111: Ending Rape Culture ft. Adele Smith

06/26/19 • 49 min

If someone called you saying that their house was robbed, what’s the first thing you would say? Probably you should have locked your doors, right? Or maybe, Are you sure? Maybe you didn’t understand what the robber was doing . Possibly That can’t be true. I know your neighborhood. Only nice people who would never steal live there.

Proooooobs not. I’m guessing it would be something more like, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Today’s guest, Adele Smith, is a survivor of sexual violence. After her assault took place, her name was smeared (to say the least—there are literal blogs devoted to accusing her of lying) and she didn’t believe her college did enough to protect her from her rapist. That’s why she founded Dinah’s Voice, an organization dedicated to ending rape culture on Christian college campuses. Adele is here to talk with us about what rape culture is, why we shouldn’t be surprised that sexual violence takes place on Catholic campuses, and how we can embrace Christian values without letting them be twisted into victim-shaming. I was honored to speak with Adele and I hope her story inspires you.

When we approach situations with a sense of love and a desire for truth, I believe we will find it. This isn’t about #BelievingAllWomen or #MeToo’ing our way into a protest. It’s about using our anger as fuel for justice and seeking the truth, every single time.

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

Proooooobs not. I’m guessing it would be something more like, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Previous Episode

110: Foster Care and Supporting Families ft. Brianna Johnston Hanks

“And we will love naturally, we will try to do something. First in our own home, next door neighbor in the country we live, in the whole world.” - Mother Teresa. I love Mama T so much I named a baby after her, and this quote is one of the reasons why. It’s a commonly-told anecdote that when people asked her how they could change the world like she was doing, she told them to go home and love their families. The family is truly the bedrock of our Christian faith, and although volunteering and donating and going to the margins are all essential, I truly believe that loving your family is the number one most effective way to have an impact for the Gospel.

Today’s podcast guest, Brianna Johnston Hanks, is an attorney who works with families affected by foster care. When we think of foster care, we may have a picture in our head: selfless individuals who accept poor, needy kids into their homes and then go all Daddy-Warbucks on ‘em. But the truth is, foster care is a complex, nuanced issues with lots of hope + lots of heartbreak. Brianna is walking us through what foster care is for, how to discern if you’re ready to foster, and why foster care is an issue that needs to be discussed more among Catholics. It was truly an eye-opening conversation for me—to learn about how foster care is focused on the reunification of families and is meant to help families stay together reminded me so much of some of the core tenants of our faith. The same way we care about kids on our border, let’s care about kids in our own communities who are experiencing the heartbreak of family separation and the people who have stepped up to stand in the gap with them. Enjoy our chat!

Next Episode

112: Escaping Burnout + Discerning Vocations ft. Sr. Marcia Hall

You know when you hear God’s voice whisper to you, and you’re like...no. Wrong girl. Thanks, but no thanks. Today’s guest sure does. When Sr. Marcia Hall was trying to figure out what direction to take her life, the thought of joining the Oblate Sisters of Providence was the last thing on her mind. But she eventually gave God her own fiat and joined the Oblate Sisters, which was the first religious order created for Black women. The order was founded in 1828 by 2 women who heard a call to religious life but were rejected by other religious orders due to our American Church’s shamefully racist past. Now, Sr. Marcia is on the show to walk us through dealing with compassion burnout, having holy boundaries, and discerning our vocations. I loved learning more about the Oblate sisters, how a religious sister can practice self-care, and Sr. Marcia’s tips for listening to your OWN call. Enjoy!

Today’s episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Stuebenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.