparing to send text message https://www.facebook.com/reel/1007144334510624
Clip of Amber’s response to text message https://www.facebook.com/reel/1147765093775812
https://www.eonline.com/news/1417931/amber-portwoods-daughter-leah-details-estrangement-on-teen-mom
https://www.charliehealth.com/post/going-no-contact-with-parents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BXOm9X0V94
https://www.blackburncenter.org/post/understanding-grooming
https://people.com/teen-mom-catelynn-lowell-tyler-baltierra-reveal-why-their-daughters-adoptive-parents-blocked-them-11705827

Resources for folks considering no/low contact:

Together Estranged https://www.togetherestranged.org
Books:
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Become a Helpline Volunteer!

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0600

We are recruiting volunteers for our 24/7 helpline!

Hear from some of our current helpline volunteers Megan (she/her), Brooklynn (she/her), and Cole (he/him) about the helpline training process, what it is like to be a helpline volunteer, and how volunteering on the helpline as developed their knowledge and skills in interpersonal and crisis work!

You can also learn more and apply to be a helpline volunteer by heading to the following link: https://www.thepca.org/helpline-advocates.

Child Custody & Family Violence

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0600

We found a lost podcast episode from the fall of 2023!

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as she speaks with Rachel Robinson (she/her) about her experience supporting survivors of family violence through the child custody process as a victim rights attorney. Learn more about the legal terminology and procedures used in these cases, resources available to survivors navigating the child custody process, and child abuse.

PLEASE NOTE: The information being shared in this podcast episode is not legal advice. If you are looking for legal advice regarding your specific case, please contact Rachel or one of the other resources listed in our show notes.

Sources

Rachel’s Law Firm

Ray of Justice https://www.therayofjustice.com/ ; @therayofjustice_legalservices on Instagram

Rachel Healing Portal https://www.therayofjustice.com/healing-portal

Statistics

https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS

https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/dv_and_children.pdf

https://www.colorado-family-law.com/domestic-violence/domestic-violence-colorado-child-custody

Additional Legal Resources

Self Help Centers https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-resources

JAMLAC https://jamlac.org/

Project Safeguard https://psghelps.org/

Colorado LINC https://www.coloradolinc.org/legal-information/civil/allocation-parental-responsibilities-custody

Colorado Supervised Visitation http://coloradosupervisedvisitation.com/

Introducing Megan

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join Brooklynn (she/her) as she introduces us to our Violence Prevention Educator, Megan (she/her)! Learn more about what brought Megan to the PCA, her go-to karaoke song, and what her love language is.

American Murder: Gabby Petito

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her), Jenae McCall (they/she), and Marissa Moreno (she/her) as they talk about the “American Murder: Gabby Petito” documentary on Netflix.

Learn about how the cycle of violence appeared in her relationship, the danger assessment, and how missing white girl syndrome impacts the missing and murder cases of folks of color.

Sources:

Gabby Petitio Foundationhttps://gabbypetitofoundation.org/gabbys-story
Danger Assessment https://www.dangerassessment.org/about.aspx
Intimate Partner Homicidehttps://everytownresearch.org/dr-jill-messing-understanding-risk-factors-for-intimate-partner-homicide/
Missing White Woman Syndrome https://www.c-span.org/clip/public-affairs-event/user-clip-gwen-ifill-coins-the-term-missing-white-woman-syndrome/4666788
Power & Control Wheel https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a68ba6f268b96c4f3f48a38/t/64dbe956677cdd3ac4445c39/1692133718435/FINAL+PC+Wheel+and+Cycle+Combined.pdf+%283%29.pdf
Cycle of Violence https://www.thepca.org/relationship-violence-1
Senate Bill 1117 Utah DV Bill https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2023-03-03/utah-legislature-passes-domestic-violence-bill
Lawsuit Against Utah Police https://abcnews.go.com/US/gabby-petitos-family-contends-lawsuit-utah-cops-treated/story?id=97593426
How to Help a Loved One https://www.thepca.org/how-to-help-a-loved-one

Introducing Denisse!

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Join us to introduce our Violence Prevention Education intern for the 2024-2025 school year, Denisse! Learn more about what brought them to the PCA, their passions, and what their plan is if the zombie apocalypse happens.

Silent Hill 2, Pt. 2

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0700

Content Warning: Sexual Violence, Child Sexual Abuse, Incest, Domestic Violence, Violence, Gore, Suicide

Join Jenae McCall (they/she), Naomi Hattenhauer (they/them), Izzy Cook (she/her), & Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) for Part 2 of our Silent Hill 2 podcast episode! Hear more about Angela, Eddy, the Silent Hill Monsters, and how the sound and set design of the game connects to mental health, interpersonal violence, and trauma.

Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0025802418758780?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.3

https://metropolisjapan.com/domestic-violence-in-japan/

https://researchoutreach.org/articles/double-suicide-modern-japan-ageing-societys-crisis/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4552909/

https://rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SXIsg-d538

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xjdf8LbLqA

Silent Hill 2, Pt. 1

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Content Warning: Sexual Violence, Child Sexual Abuse, Incest, Domestic Violence, Violence, Gore, Suicide

Join Jenae McCall (they/she), Naomi Hattenhauer (they/them), Izzy Cook (she/her), & Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) for Part 1 of our Silent Hill 2 podcast episode! Learn about the history of the game and delve into the backstories of James Sunderland, Mary Sunderland, Maria, and Angela and how each of these characters have a connection to mental health, interpersonal violence, and trauma.

Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0025802418758780?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.3

https://metropolisjapan.com/domestic-violence-in-japan/

https://researchoutreach.org/articles/double-suicide-modern-japan-ageing-societys-crisis/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4552909/

https://rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SXIsg-d538

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xjdf8LbLqA

Tell Them You Love Me

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join our host Shanae Adams (they/they) as they, Jenae McCall (they/she), and Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) discuss the themes of violence, power and control, and oppression that arose in the Netflix documentary "Tell Them You Love Me".

Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join Shanae Adams (they/them) as they talk with Marcilena Ramirez (she/her/ella/isdzan) for Indigenous Heritage Month to discuss the history of Indigenous communities and the violence they have experienced in Colorado, the impact artistic expression has had on Marcilena’s life, how to show up and support Indigenous communities, and the work being done in Colorado around Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR).

Sources

Porn Literacy

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as she speaks with Dr. Apryl Alexander (she/her) about the importance of educating youth on porn literacy in comprehensive sex education, harm caused in our communities when there is a lack of porn literacy, and discuss the differences between ethical porn and mainstream pornography.

Sources & Places to watch Ethical Porn

Learn more about Apryl! https://www.aprylalexander.com

The Barbie Movie Breakdown

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join the PCA this week as Brooklynn Blue (she/they) and Shanae Adams (they/them) discuss the Barbie movie, highlighting its themes on feminism, consumerism, and existentialism. They praise the movie's diverse representation and its critique of societal beauty standards. They also touch on themes of imperialism and the ways in which Barbie could've taken a more intersectional feminist approach rather than the white feminist lens it presented. Both hosts emphasize the importance of community and female support systems portrayed in the film and address the limitations of Barbie as a corporation.

Introducing Cole

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0600

It's our first episode of Season 6!

Join us as Brooklynn (she/they) introduces our newest Violence Prevention Educator, Cole (he/him). Learn more about what brought Cole to the PCA, his go-to karaoke song, and learn song describes them during the fall season!

Sexual Violence Related Pregnancies

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0600

It’s our final episode of Season 5 of The Phoenix Cast!

Join us to learn more about our Survivor Advocate, Jenae McCall (they/she)’s MSW capstone project focusing on sexual violence related pregnancies and how helping professionals can better support survivors and their children, of sexual violence related pregnancies.

Trigger warning: sexual violence, sexual violence related pregnancy, domestic violence, incest, mentions of abortion

Jenae's Social Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p-OAAPwjj0

Resources

The Blue Bench https://thebluebench.org 24/7 Helpline 303-322-7273
RAIIN https://rainn.org 800-656-4673

Sources: Due to the length of the sources referenced in this podcast, you can access these sources HERE

Introducing Izzy!

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0600

Welcome our part-time graduate assistant, Izzy!

Hear what brought Izzy to the PCA, learn what necropolitics is, and whether she would rather read the end of every book or always forget the story’s ending.

Male Survivorship

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0600

June is Men’s Mental Health Month.

Join our Lead Violence Prevention Educator, Carolyne Lanyero (she/her) as she shares statistics about male survivors, dismantles myths about male survivorship, and shares the stories of four male survivors on Auraria campus.

Thank you to the men who chose to share their stories with us for this podcast.

Introducing Marissa!

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0600

From intern to staff member, meet our newest survivor advocate, Marissa (she/her)!

Hear more about what brought her to this work, her tips for out-of-state students, and where her love for crystals came from.

Pets & DV

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Often times, when we think about safety planning for survivors of domestic violence, we don’t always think about the choices they have to make about one of the most special creatures to them - their pets.

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Katie Campbell (she/her), the Director of Collaboration & Outreach at Red Rover, as they discuss how perpetrators of violence use pets as a way to maintain power and control over survivors, the impact domestic violence has on pets, and options survivors have when they are considering leaving an abusive relationship.

Check out the resources and statistics mentioned in this podcast below!

Volunteer Opportunities with Red Rover redrover.org/responders

Instagram: @redroverorg

DomesticShelters.org

Safe Havens Mapping Project https://www.safehavensforpets.org

National DV Hotline https://www.thehotline.org

Don’t Forget The Pets Project https://dontforgetthepets.org

My Dog is My Home https://www.mydogismyhome.org

My Pitbull is Family https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org

The Michaelson Foundation https://www.foundanimals.org

National LINC Coalition https://nationallinkcoalition.org

25 by 2025.org. https://25by2025.org

Pet Power & Control Wheel

Forensic Exams as a Site of Healing

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join Caitlin Cornell (she/her) as she talks with Denver Health SANE nurse, Michelle Metz (she/her) as they provide a review of what SANE exams entail, how SANE exams can facilitate the healing process for survivors, and ways professionals in this field can mitigate burnout.

Community Resources

Denver Health 303-436-4949

Denver Health SANE Program

National Suicide and Crisis Hotline 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673

Run by RAINN (Rape, abuse, incest national network) this hotline is free and available 24/7

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Auraria Campus Counseling Resources

MSU Denver: 303-615-9988

Located at Tivoli Student Union Suite 651

CU Denver: 303-315-7270

Located at Tivoli Student Union Suite 454

CCD: 303-352-6436

Located at Tivoli Student Union Suite 245

Colorado Crisis Line text TALK to 38255

operated 24/7, free and confidential

Auararia Crisis Helpline 303-615-9911
Victim Connect Resource Center Stalking Helpline contact the VictimConnect Resource Center by phone or text at 1-855-4-VICTIM

Final Season of Sex Education

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0700

It's our first episode of the Spring 2024 semester!

Can you believe the final season of Sex Education premiered on Netflix a while ago?!

Neither can we.

Listen to what our violence prevention educators Carolyne (she/her) and Caitlin (she/her) had to say about themes they notice in this final season!

Introducing Caitlin!

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0700

It’s our last intro podcast of 2023!

Join our Lead VPE, Carolyne Lanyero (she/her) as she introduces our final VPE intern, Caitlin Cornell (she/her). Learn more about what Caitlin enjoys about interning at the PCA, resources they have helped develop at their previous school, and their opinion on country music.

Kink & Violence

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0600

What’s the difference between kink and violence? If someone likes violence during sex, does that mean they are a bad person? How do I talk to my partner about incorporating kink into our relationship?

Have all you kink-related questions answered in our CROSSOVER podcast episode with our Prevention Educator, Shanae Adams (she/they), as they represent the PCA and their organization Honestly Nae. This podcast was recorded in honor and recognition of Kinktober (National Kink Month in October).

You can follow Honestly Nae on Instagram @honestlynae.

Depp V. Heard

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0600

Want to process the Depp V. Heard Netflix docuseries?

Join our VPE interns Brooklynn Blue (she/they) and Caitlin Cornell (she/her) as they talk through some themes they noticed in the docuseries!

Introducing Brooklynn!

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Meet one of our two newest Violence Prevention Educators, Brooklynn Blue (she/they)!

Learn about what stage of life they are looking forward too, what they are passionate about, and their answer to the popular question "Is the Nightmare Before Christmas" a Halloween or Christmas movie?

Introducing Shanae!

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Meet the PCA’s newest professional staff member, Shanae (they/they)!

Learn more about their experience in prevention education, their international travel tips, and their time at the Queen Bee concert!

The Most Hated Man on the Internet

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Nigh Kim (they/them) for the final episode of SAAM 2023 as they talk about common themes they saw while watching the 3-episode Netflix Docuseries "The Most Hated Man On the Internet".

Sources
The Most Hated Man on the Internet https://www.netflix.com/title/81387065
End Revenge Porn Study https://www.cybercivilrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/RPStatistics.pdf
Colorado Revenge Porn Law https://www.shouselaw.com/co/defense/laws/revenge-porn/

Victim Rights Act (VRA)

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Did you know Colorado has a Victim Right's Act (VRA) for survivors of specific types of crimes who are navigating the legal system?

Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and Senior Staff Attorney at Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, Matthew Beresky (he/him), as they talk about Colorado's VRA, how it came to be, the rights given to survivors under this act, and what options survivors have when their victim rights are being violated.

NOTE: NO LEGAL ADVISE IS BEING PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Resources mentioned in this episode
Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center https://www.rmvictimlaw.org/, Intake Number: 303-295-2001
Additional Information about the VRA and VRA Complaint Process https://dcj.colorado.gov/dcj-offices/victims-programs/crime-victim-rights-act-vra

Safety Signaling

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0600

It's our first podcast episode of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023!

Safety signaling has become an increasingly popular topic on social media.

Do you know what safety signaling is? Would you be able to tell if someone was safety signaling to you? Would you know what to do if you saw someone safety signaling?

Join Carolyne Lanyero (she/her) and Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) as they talk about safety signaling and the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention.

Check out the sources mentioned in this podcast below!

Sources

Safety Signaling Examples USA
https://www.instyle.com/beauty/health-fitness/distress-signals-abuse-signs-guide

Safety Signaling Examples UK https://news.sky.com/story/the-simple-hand-signal-that-lets-people-know-youre-in-danger-and-other-ways-to-ask-for-help-12243563

Resources

5D’s of Intervention https://righttobe.org/guides/bystander-intervention-training/

Trauma-Informed Self-Defense & Yoga https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScABYPC7l3RrV5E7_WSfze73ouYsU8JLhBzGe75TTe5m8JlJQ/viewform

Ethical Bystander Workshop for (CU Denver students) Zoom ID# 912-5640-9385

Request Bystander Intervention Workshop from the PCA https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU1GbKVmvh0hdnVJzVw0V-9QVOKRODASVkcxtEtCcCwbY2og/viewform

Texting 911 in Denver https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Public-Safety/Emergency-Services/Denver-911

iPhone Safety Features https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz_IG4whSMg

Meet Vanessa!

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Meet the PCA’s part-time advocate, Vanessa!

Learn more about what drew her to applying for the survivor advocate position, her favorite restaurant in Miami, and what reality TV show she would want to be apart of!

Meet Hannah!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Meet the PCA’s graduate VPE intern, Hannah!

Learn more about how she juggles being a part-time graduate assistant and violence prevention educator at the PCA, the best advice she has received, and hear more about her favorite books!

Meet Kat!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Meet the PCA’s VPE intern, Kat!

Learn more about why Kat enjoys being at the PCA, what she is hoping to do with her degree, and hear what her favorite snack is!

NOTE: This episode was recorded right before the holidays! Our sexy stockings tabling has passed, and was super fun! :)

Meet Jenae!

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700

Meet the PCA’s new survivor advocate, Jenae (she/they)!

Learn more about what being a survivor advocate means to them, how many times they have seen their favorite band in concert, and hear their answer to the age-old question: Is the Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie?

The Try Guys Cheating Scandal

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0700

Is your head still spinning from the Try Guy cheating scandal? Join our VPE’s Carolyne Lanyero (she/her) and Nigh Kim (they/them) as they talk about how this scandal highlights power dynamics between employers and employees and discuss SNL’s skit to this scandal.

The Body Project

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Have you been noticing all of the posters and instagram posts promoting The Body Project? Join Racheal Reed-Maloney (she/her) and student leader at CU Denver’s Center for Identity and Inclusion, Jaslyn Nguyen (she/her), as they talk about what the Body Project is and Jaslyn’s experience training to be a peer facilitator for The Body Project workshops!

The next available workshops are Wednesday, November 16th and Friday, November 18th from 3:30PM-5:30PM.

You can register for this workshop at the link below

https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpH4IryZhqB0AfQ

Natural Disasters and IVP

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0600

This past month has seemed like one natural disaster after another. From Hurricane Fiona, Hurricane Ian, and the earthquake in Mexico, our globe is seeing the very real impacts of climate change.

When folks hear about a natural disaster, their thoughts may go to property damage caused by a disaster and folks losing their homes. Folks generally do not think about how interpersonal violence spikes during, and after, natural disasters.

Join Racheal Reed (she/her) and the director of the PCA, Katherine Miller (she/her), as they talk about statistics behind women and children’s experiences with interpersonal violence during and post-disaster, risk factors that increases folks’ vulnerability to experiencing interpersonal violence during natural disasters, and what policy makers can do to help mitigate these experiences from happening.

Below is a list of grass-root and non-profit organizations you can donate too that directly support folks post-disaster.

General
Direct Relief https://www.directrelief.org/
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org

Puerto Rico
Brigada Solidaria del Oeste (BSO) @brigadasolidariadeloeste on Instagram
DIASPORAXPUERTORICO https://www.diasporaxpuertorico.org/en/index.php
Taller Salud https://www.english.tallersalud.com

Florida
Caring for Others: https://caring4others.org

Citations

Parkinson, D. (2019). Investigating the increase in domestic violence post disaster: An

Australian case study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(11), 2333–2362. https:/doi-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/0886260517696876

Smitha, R. (2020) A natural disaster and intimate partner violence: Evidence over time,Social Science & Medicine, Volume 247, 112804, ISSN 0277-9536, https://doi.org

10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112804.

Thurston AM, Stöckl H, Ranganathan M. (2021) Natural hazards, disasters and violence against women and girls: a global mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Global Health; 6:e004377.

Meet Nigh!

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Join host Carolyne to welcome Violence Prevention and Education Intern Nigh! Learn more about what interests them, who inspires them, and their hot takes. We're glad to have them on the team!

The Red Flag Campaign

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0600

Wondering what all the red flags on the Plaza lawn are for? Check out this minisode with your host, Racheal Reed (she/her) as she talks about the Red Flag Campaign and reviews relationship violence’s impact on different groups of folks, specifically women of color.

Resources referenced

The Red Flag Campaign – http://www.theredflagcampaign.org

The Phoenix Center - https://www.thepca.org; 303-556-2255

Citations

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 State Report. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs-statereportbook.pdf

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2018). Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ Community. https://ncadv.org/blog/posts/domestic-violence-and-the-lgbtq-community

Stockman JK, Hayashi H, Campbell JC. Intimate Partner Violence and its Health Impact on Ethnic Minority Women [corrected]. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2015 Jan;24(1):62-79. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4879. Epub 2014 Dec 31. Erratum in: J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2015 Mar;24(3):256. PMID: 25551432; PMCID: PMC4302952.

Introducing Racheal!

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0600

We have a new Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator! Join host Carolyne (she/her/hers) to welcome Racheal Reed (she/her/hers) to the Phoenix Center for our first episode of Season 4. Learn about how and why she got involved, her interests, and her cats. Make sure to look out for Racheal in future episodes!

Em's Farewell Special

Thu, 12 May 2022 13:00:00 -0600

Join host Em Alves for their last episode on the Phoenix Cast as they retire from their position as Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator at the Phoenix Center at Auraria. With VPE interns Audrey and Carolyne, Em looks back on their time at the PCA and discusses the future of the podcast. We wish Em luck in all their future endeavors and thank them for their invaluable contributions! They will be missed.

Denim Day

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 22:00:00 -0600

Join Violence Prevention and Education Intern Audrey, with host Carolyne, to discuss the history of Denim Day in conjunction with the Denim Day at Fresh Check Day event occurring on Wednesday, April 27th. For more information about this Auraria Campus event, check out our instagram @phoenixauaria for more info!

Pandemic Year 3

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0600

Join host Em Alves, and Interim Director Katherine, as they discuss what entering year 3 of the pandemic can look like. Are you feeling the weight of the last two years piling down? You're not alone!

Note: Due to staffing changes, the Phoenix Cast is entering a phase of transition and will be switching release days and frequency.

We Need to Talk About KimYe...

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0600

Join host Em and Interim Director Katherine, as we chat with Dr. Apryl Alexander about the recent events regarding Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, the patterns we notice, and how mental health struggles don't remove the need for accountability. NOTE: This episode was recorded on 2/23/22.

If you'd like to read Dr. Alexander's article "Like a Lollipop: Toxic Masculinity and Female Sexual Pleasure in Hip-Hop," email em.alves@ucdenver.edu to get a copy.

Special Release: Unpacking Netflix's 'YOU' Pt. 1

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0700

Join host Em and Interim Director Katherine, as they unpack the first season of Netflix's YOU. Interested in learning more? Check out our instagram (@phoenixauraria) for details about our upcoming YOU events on 3/8 and 3/10 in honor of Women's History Month.

Meet the Interns!

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode, host Em Alves converses with our Violence Prevention Education team. Join Carolyne Lanyero, Aubreylin Shibata, and Audrey Keen to hear about their experiences as peer educators on the Auraria campus, and their favorite parts about our prevention program.

So....That's A Lie (STAL): Unpacking Myths around Self-Care [MINISODE]

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Join Em and Megan for another Minisodes installment of "So.... That's a Lie", our series where we quickly unpack particularly bothersome myths around a number of topics we discuss in the PCA. This week, they discuss myths around self-care: is it overplayed? does it need to be 4 hours? Find out!

Revisiting Military Sexual Trauma: "We're Just Trying to Change Our Stars"

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

In honor of Veterans Day, we are re-releasing our episode on Military Sexual Trauma. Rita Case, Director of the MSU Veteran and Military Student Services Center, joins Megan and Em in this special episode discussing military sexual trauma - the realities, the impacts, the available options, and life after the military.

The PCA helpline can be reached 24/7 at 303-556-2255. The DoD Safe Helpline is a free resource available to all veterans and service members impacted by sexual violence and can be reached at 877-995-5247.

So, That's a Lie: Relationship Conflict

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:00:00 -0600

Em & Megan start our new series "So, That's a Lie" unpacking relationship myths with their favorite myths about conflict in relationships.

Using the Language of Consent

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0600

Em and Megan come together to talk about the issues around using consensual sex language to discuss sexual assault (e.g. saying "sex" or "sexual intercourse" when the event was rape).

Also, please welcome our new podcast gremlin, Carolyne!

What do cats have to do with consent?

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Director Megan Cullen joins host Em Alves to discuss cats as a metaphor for consent, the importance of honoring the needs of survivors, and how to help the survivors in your life feel safer. Is this just a heavy handed plea to get @thepurrrcast to notice us? Idk, you tell us!

Why do we all know her name?

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0600

We're back! Our inimitable host, Em Alves, is joined by Advocacy Services Program Manager, Katherine Miller, to discuss the recent murder of Gabby Petito, the media attention the crime has received, the rampant victim-blaming, and the disparities between this coverage and that of other victims of murder.

Katherine's Journey: We all have one, some lead us here

Fri, 07 May 2021 10:00:00 -0600

Advocacy Services Program Manager Katherine joins Em to wrap up our staff series and talk about managing burnout, perceptions of survivorship in the field of IPV prevention and support, and what makes Katherine laugh.

Harriet's Journey: And then you can do anything

Mon, 03 May 2021 15:00:00 -0600

Victim Advocate Harriet McTigue joins Em to discuss how she found her way into anti-violent work, what self-care really looks like outside of runs and yoga, and what this movement can be.

Keep Talking: Christiana

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0600

On the final week of the Keep Talking miniseries, Christiana shares a poem about her experiences with mental illness titled Delusions and talks with Tali about how she offers herself grace and care. Thank you so much for joining us in this incredibly important series, and thank you to the individuals who took the time and energy to share their experiences with us.

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize and don't forget to check out Tali's amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Em's Journey: Choosing Joy

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0600

Megan & Em switch places and Em talks about their road to the PCA, falling in love with SWAG in college, and making their dreams come true.

Keep Talking: Ian

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0600

CU Denver case manager Ian Vincent joins host Tali Burger to discuss his experiences with grief and loss, the impacts of prioritizing other peoples' mental health over your own.

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize.

Additionally, Tali has compiled an amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Megan's Journey: This work makes my survivorship worthwhile

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0600

Em & Megan begin a Sexual Assault Awareness and Activism Month (SAAM) series discussing the PCA pro-staff's origin stories. Megan shares her history in advocacy and her personal philosophy on burn-out.

Questions or comments? Reach out to info@thepca.org

Keep Talking: Will

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0600

It's a great day on the Keep Talking podcast, today you get two episodes for one! Will joins host Tali Burger to discuss his experiences with ADHD and share what has helped him feel more confident and self-accepting.

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize.

Additionally, Tali has compiled an amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Keep Talking: Ripley

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0600

Ripley joins host Tali Burger to discuss her experiences of generalized and social anxiety and how she has been able to navigate her music career.

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize.

Additionally, Tali has compiled an amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Sexual Assault Policy and Methods for Change

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0600

Dr. Ally Garcia, Assistant Dean in MSU Denver's Center of Equity and Student Achievement & Director of TRIO Student Support Services, joins Em to discuss her recent dissertation on sexual assault response and prevention policy in our state and beyond. Em & Dr. Garcia specifically discuss the controversial issue of transcript notations and that pattern of unintended consequences of bills that purport to be survivor-centered but are not.

Keep Talking: Euphonitone

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0600

Keep Talking host Tali Burger is joined by Euphonitone to discuss her story of mental health struggles and continue fighting to #EndtheStigma

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize.

Additionally, Tali has compiled an amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Keep Talking: The Power of Story

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0600

Phoenix Cast host Em Alves and psychologist Dr. Travis Heath join Keep Talking host Tali Burger to discuss the power of story: telling your own, holding space for others, and rewriting them.

Fill out this survey for a chance to win an appreciation prize.

Additionally, Tali has compiled an amazing list of Mental Wellness resources available to student, faculty, staff, and Denver Metro community members available here.

Introducing: Keep Talking

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0600

Em & Megan briefly discuss mental health, the stigma around it, and the new collaboration Em has been working on with CU Denver's Tali Burger to work to end that stigma in our community.

Keep Talking is a recorded audio series aimed at decreasingsocietal, campus, and perceived stigma around mentalhealth. The goal of this series is to normalize conversationsaround mental health and increase help-seeking behaviorwith mental health professionals, staff, faculty, and peers.

Stop AAPI Hate

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0600

In memory of the monumental and ongoing loss of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) life within the United States at the hands of white supremacy, we are holding the release of this week’s episode to amplify AAPI voices.

Please find below podcasts and resources centering the experiences and voices of the AAPI community. Please consider spending your normal Phoenix Cast time exploring these instead:

1a Coverage of the Hate Crimes in Atlanta
1a Podcast Episode: The Rise In Anti-Asian Attacks During The COVID-19 Pandemi‪c‬
Article: 9 Ways You Can Help Prevent Asian American Hate Crimes
Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Center
Denver Asian Pacific Development Center

5. Happy (?) Pandemiversary

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0700

Em and Katherine return to the SAHMSA disaster graph to discuss where we are now, how we got here, and how to retain our last shreds of sanity as we move forward.

View the original article here, the first pandemic podcast here, and the graph here!

Correction: Em & Katherine discuss the eligibility of higher education employees for vaccines. Recently, Governor Polis has announced Phase 1B.4 which includes higher ed employees and vaccinations will become available March 21.

True Crime, what's the hype? - Part 2 of Crossover Episode with "What Are You?"

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0700

"What Are You?" Podcast hosts Ajah Mejia and Rey Worrell join Em to finish their discussion of True Crime on this Part 2 of our crossover episode!

Check out Part 1 here and don't forget to like, follow, and share their podcast and ours.

Unpacking "A Teacher"

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Em, Megan, and Harriet unpack the Hulu/FX series A Teacher and try to figure out if the subtlety of Claire's grooming is great for being realistic or so subtle it lends itself to the romanticization of the violence she enacted.

This episode contains mild descriptions of childhood sexual abuse including that which is included in the show. Please practice good self-care while listening.

Need to breathe and re-center? Check this out.

Want to get in touch? Reach out to us @phoenixauraria or at info@thepca.org.

Screw the Scripts! - Crossover with Actively Autistic

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0700

Join Em and returning guest host - and host of the podcast Actively Autistic -Gabby Montoya, to discuss healthy relationships in neurodivergent couples!

Resources and Recommendations:

Love Languages Quiz
Stim4Stim Podcast

Can we more highly recommend "Sexual Citizens"?

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Season 2 of the Phoenix Cast! First up this season, intern Alondra Bañuelos-Robles joins host Em Alves to discuss (and highly recommend) Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan's breakout book "Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus".

Want to take our high recommendation and read the book yourself? Check out the links below:

Bookshop.org (Support your local bookshop)
Audible.com
Auraria Library
Worldcat.org (Find it at your local library)

Spoon Theory Minisode

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Ever wondered what this "spoon theory" thing is? Join Em & Megan for our last minisode of 2020 where they discuss its origins, meaning, and application!

Interested in the resources we discussed? Check them out below:

@thenapministry
Christine Miserandino's (Spoon Theory Creator) Website

Song portion is from "Die Vampire Die" on the [Title of Show] Original Broadway Cast Album

AAPI for BLM

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0700

Host Em Alves is joined by Asian American Student Services graduate intern Sung, VP of program & talent at Camelback Ventures Riyaz Gayasaddin, and the Senior Manager for Denver Public Schools Preschool Support Jane Miyahara to discuss the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander people of color in our country and the need for all people to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Want to connect with our host or any of our speakers? Send an email to info@thepca.org

Don't Surprise Your Allies

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0700

Join Em and Megan as they discuss how to navigate difficult conversations with family, friends, or other loved ones especially around the holidays.

On a different note, if you want to learn more about the origins of Thanksgiving, check out this article from Smithsonian Magazine.

Wishing you a restful long weekend, however you acknowledge (or don't) the time.

This Level of Intentionality is Exhausting

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0700

Join Katherine and Em as they check-in about why self-care is so hard, so important, and feels so futile during this 9th month of the pandemic in the US.

Would you like that with a sprinkle of Pandora's box? (The Election Hangover Episode)

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0700

Join our host, Em Alves, and guest hosts Aja Mejia and Rey Worrell from the podcast "What Are You?" to discuss the election season hangover and how to care for yourself during this extremely difficult time.

Check out and connect with our friends over at "What Are You?" at https://linktr.ee/whatareyou or email them at whatareyoucuproject@gmail.com .

Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are solely those of the speakers and do not in any way represent the Phoenix Center at Auraria, the Center for Identity and Inclusion, or the University of Colorado Denver.

Algorithms are as racist as the people who write them: Unpacking "Social Dilemma"

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0600

Join our host, Em Alves, and PCA intern, Alondra Bañuelos-Robles, to unpack the new Netflix documentary "Social Dilemma". Em & Alondra discuss not only the problems with social media but also ways to navigate it in a healthy and functional manner.

Autism & PTSD

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0600

This week the Phoenix Cast is joined by Gabby from Actively Autistic. In this episode we dive into what autism actually looks like for different people, and explore how the overlap of autism and PTSD is experienced by Gabby herself.

Want to make your own glitter bottle? Follow our recipe below!

Ingredients:
1.5 teaspoons of fine glitter
Hot water (70% of your container)
Clear glue (30% of your container)
Confetti (optional)

1. Combine glitter, hot water, and glue in a heat safe bowl.
2. Pour mixture in your container and add any optional confetti
3. Add additional water until mixture reaches the very top of the container.
4. Seal & enjoy!

You are enough - Jeni's Story Finale

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Join us as we wrap up our three-part episode exploring the experiences, resiliency, and life of Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, anthropologist, story teller, and researcher Jeni Brett. In this episode, we find out what happened in Japan, the awesome things Jeni has accomplished since her retirement, and what sharing her story means to her. While this story references military sexual trauma, there are no descriptions of traumatic experiences in this episode.

About Jeni:
Jeni Brett (she/her) completed her Navy career as a chief petty officer, retiring after 20 years as a sonar technician. She holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology with minors in women’s and gender studies, and linguistics. She is a freelance writer and a Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at San Antonio researching military communities; masculinities; and barriers to wellness for women, gender-expansive, and LGBTQ+ veterans and military members.

Interested in sharing your story on the Phoenix Cast? Have thoughts or comments? Contact us at info@thepca.org.

Jeni's Story - Part 2

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Content warning: Stories of sexual violence and victim blaming

Em & Jeni are back to continue their discussion of retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeni Brett's experiences fighting against a patriarchal system to achieve her dream of being Chief all while operating in daily survival mode and experiencing multiple instances of sexual violence.

Listener discretion is advised.

Jeni's Story - Part 1

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Retired Chief Petty Officer Jeni Brett joins our host, Em Alves, in this special two-part episode to share her stories of serving in the US Navy and experiencing sexual assault. In part one of this story, Jeni describes the culture shock of transitioning from an affluent, northeastern family to enlisting in the Navy and begins the story of the first time she experienced sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

We're Just Trying to Change Our Stars - MST Special

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Rita Case, Director of the MSU Veteran and Military Student Services Center, joins Megan and Em in this special episode discussing military sexual trauma - the realitiies, the impacts, the available options, and life after the military.

The PCA helpline can be reached 24/7 at 303-556-2255. The DoD Safe Helpline is a free resource available to all veterans and service members impacted by sexual violence and can be reached at 877-995-5247.

Allegations, Crickets, & Football

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0600

Welcome to football season! Advocacy Services Program Manager Katherine Miller and Deputy TIX Coordinator & Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Sara Anderson join our illustrious host to discuss football, finger snapping emojis, our apparent need for sound effects, how to engage critically with a problematic thing you enjoy, and the way survivors are often completely left out of the conversation.

Value Black Women

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:00:00 -0600

Em & Michaela continue last week's discussion and unpack the public response to the shooting of Meg Thee Stallion.

Believe Black Women

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -0600

Michaela Calhoun, Victim Services Program Manager for the Phoenix Center at Anschutz, joins Em to talk about the seeming inability for the American population to believe Black women and the impact this has not only on primary survivors, but Black culture as a whole. Michaela & Em discuss the case of Anita Hill and her appalling Supreme Court testimony as well as the experiences of Drew Dixon through their unpacking of the 2020 HBO Documentary "On the Record".

The PCA helpline is available 24/7 at 303-556-2255.

A Very Odd Fall

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0600

Catch up with our venerable host and VPE Coordinator, Em Alves, as well as Advocacy Services Program Manager & disaster psychology expert, Katherine Miller, as they discuss why this back to school season is just so weird, what's going happening on campus, and how the PCA and other offices have pivoted their programming to serve a primarily virtual audience.

Follow the offices we discuss at the links below:

MSU Denver Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion

CU Denver Center for Identity and Inclusion

LGBTQ Student Resource Center at Auraria

MSU Denver Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy

Ghost Pepper Seasoning (or how do two married therapists fight?)

