In this episode we explore a series of events: Amanda was sexually assaulted when she was 14 years old, she was committed to a psychiatric hospital and became suicidal, she was recruited into a cult-like group for seven years, when she left the group she lived very much on the edge, until finding her way to a new city where a process of healing began. We talk about her past and where she is now.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Amanda talks about where she grew up and how she was raised.
- She explains the pressures and expectations she felt growing up and why and how she rebelled as a teenager.
- She describes being sexually assaulted when she was 14 years old.
- She shares the aftermath of the assault and being committed to a psychiatric hospital.
- Amanda talks about the death of her best friend shortly after she was assaulted and how the compounded trauma led her to become suicidal.
- She describes becoming part of a cult-like group that would take control of her life.
- She discusses being brainwashed and groomed by older men into sexual relationships.
- She reflects on who she was during her time in the group.
- Amanda explains the phrase ‘one clear voice.’
- She talks about the difficulty of leaving the group and her life on the edge afterward.
- She shares how she found her way to Charlotte.
- She reveals how writing helped her heal.
- Amanda talks about renewing contact with her teenage boyfriend and forgiving him publicly for his role in her assault.
- She discusses the importance of her own ‘one clear voice.’
- She answers how she is doing today.
- Amanda reveals what she would tell her 14 year old self.