Be More Unstoppable

October is domestic violence awareness month and it’s an issue that has touched most of our lives in some way. On this episode, we sit down with Mindy Murphy, President and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay and Courtney, a domestic violence survivor. We covered so much important ground during our conversation. We talked about the patterns of abusers, how to help loved ones you suspect are being abused, how to seek help yourself. We talked about the importance of men becoming part of the solution. We discussed what lessons can be learned from the Gabby Petito police video...from the importance of proper training for law enforcement to subtle signs of abuse. This episode does have some moments that are not easy to hear but it’s a conversation that is incredibly important and we thank you for caring enough to listen.

This episode includes discussion around topics such as domestic violence, physical violence, sexual assault, and harassment. This content may be difficult and we encourage you to care for your well-being.

For more information about how to seek help from The Spring, or for ways you can help support their mission, please visit thespring.org. Their 24-hour crisis hotline is 813-247-SAFE.

For anyone outside the Tampa area who is seeking help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. That’s 1-800-799-7233.

Host, Veronica Alfaro, shares some highlights from upcoming episodes of Be More Unstoppable.

Suncoast Animal League is a nonprofit, no-kill, no-time-limit animal welfare agency that cares for domestics and wildlife in Florida and beyond. On this episode, we sit down with co-founder and Executive Director Rick Chaboudy...and Karey Burek, the Rescue, Adoptions, and Outreach Coordinator and medical foster. They’ll discuss why they’re so passionate about saving animals and some challenges they’ve faced along the way. We'll also hear some incredible rescue stories that will leave you feeling inspired.

For more information about supporting Suncoast Animal League, please visit suncoastanimalleague.org

For more than 30 years, the Guardian ad Litem Program has exclusively represented the best interest of children in the State of Florida court system. In Hillsborough County alone, more than 3,500 neglected, abused, and abandoned children have been removed from their homes and placed in the custody of the dependency court system. With no family available to speak for them, the child’s fate falls into the hands of the courts. Guardian ad Litem volunteers have the power to help give these kids a voice.

On this episode, we sit down with Yvonne Marrone, Community Outreach Coordinator, to learn about the impact that volunteers have on both the life of a child in need and within the court system. We also speak with Derrick Perez, a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer. Derrick grew up in the foster care system, and he uses his past personal experiences to help guide other foster kids into a successful future.

For more information on Guardian Ad Litem, please visit guardianadlitem.org

On this episode, we’ll hear some incredible music from the Sarasota Opera, and speak with Executive Director, Richard Russell, and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Maestro Victor DeRenzi. They’ll discuss the work their organization is doing to preserve opera traditions and how they're sharing them with the next generation. We’ll also talk with Delores McKenzie, a former student in Sarasota Opera’s Youth program, about her experience and love for the stage.

For more information about the Sarasota Opera, please visit sarasotaopera.org