April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and today, to close out this month, I felt I would bring you an incredibly important story to me. You all have empowered me to finally speak my truth and share my survivor story. This is why I advocate. A special thank you to all who participated in sharing "Why I Advocate" for this episode. And an extra special thank you to Rosebud Ireland for lending us her beautiful song Sister Survivors for this episode. RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673 bytesize.me/blackbird...
Apr 30, 2021•23 min•Ep. 109
In May of 1996, California Polytechnic freshman Kristin Smart attended a birthday party for a friend on campus. She was walked back to her dorm by Paul Flores, never to be seen or heard from again. Flores had been suspected in her murder since the beginning, but hardly any evidence could prove Kristin was even dead. New developments have led to Flores' arrest and new information about his past. Find out more in this episode. RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673 bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy References: ht...
Apr 29, 2021•29 min•Ep. 108
Today, April 28, 2021 marks another Denim Day. Hear all about the case that sparked this movement (and the absurd 'Jeans Alibi') and why it is so important to wear your denim today! https://www.rcne.com/contact/countries/italy/ | +39 055 602311 (violence against women); + 39 055 601375 (violence against children) | http://www.artemisiacentroantiviolenza.it/ RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673 bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy References: https://www.denimdayinfo.org/history https://www.cbsnews.com/news/itali...
Apr 28, 2021•20 min•Ep. 107
Brandon Lee Dye was born November 4, 1988. From what I could find on his Facebook page it seemed he had struggled with addiction for a long while and he acknowledged that he had a lot of grief and trauma that he needed to work through and alluded to his drug use being caused by this trauma. On the night of July 15, 2019, in Virginia, Brandon was at home in with his girlfriend, Megan Anne Walthall. Find out what happened that night and why we discuss this case during SAAM. RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4...
Apr 27, 2021•26 min•Ep. 106
The Manhattan, NY, DA has decided his office will no longer prosecute sex workers following suit behind a few other jurisdictions in the US. Find out what this means for sex workers and johns. bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy Reference: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/21/989588072/a-relic-and-burden-manhattan-district-attorney-to-stop-prosecuting-prostitution
Apr 23, 2021•15 min•Ep. 105
In June 2017, Manchester graduate student Reynhard Sinaga was arrested on 136 counts of rape of young men around Manchester. He was ultimately convicted of all counts for drugging and raping these young men. Hear about this resilience of these survivors and how Sinaga's case helped so many more young men come forward about their sexual assaults. bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy rainn.org | 1-800-656-4673 supportline.org.uk | 01708 765200 References: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50688975 https://www....
Apr 21, 2021•25 min•Ep. 104
On March 3, 2021, Sarah Everard was kidnapped while walking home from a friend's house. One week later her remains were discovered and a police officer was arrested for her murder. Hear why street harassment is such an important topic to discuss during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. International Anti-Street Harassment Week - April 11-17, 2021 Find out more: https://www.ihollaback.org/about/ bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy References: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/police-officer-charged-kidn...
Apr 16, 2021•30 min•Ep. 103
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. In the UK, 4% of men have experienced some type of sexual assault since the age of 16. Sam Thompson became a statistic, but found a way out of the trauma. Hear how his story helped improve law enforcements response to sexual assaults perpetrated against men. bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy rainn.org | 1-800-656-4673 supportline.org.uk | 01708 765200 References: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/vi...
Apr 12, 2021•29 min•Ep. 102
On May 7, 1998, Shannon Schieber's brother found her dead in her Center City, Philadelphia, apartment. Her neighbor had thought something odd the night before and called the police, who were dispatched to her apartment, but soon left after they heard no response. Find out what happened and how the Philadelphia PD allowed a serial rapist to get away with his crimes for years. RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673 Crisistextline.org | text 'home' to 741741 bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy References: References...
Apr 04, 2021•37 min•Ep. 101
In September 2020, NOLA officer Rodney Vicknair was arrested for sexually assaulting an under-age rape victim he brought to the hospital for a sexual assault examination. Hear the story here. RAINN.org | 1-800-656-4673 CrisisTextLine.org | text "home" to 741741 bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy | merch - 20% off #saam collection at blackbirdadvocacy.com References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/akdpek/cop-allegedly-raped-teen-girl-after-driving-her-to-the-er-for-a-rape-kit https://www.nola.com/new...
Apr 02, 2021•34 min•Ep. 100
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we figured we would re-release our SA FAQs minisode. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, please read out to RAINN at 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy
Apr 01, 2021•20 min•Ep. 99
Sarah tests Dan's true crime knowledge on this bonus live episode from Pod vCon; Spring Break.
Mar 23, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 98
February 22-28 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. In honor of this week, we are bringing you a Psyche Saturday dedicated to eating disorders, namely Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. If you or someone you know needs help with an eating disorder, please contact https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline 1-800-931-2237 or text NEDA to 741741 bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy References: www.anad.org https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/eat...
Feb 27, 2021•30 min•Ep. 97
Alyssa Noceda was a fun-loving, beautiful 18-year-old who was taken from this earth way too soon. Her perpetrator basically got a slap on the wrist. Hear her story and why it needs to be told. bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy bytesize.me/podvcon References https://apnews.com/article/dc1657cdab234ee4bbb974be7c49fdbf https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/16/brian-varela-rape-sentence-dying-alyssa-noceda-34-months/2030881002/ https://www.q13fox.com/news/its-a-joke-teens-mom-furious-after-...
Feb 21, 2021•48 min•Ep. 96
Florida has proposed a new law to create a system for sexual assault victims to track their sexual assault forensic examination kits! Learn about this new law and the backlog of sexual assault kits within the United States. Also, tune in to facebook.com/groups/podvcomm March 12-14 and 19-21 for our virtual podcast convention, Pod vCon: Spring Break! Bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy references: https://www.wcjb.com/2021/02/15/gails-law-would-allow-rape-victims-to-better-track-their-cases/ https://ww...
Feb 17, 2021•13 min
Join us March 12-14 and 19-21 at facebook.com/groups/podvcomm for Pod vCon: Spring Break - a virtual podcast convention from around the world!
Feb 16, 2021•1 min
In this Valentine's Day special, Dan and Sarah discuss Emerald Fennel's film Promising Young Woman starring Carey Mulligan. Go see this movie!! It is on demand now. We also get into a bit of an update on the Zephi Trevino case. Happy Valentine's Day!
Feb 14, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 93
On today's episode, we discuss brief psychotic disorder and get into the case of Sarah Henderson, a Texas woman who was sentenced to life in prison for killing her two daughters. Our new link: bytesize.me/blackbirdadvocacy Pod vCon: Spring Break - March 12-14 & 19-21, facebook.com/groups/podvcomm References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association. Chowdhury, N.Z., et. al. (2019). First diagnosis of psychosis in the prison: results from...
Feb 13, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 92
In the continuation of Nicole Addimando's case, we discuss the trial and the prosecutions theory. https://westandwithnikki.com/ National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673 National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE References: https://gen.medium.com/nikki-had-proof-shed-been-abused-but-was-it-enough-for-self-defense-bd9f196396eb https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nicole-addimando-murder-case-chris-grover-48-hours/ https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-domestic-violence-su...
Feb 07, 2021•45 min•Ep. 91
Today we discuss two more disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum, both of which do not have much evidence-based research surround them. We also discuss two case studies about delusional disorder. linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy facebook.com/groups/podvcomm References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association. Tamburello, A.C., Bajgier, J., and Reeves, R. (2015). The Prevalence of Delusional Disorder in Prison. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. Reid, W....
Feb 06, 2021•35 min•Ep. 90
The CDC estimates that 1 in 11 female and 1 in 15 male high school students are physically assaulted by a dating partner. In this minisode, learn what TDVAM is, where to go for help, and find out just how prevalent this issue truly is. Love Is Respect - Text LOVEIS to 22522, Call 1-866-331-9474, or go to their site loveisrespect.org for a live chat Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 or go to crisistextline.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy ...
Feb 04, 2021•20 min•Ep. 89
In 2008 19-year-old Nicole “Nikki” Addimando met 21-year-old Christopher Grover while both worked as gymnastics teachers. The pair seemed to have the beginnings of a wonderful life together. In 2012, Nikki became pregnant with their first child and in February 2015, their second child arrived. They were living in Poughkeepsie, NY, and while they never married, they found contentment in their life as a family. But things quickly changed for the happy couple... Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799...
Jan 31, 2021•53 min•Ep. 88
Schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric disorder on the schizophrenia spectrum characterized by its schizophrenia and mood disorder behaviors and thought processes. It is often confused with schizophrenia, but is absolutely different and often misunderstood. We discuss the disorder as well as its relation to stalking, and shed some light on a famous stalking case. @lenoraclaire linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed. American Psych...
Jan 30, 2021•58 min•Ep. 87
January 2021 marks the 17th annual National Stalking Awareness Month. Learn about what stalking is, statistics about stalking, and resources for those who may be a victim of stalking. https://www.stalkingawareness.org/ https://www.stalkingawareness.org/sharp/ https://www.stalkingawareness.org/what-to-do-if-you-are-being-stalked/ Victim Connect - 1-855-4-VICTIM National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) - 1-800-656-HOPE...
Jan 30, 2021•18 min•Ep. 86
As mentioned in our latest minisode, January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. So, today’s episode is about a recent case that has not even gone to trial yet. We want to bring more attention to this case and make everyone aware of the injustices that trafficking victims still face in the legal system. Polarisproject.org – human trafficking hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888 linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy References: https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/southwest/teencapitalmurdercharges/ https://meaww....
Jan 24, 2021•46 min•Ep. 85
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling. - MayoClinic.org linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, American Psychiatric Association. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20140401.038180/full/#:~:text=I...
Jan 16, 2021•52 min•Ep. 84
We discuss the myths and misconceptions surrounding human trafficking as well as what it is and how to look out for it. To report, please call 911 or the Polaris Project at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree to 233733 or chat live at https://polarisproject.org/ linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy References and resources: https://polarisproject.org/myths-facts-and-statistics/ https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Report/2017/CSReport-13-1.pdf https://hopeforjustice.org/national-slavery-and-human-...
Jan 07, 2021•23 min•Ep. 83
Because it’s the holidays, and we brought you a really heavy case last weekend, we figured we would be a little nicer this weekend and do something light. So, today’s episode is all about bizarre and/or funny crimes that took place around the holidays. We have lots of naked people, some drugs, and lots of Frosty massacres. Happy Holidays! Don't forget about our giveaway - you can find out all about it beginning Monday, 12/21/20 at instagram.com/blackbirdadvocacy Linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy Chang...
Dec 20, 2020•36 min•Ep. 82
Today we will be discussing Dependent Personality Disorder. According to the DSM-5, Dependent Personality Disorder is defined as a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation. Linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy Change.org Petition for Mariska Hargitay on Blackbird: https://www.change.org/p/mariska-hargitay-mariska-hargitay-on-blackbird-an-advocacy-podcast?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_26363422_en-US%3A7&recruiter=364956252&u...
Dec 19, 2020•39 min•Ep. 81
We get a lot of questions regarding what sexual assault is and who are victims of sexual assault. This minisode is dedicated to answering the most common questions about sexual violence. Resources: RAINN.org - 1-800-656-HOPE crisistextline.org - text HOME to 741741 linktr.ee/blackbirdadvocacy References: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/sv_faqs.pdf https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/sexual_assault_dv.pdf...
Dec 16, 2020•20 min•Ep. 80