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 22:00:00 -0600

Director Megan Cullen and her parter join Em to answer the age old question: "How do two married therapists fight?!"

The PCA helpline is available 24/7 at 303-556-2255

Episode notes:

Learn more about the book Attached: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9547888-attached

Is there such a thing as fighting fair?

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to the P-Cast and our Healthy Relationship Series! In this episode, Em & Harriet talk about the illusive concept of "fighting fair" and how someone might go about doing that in their own relationship(s).

Cancel Culture, Pt. 2

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Join host Em Alves and guests Lena Grout and Phil Hargrove as they close out their discussion of Cancel Culture: How does mainstream media conceive of Cancel Culture, and why are we acting like consequences are new? This is part 2 of a 2 part episode.

Corrections Corner:
During this episode Em mistakenly says "Woody Harrelson," but meant to say "Woody Allen." We apologize for any confusion this causes.

Cancel Culture, Pt. 1

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0600

This week join host Em Alves and GITA's Phil Hargrove and Lena Grout to discuss the ins and outs of cancel culture. What is it? How did it originate? And why is everyone talking about it? This is the first of a two part episode.

Minisode: I followed the rules, Universe, where's my gold star?!

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Join Em & Megan for this short episode where they talk a little bit about Megan's coming out journey, whether Facebook relationship statuses are still a thing, and how heteronormative scripts dictated both of their lives until they embraced forms of relationship anarchy.

To learn more about the book Sexual Citizens which is discussed briefly, visit their GoodReads page!

The PCA remains available 24/7 via our helpline at 303-556-2255

Channeling my dad a little...

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0600

In the 2nd installment of our Healthy Relationship Series, host Em Alves chats with Director of the PCA, Megan Cullen to unpack how their families of origin and culture have affected their views of healthy relationships, and how they see those things show up in their relationships today.

Plus, Megan has a shocking revelation about her parents’ role in her first relationship and relives her first kiss at summer camp!

Interested in Sexual Citizens after listening to the episode? Check it out here!

It's a Complicated Relationship

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the newest series of the Phoenix Cast in which we unpack and demystify healthy relationships! In this first episode of the series, Victim Advocate, Harriet McTigue joins our host to talk about the Hollywood relationship tropes that have bothered them the most and begin to define what a healthy relationship even is.

The Phoenix Center at Auraria is the interpersonal violence resource center serving the Auraria community and is available 24/7 via their helpline at 303-556-2255.

It’s OK to NOT be OK During a Global Pandemic!

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Join VPE Coordinator Em Alves and Guest Hosts Kristin Kushmider, PhD, assistant vice chancellor of Health, Wellness, Advocacy and Support at CU Denver, and Katherine Miller, MA., advocacy services program manager at the Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA), as we discuss their article in CU Connections 'Be Kind To Your Mind: Mental Health Awareness Month and the Psychological Effects of COVID-19' We breakdown the problem with Toxic Positivity, the inaccuracy of “we’re all in this together,” and a helpful and validating graph from Disaster Psychology.

Link to article: https://news.ucdenver.edu/be-kind-to-your-mind-mental-health-awareness-month-and-the-psychological-effects-of-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR1QsiZiz4_bD2GiQP6-Yk4E3fhuUG1-SvPHJj_3p6jQrnaMArjhEOL120s

Unpacking Unorthodox: Who is forgiveness for?

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Join Em and Megan in their final episode unpacking the Netflix series Unorthodox. This week, they discuss the concept of forgiveness and who it is truly for: harmer or harmed?

As mentioned later in the episode, please consider donating however you are able to any of the below causes to provide support for the changes sought in our country to end racism:

Bail Funds
Support Black Owned Businesses in Denver

Funds to assist the families of some of the murdered:

Floyd Family
Arbery Family
Taylor Family
McAfee Family
McClain Family (local)

#AmplifyMelanatedVoices

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Hello listeners, thank you so much for tuning in. In memory of the monumental and ongoing loss of Black life within the United States at the hands of white supremacy, we are holding the release of this week’s episode to amplify melanated voices. In the description below you will find links to other podcasts by Black podcasters, centering Black stories and experiences. We ask that you take a listen.

1619 - The Fight for a True Democracy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-the-fight-for-a-true-democracy/id1476928106?i=1000447613003

Code Switch- A Decade of Watching Black People Die: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608?i=1000476242095

Bag Ladiez- #SleepingWhileBlack: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bag-ladiez/id1073190648?i=1000475208163

Gettin’ Grown- Say It Loud! (feat. Brittany Packnett-Cunningham): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gettin-grown/id1220265487?i=1000476581294

On One with Angela Rye - So...You Wanna Talk About Accountability, Trauma, And ALL The Things (feat. Ijeoma Oluo): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-wanna-talk-about-accountability-trauma-all-things/id1257985728?i=1000476077935

1stGens - In This Skin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1stgens/id1195396853?i=1000440130255

Another View - On Being A Black Man In America: https://mediaplayer.whro.org/program/anotherview

The Read - Everything Must Go (explicit, very much a podcast for Black queer folks by Black queer folks): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-read/id619369512?i=1000476549476

Storytelling from The Moth

Check Yourself - https://themoth.org/stories/check-yourself
Seeing Color - https://themoth.org/stories/seeing-color
Inner Malcolm/Inner Martin - https://themoth.org/stories/inner-malcolm-inner-martin
The Loudest Whisper - https://themoth.org/storytellers/devan-sandiford
I Knew You Were Black - https://themoth.org/stories/i-knew-you-were-black
If they Gunned Me Down - http://themoth.org/stories/if-they-gunned-me-down
A Sign, A Satire, and a Scandal - http://themoth.org/stories/a-sign-a-satire-and-a-scandal

Unpacking Unorthodox: What Even is Consent in an Oppressive Society?

Fri, 29 May 2020 06:00:00 -0600

In Episode 6 of the Phoenix Cast Em and Megan continue their discussion of Netflix’s Unorthodox, and begin to unpack the complexities of defining sexual assault and why some people may not identify their experiences as assault. This episode contains open discussion of spoilers, notably the sexual assault depicted in Unorthodox.

Listener discretion is advised.

PCA 24/7 Helpline: 303-556-2255 (CALL)

Unpacking Unorthodox: Is Yanky a villain or a victim?

Fri, 22 May 2020 07:00:00 -0600

In Episode 5 of the Phoenix Cast, Em & Megan continue unpacking the Netflix series Unorthodox and tackle the question of Yanky's character: villain or victim?

MAJOR Spoilers ahead for the series!

You can reach the Phoenix Center at Auraria helpline 24/7 365 if you need help: 303-556-2255. Learn more about us on our website!

Unpacking Unorthodox: Why didn't she just leave?!

Fri, 15 May 2020 06:00:00 -0600

In episode 4 of the Phoenix Cast, Em and Megan begin their series unpacking Netflix’s Unorthodox and answer the question “Why doesn’t Esty just leave?”

Warning: MAJOR spoilers ahead!

Note: We are not religious scholars and can only speak from our individual experiences about this specific portrayal of Deborah Feldman’s fictionalized life.

Join us next week for our unpacking of Unorthodox Episode 2! We'll be discussing Yanky; is he a villain or a victim?

PCA 24/7 Helpline: 303-556-2255 (CALL)

Unpacking Tiger King: Tigers & Lions & Sex Cults, Oh My!

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:00:00 -0600

In Episode 3, VPE Coordinator Em Alves, and interns Jenae Murray, Racheal Reed, and Naomi Hattenhauer continue to discuss Netflix's Tiger King. This episode we talk about the unaddressed sexual coercion and "sex cults" present throughout the docuseries, and the problematic choices of the documentarians.

24/7 Helpline: 303-556-2255 (CALL)

Note: The views expressed herein are representative of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the Phoenix Center at Auraria as a whole or the University of Colorado.

Unpacking Tiger King: Misogyny and the Villainization of Carole Baskin

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0600

Podcast host and Prevention Education Extraordinaire Em Alves takes on Tiger King alongside PCA interns (Racheal, Naomi, and Jenae) in episode 2 of The Phoenix Cast! Join us to learn more about how misogyny plays a role in the editing, filming, and reception of Tiger King!

24/7 Helpline: 303-556-2255

Check out our latest #SAAMUnderQuarantine newsletter to participate and show your support, #PCASpiritWeek is still happening!: mailchi.mp/3f31feb84909/denim-…nd-the-phoenix-cast

Sex Ed for Babies?!

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0600

Join the Phoenix Center at Auraria for our very first episode of the Phoenix Cast.

Violence Prevention Education Coordinator Em Alves speaks with Director Megan Cullen about what Comprehensive Sex Ed can look like and how to start young.

24/7 Helpline: 303-556-2255

Check out our #SAAMUnderQuarantine newsletter to participate and show your support: https://mailchi.mp/fdec22d47437/saamunderquarantine

-Corrections Corner-

Megan mentions “genetically female” individuals in explaining why “private parts” is a lacking euphemism. She wishes to correct her verbiage to mean “people with vaginas and breasts,” and apologizes for the misstep. Thank you!

Phoenix Cast

Bluey & Healthy Relationships

Restorative Justice on the Auraria Campus with Members of the MSU RJ Coalition

Addressing Interpersonal Violence Through Restorative Justice with Members of Restorative Approaches to Intimate Violence (RAIV)

Restorative Justice and Interpersonal Violence on College Campuses

Taking the Taboo Out of Sex Talk

The Twilight Saga: Twilight

Domestic Violence Fatality

Notes from the Field: Intimate Partner Homicide Among Women — United States, 2018–2021https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7334a4.htm

The State of Fem Sexuality

Criminalized Survivorship

Campus Sexual Assault & The Red Zone

Relationship Violence & MTV Part 2

Relationship Violence & MTV Part 1

Going Low or No Contact: Teen Mom Next Chapter

Become a Helpline Volunteer!

Child Custody & Family Violence

Introducing Megan

American Murder: Gabby Petito

Introducing Denisse!

Silent Hill 2, Pt. 2

Silent Hill 2, Pt. 1

Tell Them You Love Me

Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives

Porn Literacy

The Barbie Movie Breakdown

Introducing Cole

Sexual Violence Related Pregnancies

Introducing Izzy!

Male Survivorship

Introducing Marissa!

Pets & DV

Forensic Exams as a Site of Healing

Final Season of Sex Education

Introducing Caitlin!

Kink & Violence

Depp V. Heard

Introducing Brooklynn!

Introducing Shanae!

The Most Hated Man on the Internet

Victim Rights Act (VRA)

Safety Signaling

Meet Vanessa!

Meet Hannah!

Meet Kat!

Meet Jenae!

The Try Guys Cheating Scandal

The Body Project

Natural Disasters and IVP

Meet Nigh!

The Red Flag Campaign

Introducing Racheal!

Em's Farewell Special

Denim Day

Pandemic Year 3

We Need to Talk About KimYe...

Special Release: Unpacking Netflix's 'YOU' Pt. 1

Meet the Interns!

So....That's A Lie (STAL): Unpacking Myths around Self-Care [MINISODE]

Revisiting Military Sexual Trauma: "We're Just Trying to Change Our Stars"

So, That's a Lie: Relationship Conflict

Using the Language of Consent

What do cats have to do with consent?

Why do we all know her name?

Katherine's Journey: We all have one, some lead us here

Harriet's Journey: And then you can do anything

Keep Talking: Christiana

Em's Journey: Choosing Joy

Keep Talking: Ian

Megan's Journey: This work makes my survivorship worthwhile

Keep Talking: Will

Keep Talking: Ripley

Sexual Assault Policy and Methods for Change

Keep Talking: Euphonitone

Keep Talking: The Power of Story

Introducing: Keep Talking

Stop AAPI Hate

5. Happy (?) Pandemiversary

True Crime, what's the hype? - Part 2 of Crossover Episode with "What Are You?"

Unpacking "A Teacher"

Ghost Pepper Seasoning (or how do two married therapists fight?)