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...

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.

host Ali Kessler speaks with Margo Fowkes about her journey through grief after losing her son to brain cancer. They discuss the complexities of grief, the importance of community support, and how to navigate work while grieving. Margo shares insights from her book, Leaning Through Loss, and the creation of Salt Water, an online community for those experiencing loss. The conversation highlights the nuances of grief, the judgments faced by those grieving, and the significance of honoring memories and milestones, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of recognizing signs from lost loved ones, the challenges of navigating grief during joyful times, and the significance of incorporating memories into celebrations. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on grief, the value of community support, and the need for advocacy in the face of loss. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of self-compassion and the unique ways individuals cope with their grief.

takeaways

· Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

· Creating a supportive community is essential for healing.

· Navigating work while grieving can be challenging.

· Loss can come in many forms, and all are valid.

· People often don't know how to support those who are grieving.

· The anniversary of a loss can bring unexpected emotions.

· Nature can be a source of comfort and reflection.

About Margo M. Fowkes

Margo Fowkes is the founder and president of OnTarget Consulting Inc., a firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals act strategically, improve performance, and achieve their business goals. Margo works with clients to solve problems of productivity, morale, and innovation. Author of Leading Through Loss: How To Navigate Grief At Work, Margo also coaches leaders on how to create a more compassionate culture by acknowledging and speaking openly about grief and loss in the workplace.

Before founding her consulting firm in 1994, Margo held positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A former budget analyst for the United States Budget Committee, she has worked for all levels of government—federal, state, and local. She has also worked with a range of businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to sole proprietorships.

Following the death of her son Jimmy in 2014 after an eight-year battle with brain cancer, Margo launched Salt Water, an online community that provides a safe harbor for those who have lost someone dear to them – a child, parent, spouse, sibling, close friend, or pet. Inspired by Jimmy’s determination to live a rich, full life despite his circumstances, the blog posts and resources focus on healing and building a new life in the aftermath of a devastating loss.

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....

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.

The Hidden Epidemic of Coercive Control in Family Courts:

Get an inside look into the new must-read book, “FRAMED.” Host Ali Kessler welcomes Dr. Christine Cocchiola, an expert on coercive control, and Amy Polacko, founder and CEO of Freedom Warrior Divorce Coaching, to discuss their new book 'Framed'. The guests share their experiences and insights on the dangers of coercive control in abusive relationships and the family court system. They highlight the need for better legislation and judicial training to protect children and supportive parents from abusive dynamics. The conversation also touches on various forms of abuse, including financial and emotional abuse, and emphasizes the importance of awareness and systemic change.

Get her new book, “FRAMED” at: www.narcfreepress.com

Barnes & Noble: https://lnkd.in/dmTjiHhY?

Amazon: https://lnkd.in/dydtjtiA

About Dr. Christine Cocchiola:

Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW, is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher, and survivor. She has been a tenured college professor teaching social work for the last twenty years and has been a social justice advocate since the age of 19, volunteering for a local domestic violence/sexual assault agency.

She supports protective parents in strategizing how best to navigate the family court system, including divorce proceedings and custody arrangements. Our family court system is often set up to harm further and betray adult victims-survivors and their children, unacknowledged child abuse victims.

Most importantly, Dr. Cocchiola is a protective parent. Through her own clinical expertise, research, and personal experiences, she understands the impact that coercive control has on children. She coaches victims and survivors as they navigate parenting their harmed children. She has created programming to educate Allies, including protective parents, clinicians, coaches, and court professionals, on the experiences of children victims of the coercive controller.

Dr. Cocchiola is a Founding Member of the International Coercive Control Conference and a National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Board Member. She has actively supported codifying coercive control, writing numerous policy briefs supporting these efforts.

Contact: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/

Instagram: @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol

About Amy Polacko:

Amy Polacko is a Freedom Warrior committed to helping women live on their own terms during/after a toxic relationship or divorce. As a divorced single mom, she is passionate about coaching women one-on-one and founded the empowerment group Strong Savvy Women to support, inspire, and guide single women. Amy is an award-winning journalist who sheds light on women's issues, including divorce, domestic abuse, coercive control, and singlehood. She also works as a public relations consultant for small to medium-sized companies, helping to create PR strategies, maximize branding, leverage media relations, and improve social media.

Her recent journalistic work has appeared in The Washington Post, HuffPost, Ms. Magazine, Newsweek, NBC News THINK, and Observer. After graduating from Columbia...