In this powerful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with Marie B. Philip, retired Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Human Resources Administration, to break down the realities of intimate partner violence and elder abuse. Drawing from frontline experience, Marie B. Philip offers insight into the patterns of domestic violence, the importance of community responses, and actionable steps for supporting friends, family, or yourself when abuse is suspected. The conversation dispels myths, provides resources, and always centers the survivor’s safety and dignity.

Topics Covered:

• Definition and types of intimate partner violence
• Recognizing patterns and behaviors of domestic violence
• The evolution of domestic violence programming and policy
• Elder abuse: characteristics, signs, and unique challenges
• The role of financial exploitation in elder abuse
• Practical steps for friends and family members who suspect abuse
• Barriers to reporting and seeking help (shame, isolation, dependence)
• Safety planning: go bags, document collection, cyber safety for survivors
• National resources and online safety tips for those seeking help

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic violence is a community issue—one in four individuals experience it, and it can affect anyone across the lifespan.
• Elder abuse is often under-reported and can range from physical neglect to financial exploitation.
• Supporting victims starts with nonjudgmental conversations and prioritizing their safety and agency.
• Awareness and education inject the power to intervene early and effectively.
• Modern resources include cyber safety measures for those in dangerous situations, particularly when using shared devices.

Six Best Quotes:

1. “Domestic violence isn't a problem out there, it's a problem in here.” –
   Marie B Philip
2. “It starts from the beginning, but in very discreet ways. And it builds.” –
   Marie B Philip
3. “It's not about why they didn't leave, it's about what's helping them to stay.” –
   Marie B Philip
4. “Isolation is a key factor in domestic violence... Education and awareness is a key response in domestic violence.” –
   Marie B Philip
5. “Being supportive as you can, talking about what safety would look like, because maybe leaving the situation is not what can be done at that point.” –
   Marie B Philip

Resources Mentioned:

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: https://www.thehotline.org
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/
  • Cyber safety feature for private browsing
• CDC Definition of Elder Abuse: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/index.html
• Adult Protective Services (State-By-State Finder): https://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/
• NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA): https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/index.page

Top 8 Hashtags for Sharing:

#DomesticViolenceAwareness
#ElderAbusePrevention
#MESHPodcast
#IntimatePartnerViolence
#SafetyPlanning
#CommunitySupport
#EndTheSilence
#EmpowerSurvivors

Episode Summary
In this inspiring edition of M.E.S.H., Pamela Brewer meets with acclaimed author, teacher, and writing coach Marita Golden to explore the healing power through writing. Marita Golden shares her personal journey as a writer, reveals how storytelling has shaped her life, and discusses the transformational role of writing for both self-care and societal change. The conversation highlights writing not just as a career or creative outlet, but as a therapeutic practice that can heal wounds, transcend personal myths, and foster joy—even in challenging times.

Topics Covered
The myths surrounding who gets to be a writer
Writing as a process of healing and self-discovery
The effect of writing on emotional and mental health
Challenging hierarchy and exclusivity in the practice of writing
The intersection of writing, therapy, and self-care
The upcoming workshop: "The Joy of Writing"
Facing judgment and building resilience as a writer

Key Takeaways
Writing is not reserved for a select few; everyone is capable and deserving of telling their stories.
Writing can act as both a therapeutic tool and an act of self-care, helping people make sense of their experiences and emotions.
The process of writing often brings surprising realizations and deeper understanding for the writer, not just the reader.
Giving oneself permission to write authentically is a powerful step toward healing.
Facing criticism is part of being a writer, but the desire to express oneself provides resilience.
The myths and hierarchies around writing should be challenged, making space for all voices—especially those historically marginalized.

The Six Best Quotes
"We all are writers. We write our lives. We become authors of our lives through the choices we make every day." – Marita Golden
"Writing has deeply healed me and brings me joy, and it never lets me down." – Marita Golden
"Your writing will help you unravel the knots in your heart... You could write simply to take care of yourself, even if you have no desire to publish your work." – Marita Golden quoting Louise DeSalvo
"The desire to write imbues you with so much resilience that you can take judgment." – Marita Golden
"You just have to be you. And you have to just put that first sentence on the page and the sentence will lead you by the hand." – Marita Golden

Connect with the Guest
Website: maritagolden.com
For information about upcoming workshops and classes, visit the website and sign up for the email list.

Resources
Books:
"Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives" by Louise DeSalvo
"Don't Play in the Sun: One Woman's Journey Through the Color Complex" by
Marita Golden
"How to Become a Black Creating and Honoring Black Stories that Matter" by
Marita Golden

Organizations:
Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation (co-founded by
Marita Golden)

Workshops & Courses:
The Joy of Writing: Six-Week Workshop of Discovery and Creativity (details at maritagolden.com)

Top 8 Hashtags
#MaritaGolden
#WritingAsHealing
#MESHpodcast
#Storytelling
#SelfCare
#TherapeuticWriting
#EmotionalHealth
#CreativeHealing

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Episode Summary:
In this moving episode of MESH, host Pamela Brewer interviews Tracy Doyle, author of Life Storms: Finding Your Clear Sky and creator of the Aurora Method. Tracy Doyle shares her personal journey through childhood adversity, trauma, and emotional burnout, explaining how these experiences led her to develop M.E.S.H.—a framework for mindfulness and emotional healing. Together, they discuss the power of self-awareness, breaking negative patterns, and building authentic connections, emphasizing that no matter our wounds, anyone can reclaim joy and fulfillment.

Topics Covered:
The impact of early wounds and trauma on adult behavior
The development and philosophy behind the Aurora Method
The concept of the “reaction cascade” and its effects on relationships
Steps and phases of the Aurora Method (self-assessment, breakthrough, restoration)
Shifting one’s perspective and connecting with others
The power and necessity of looking within and self-reflection

Key Takeaways:
Early experiences, especially trauma and neglect, shape core beliefs and behaviors that persist into adulthood unless consciously addressed.
The Aurora Method offers a personalized, step-by-step mindfulness framework to identify, name, and change negative patterns.
Healing and growth begin by looking within, not blaming outside circumstances.
By shifting one’s internal responses, interpersonal relationships and work dynamics can dramatically improve.
Self-awareness is not about fixing oneself instantly, but gradually understanding and shifting patterns for lasting change.
Emotional wounds may stunt personal growth, but recognizing and addressing these wounds unlocks fulfillment and joy.

Quotes:
“When we recognize that we can reshape what shaped us… what we get back is that inner fulfillment and joy”Tracy Doyle
"It's really about when we can understand our patterns that quietly shape everything... then we actually can change things." —
Tracy Doyle

Connect with the Guest:
Book: Life Storms: Finding Your Clear Sky – available on Amazon
Direct contact: “Schedule a one-on-one with me” via her website www.tracydoyle.life

#MentalHealth
#EmotionalHealing
#SelfAwareness
#Mindfulness
#TraumaRecovery
#AuroraMethod
#PersonalGrowth
#MESHpodcast

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