In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by activist, former NFL player, and fellow survivor, Jon Vaughn.

The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).

Episode Time Markers:

1:26 - Intro with Jon; how he and Lori met.

4:27 - Jon’s metamorphosis when he met another survivor and talked about the transition of taking back the control of their lives.

5:57 - Do unto others as you would want done unto you.

6:31 - Analogy of weeding the garden.

6:55 - Jon’s unique perspective of being preyed on by a woman.

12:27 - Being a survivor is like being on a shrinking island.

15:02 - Challenging awareness, empathy, compassion and active listening.

18:39 - The background of how Jon and Lori met and why it’s important they share their stories.

26:15 - The first time Jon felt understood.

29:10 - Where do you get your love and peace?

29:57 - Importance of feeling “held”.

30:25 - Everyone has a story, and what are you going to do with your story?

34:40  - Finding the journey back to me and trusting the people around us.

36:15 - Scared, broken Jon Vaughn as a kid.

36:48 - Key to finding us and getting out.

38:25 - Having a different heart – always that of a survivor.

39:20 - Going into the gates of hell to get someone out.

40:51 - Wanting the pain to end.

41:30 - Nothing left to be afraid of.

42:28 - Key takeaway of this episode.