We’re wrapping up our 2025 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant and feeling incredibly grateful 💛
Good news — we’re not saying goodbye.
New podcast episodes will now drop every other Wednesday so we can keep these conversations going sustainably.
Thank you for being here. We can’t wait to share what’s next!
Feel free to put in the comments any topics or guests you have in mind for future episodes 👀
Many of us want to support survivors of gender-based violence—but we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, or we don’t realize that our well-intentioned advice can actually cause harm. In this episode, Krystal Snider joins us to talk about what real support and advocacy look like beyond the phrase “just leave.” We discuss the complexities survivors navigate, the importance of listening and believing, and how friends, family, and community members can offer support that is safer, more respectful, and truly helpful.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website:www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, we’re joined by Tracey Marshall, founder of Threat Management Matters, to explore how risk is assessed in situations of gender-based violence. Drawing on her extensive experience in threat assessment and law enforcement, Tracey explains how professionals determine when a situation is becoming dangerous and what signs to watch for. We discuss practical strategies for survivors, allies, and service providers to recognize escalating risk and take steps to stay safe. This conversation offers crucial insight into understanding danger, making informed decisions, and supporting those affected by GBV.Links from our Conversation:Threat Management Mattershttps://threatmanagementmatters.ca/Ellen Pence, Power and Control Wheelhttps://powerandcontrolfilm.com/founders/ellen-pence/Renfrew Recommendationshttps://lukesplace.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CKW-Inquest-Verdict-Recommendations-SIGNED_Redacted.pdfResources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website:www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In today’s Reddit Reactions episode, we dive into a heartbreaking relationship story shared by a woman who becomes seriously ill and ends up in the hospital for a week. Instead of getting the support she needs, she’s met with distance, defensiveness, and signs of emotional abuse she can no longer ignore.We also explore the bigger picture: her partner recently lost his job, may be struggling with depression, and the hospital stay seems to expose deeper issues that have been building in their relationship for a long time.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
This episode features Jerry Acchione, the City of Woodstock's Mayor, who opens up about his childhood living with an abusive father and the strength it took for his mother to seek safety for their family. At just 11 years old, Jerry entered a women’s shelter with his mom and siblings—an experience that would change the course of his life. Jerry talks about resilience, generational trauma, and the importance of supporting shelters and violence-prevention work in our communities.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Kelly, past Manager of the Family Violence and Counselling Program with the Children’s Aid Society, and a long-time leader in supporting families impacted by abuse.
Tim helps unpack a crucial reality: abuse in relationships is never just a partner problem—it directly affects parenting, children’s wellbeing, and the overall safety of the home.
We discuss how abusive behaviours can show up in fatherhood, the lasting impact on children, and why meaningful accountability is essential for change.
Links from our Conversation:
Childhood Trauma and ACES https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
ACES Score Test (pdf)
Caring Dads/Family Violence Counselling Program
Resources + Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Children's Aid Society Oxford
Website: https://www.casoxford.on.ca/
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, we sit down with consultant and advocate Marianne Park-Ruffin for an honest and eye-opening conversation about the intersection of disability and gender-based violence. Marianne offers both lived and professional insight into how people with disabilities experience GBV, the unique vulnerabilities they face, and the barriers that often prevent them from accessing support.Together, we explore what inclusive services should look like, how organizations can better respond, and why accessibility must be central in the fight to end GBV. This is a powerful and important conversation for anyone working in social services, advocacy, or community care.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this moving episode, we sit down with Tajay, a survivor of gender-based violence, who shares her story with honesty, courage, and grace. Tajay takes us through her journey — from surviving abuse to rebuilding her life, reclaiming her voice, and rediscovering who she is beyond what she’s endured.
Together, we talk about what life after leaving really looks like — the quiet strength it takes to heal, the uncertainty of new relationships, and the beauty of learning to love yourself again. Tajay reflects on the process of finding out what she likes, who she wants to be, and how she’s learned to navigate the world on her own terms.
This conversation is about more than survival — it’s about identity, freedom, and the ongoing work of healing. It’s raw, real, and deeply inspiring.
Resources & Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Maddess, who previously served as the Domestic Assault Resource Team (DART) Coordinator for Oxford County, to talk about the ongoing work to prevent femicide and the critical importance of recognizing and responding to strangulation as a serious risk factor for lethality in intimate partner violence.Together, we unpack what femicide means, why strangulation is often a predictor of escalating violence, and what communities and service providers can do to better identify warning signs and intervene early. Amy shares insights from her experience coordinating Oxford County’s DART network, and we discuss what real prevention looks like — from collaboration to community awareness.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comDomestic Abuse Resource Team (DART) OxfordWebsite: https://dartoxford.ca/Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
What happens when care crosses the line into control? In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McPherson, a research associate for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University.
Together, we explore how patterns of power and control can appear in caregiving relationships, the warning signs of financial, emotional, and physical abuse, and what it means to support older adults with dignity, autonomy, and safety.
Whether you work with seniors, support a loved one, or simply want to understand this hidden form of violence, this conversation will help you recognize when care turns controlling — and what we can all do to prevent it.
Links from this episode: Julie Diamond's book - Power: A User's Guide https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/power-a-u...Peter Seng's book - Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/presence-human-purpose-and-the-field-of-the-future/9780385516303.html
It's Not Right: Neighbours Friends and Families for Older Adults
https://eapon.ca/projects/its-not-right-neighbours-friends-and-families/ Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic
Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
How do we actually say what we mean—and hear what others are really saying—in our relationships? In this episode, Joanna Parker joins us to unpack what healthy communication looks like, how to navigate conflict without losing connection, and why clear, compassionate conversations are essential for building safer and more respectful relationships.Whether you’re trying to set boundaries, repair trust, or just communicate better day to day, this episode offers practical tools and insight to help you do it with care and confidence.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
This week’s Reddit Reaction episode is a wild one.I bring back Brooke McCoy, Natasha McMillan, and Czarina Garcia to unpack a real post where a woman gets an unexpected knock at her door — from her neighbour — asking her to dress more modestly in her own home because her husband keeps watching her clean through the window...We dig into what’s really going on here: gender-based violence culture, victim blaming, the way women are pitted against each other, and how society still protects creepy men over women’s comfort and safety.Tune in for an honest (and sometimes hilarious) breakdown of this all-too-real story.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with OPP Detective Lisa Narancsik to explore what happens when someone reports sexual assault. We talk about how police support survivors, what to expect during the process, and how trust is built between communities and law enforcement.Lisa offers an inside look at trauma-informed policing, common misconceptions about reporting, and how survivors can make informed choices about whether and how to come forward.This honest, compassionate conversation sheds light on the challenges and changes happening within policing, and what it takes to create safety and accountability for everyone.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comOxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/Phone (call or text): 226-232-6149Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Brooke McCoy, Child and Youth Worker at Ingamo Homes, to explore how gender-based violence impacts children and youth. We talk about the ways kids experience and understand violence in their homes and communities, what supports can make a difference, and how caregivers and service providers can help break the cycle.Brooke brings years of front-line experience supporting children and families, offering insight into the resilience of young people and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments.This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked perspectives of children—reminding us that their voices matter, and that the effects of GBV ripple far beyond adults.Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Human trafficking isn’t always visible — and it isn’t always what people imagine. In this episode, I sit down with Krystal Snider, who brings both lived experience and years of frontline work in the anti-trafficking field.Krystal shares her personal journey, unpacks the myths that keep trafficking hidden, and explains how it shows up in everyday communities like ours. She also offers insight into what prevention, early intervention, and effective response can look like when we truly understand the issue.If you’ve ever thought “that doesn’t happen here,” this episode will challenge and change your perspective.Links from our Conversation:Victim Assistance Services of Oxford CountyWebsite: https://www.vasoc.on.ca/ Canadian Centre to End Human TraffickingWebsite: https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/National Hotline: 1-833-900-1010Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Kelly, Manager of the Family Violence Counselling Program at Oxford County’s Children's Aid Society (CAS), to explore what it looks like to support men in breaking the cycle of violence. Tim shares insights from his years of experience working directly with men who use violence, offering a nuanced look at accountability, healing, and change. Together, we discuss the importance of prevention, the challenges and successes of intervention programs, and why creating space for men to take responsibility is essential for safer families and communities.Links from our Conversation: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_online_course/index.html Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comChildren's Aid Society OxfordWebsite: https://www.casoxford.on.ca/Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Employment is more than just a way to pay the bills—it can be a lifeline, a source of independence, and sometimes, a barrier for those experiencing gender-based violence. In this episode, I sit down with Deidre MacDonald, Executive Director of the Women’s Employment Resource Centre (WERC), to explore the powerful link between work and safety.
We talk about the challenges survivors face when employment is disrupted by abuse, how financial dependence can trap someone in a dangerous situation, and the role workplaces can play in recognizing and responding to GBV. Deidre also shares how WERC is supporting women in building skills, confidence, and pathways to independence.
Resources & SupportDomestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with guests from DASO and Ingamo Homes for another real-time Reddit reaction — and this one is as unforgettable as it is heartbreaking.
A mother-in-law decides to “teach a lesson” about what it means to be a man. Her tactic? Destroying her son-in-law’s cherished Millennium Falcon Lego set.
What might look like “tough love” is actually something far more dangerous: emotional abuse disguised as care. We unpack the toxic family dynamics at play, why “abuse out of love” is still abuse, and how these moments can shape a person’s sense of worth and safety in relationships.
If you’ve ever questioned whether family interference crosses the line, this one will give you the clarity you need.
Resources & Support
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Going to court is hard for anyone — but for survivors of gender-based violence, the system often feels overwhelming, intimidating, and deeply unprepared to meet their needs.In this episode, I sit down once again with Mary Anne Da Costa (Intake Coordinator) and Joanna Parker (Transitional Support Worker) from Ingamo Homes. Together, we unpack what it looks like for survivors navigating the court system, the advocacy and support Ingamo provides along the way, and the stark reality of how difficult the process can be.If you’ve ever wondered what “support through the court system” really means — or why so many survivors describe it as another layer of trauma — this conversation shines a light on both the struggles and the people working hard to walk survivors through it.Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comLuke's PlaceWebsite: https://lukesplace.ca/Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)Website: https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/resources-and-publications/family-law Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Workplace violence and harassment are far more common than most people realize — and often rooted in subtle but powerful dynamics. In this episode, I sit down with Margaret MacPherson, Research Associate at the Western University Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, to talk about power literacy — understanding how power operates in the workplace and how it can be abused.We explore why these behaviours are so normalized, how to recognize when something isn’t right, and what to do next: from seeking support, to documenting everything, to starting the conversation. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better navigate, challenge, and change toxic workplace cultures.Links from this episode:Make It Our Business provides information and education to help employers and other workplace stakeholders to meet their obligations under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. https://www.makeitourbusiness.ca/ Julie Diamond's book - Power: A User's Guide https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/power-a-users-guide/9780996660303.htmlNational Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girlshttps://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/ Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comWomen's Employment Resource Centre (WERC)Website: https://werc.ca/Email: werc@werc.ca Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat