In today's episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Blanca E. Rodriguez, owner and CEO of Wounded Healer LLC, Amazon Bestselling co-author,
holistic life coach, and TEDx speaker. Together, we explore the importance of breaking our silence around challenging lived experiences, particularly those involving sexual violence and abuse.
We also celebrate the important role that music, dance, and movement play in personal healing, both for Blanca and others she’s helped through her work.
Through honest conversation, Blanca shares how her upbringing, her parents’ resilience, and her own journey through trauma have shaped her commitment to creating safe spaces, whether in the dance studio, workplace, or anywhere people come together.
Together we reflect on the need to simplify life in times of overwhelm, and why acknowledging, listening, and supporting one another is foundational to genuine inclusion.
Three key takeaways from this episode:
1. Silence perpetuates trauma and isolation, but sharing your story, however hard, can be the seed for healing and positive change, for both individuals and the wider community.
2. Creating safe, supportive spaces (at work or anywhere) means truly listening, without judgement, advice, or minimisation, so people feel seen, heard, and believed.
3. Movement, music, and dance are powerful forms of medicine, helping us process emotions and reconnect with ourselves and others, sometimes mirroring the naturalinstincts of our animal companions to shake off stress.
While you listen, consider this: How might you show up (whether as an ally, colleague, friend, or leader) and create an environment where someone feels safe enough to share what matters most to them, without fear or shame?
Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes:
· Statistics on sexual assault in the UK:
According to a 2021 UK Parliamentary report there are believed to be 3.4 million acts of rape or sexual violence committed each year in England and Wales, of which 83% go unreported. Conviction rates of the proportion reported sit at 5%.
It appears that rates are similar in the US also.
Blanca can be contacted via her website www.WoundedhHealer.us
She is on all social media platforms as @WoundedHealer.Blanca E
If you found value in today’s podcast and want to help keep Speaking of Inclusion running, please head to coff.ee/speakingofinclusion and buy Katie a virtual coffee. Every cuppa helps keep this space funded and flourishing.
Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.
Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder