This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this powerful conversation, Hera McLeod shares her harrowing journey as a survivor of domestic violence and a civil rights activist. She discusses the tragic loss of her son, Prince, at the hands of his father and the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur. Hera emphasizes the importance of child safety, the need for reform in the family court system, and her ongoing advocacy efforts to create change. She offers insights into the challenges faced by survivors and the importance of seeking help and support. Hera's story is one of resilience, hope, and a commitment to making a difference for future generations.

Takeaways:

• Hera McLeod is a civil rights activist and author.
• She lost her son, Prince, to domestic violence.
• The family court system often fails to protect children.
• Education and awareness are crucial in preventing domestic violence.
• Survivors should seek therapy to cope with trauma.
• Children need agency and safety independent of their parents.
• Legislative changes are necessary for child safety.
• Survivors can find strength in advocacy and community support.
• Grief has no right or wrong way; it's a personal journey.
• Hera believes her son chose her to be his mom.
• Hera's story highlights the dangers of online dating.
• The family court system often fails to protect children.
• Advocacy is crucial for legislative change in child safety laws.
• Therapy is essential for healing from trauma.

About Hera McLeod:

Hera McLeod is a Washington, DC-based writer, speaker, civil rights activist, and mom. She is known for speaking out against the silence, particularly on civil rights for women and children, domestic violence, and Family Court reform. She was a 2017 Jack Straw Writing Fellow and has published Op-ed pieces in The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and The New York Times. Hera has made several television appearances, including The Today Show, The Tony Danza Show, Crime Watch Daily, and DC news affiliates for CBS, ABC, and Fox. Her story was also highlighted in an Discovery + Citizen PI series episode. In addition to television appearances, Hera has also testified before the United States Congress on civil rights and the protection of children. She testified before the Maryland Family Court Reform working group and Maryland Legislators. Her participation helped lead to the passage of legislation in Maryland for Judicial education on the topic of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Hera is a former a co-host on The Mocha Single Mothers by Choice (SMC) Podcast and now co-hosts the Seeking Different podcast with her young daughter. Read more about Hera's story on her blog archive.

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied...