Elizabeth Smart: Abduction, Survival and a Story of Resilience

We have all faced challenges in life, but how we respond to them defines us and our future. Join me in an extraordinary conversation with Elizabeth Smart, a woman whose resilience and strength have not only shaped her own life but have become a source of inspiration for countless others.
In this episode, Elizabeth shares her gripping story of survival - being kidnapped, sexually abused, and held captive at the tender age of 14 in the name of religion. She opens up about the nine months of unimaginable experiences, the threats she faced, and the elaborate measures her captors took to keep people away from them.
The miracle of her rescue marked the beginning of a new chapter, but it came with its own set of challenges. Yet, from the dark experience emerged a remarkable woman with an unwavering commitment to turning pain into purpose. Elizabeth's journey led her to establish the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, a testament to her dedication to bringing hope and ending the victimization and exploitation of sexual assault through education, healing, and advocacy.
Note: This conversation includes some sensitive content that might not be suitable for all audiences and ages. However, it serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can triumph, and our resilience can shape a life of purpose and meaning. Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Elizabeth Smart Foundation: ⁠www.elizabethsmartfoundation....
Smart Defense: ⁠www.elizabethsmartfoundation....
We Believe You Campaign: ⁠www.elizabethsmartfoundation....
Malouf Foundation: ⁠www.malouffoundation.org/esfa...
I Am On Watch Organization: ⁠www.iamonwatch.org/⁠
OnWatch Training: ⁠www.iamonwatch.org/training⁠
Key Highlights From The Show:
● [00:01] Introduction to the show
● [5:40] Elizabeth's story: How she was kidnaped and held captive at 14
● [9:00] Elizabeth's fear and how it influenced her choices to survive
● [13:05] Why Elizabeth didn’t fall for the kidnapper's religious rationalization
● [16:00] Tactics the captors used to keep people away from Elizabeth and others captive
● [16:30] Elizabeth's experience when she was rescued after 9 months in captivity
● [24:09] How it was for Elizabeth to reintegrate into the normal world after captivity
● [26:00] How Elizabeth navigated the trauma from the experience
● [29:21] How Elizabeth’s experience inspires her work today and her vision
● [30:10] Elizabeth Smart’s Foundation and their programs
● [40:30] How our response can set the trajectory and be a starting point for healing
● [49:50] Why women are often not believed when they report sexual abuse
● [55:44] What it is for Elizabeth and her husband raising a daughter and son
● [01:00:45] Elizabeth's thoughts on parenting and her advice to other parents
● [01:04:00] Life-giving things that Elizabeth is committed to as a young parent
● [01:09:50] Elizabeth’s final words of encouragement
● [01:11:21] Ending the show
● A message from the producer
Let’s Connect
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Credits:
Host - Tom Perez
Producer - Lauren Trantham
Logo Art - Michelle Boucher
Theme Music - Wesley Finley

[@brendastuart3049]

Congrats on your great first podcast!!!

[@EpikProject]

Thank you Brenda for listening.