logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
1h 25m

A Guide For the Traumatized

Meghan Daum & Sarah Haider
About this episode

This week, the girls/women are joined by writer Larissa Phillips, and the three discuss her recent essay in which she recounts her violent rape in the early 90s. Larissa shares her thoughts on the helpfulness of “trauma” discourse on recovery, the #metoo era, and the tension between personal responsibility and public trust.

They also touch on Larissa’s work in adult literacy, a subject Sarah finds especially interesting, as she’s still learning how to read.

Relevant Links

Larissa’s Essay in Quillette  

After Rape: A Guide for the Tormented by Celeste Marcus

On Not Being A Victim by Mary Gaitskill, Harper’s Magazine, March 1994 

Know someone who would love this episode? Gift a paid subscription!



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com
Up next
Nov 2024
Adios Amigos: The Special Place Finale
On this most special episode, the ladiex say a tearless goodbye to the campaign of Kamala Harris, as well as to our little podcast. Yes, you read that right: This is the Very 👏 Last 👏 Episode 👏. After we are gone, we hope you finally realize how much we meant to you, and wallo ... Show More
1h 23m
Nov 2024
Wilfred Reilly: Race, Dating Crisis, Matt Walsh
As a gesture of goodwill, we interrupt the election doom/analysis-vomit to bring you a calm, collected, and pre-recorded conversation with political scientist Wilfred Reilly. The threesome cover Wilfred’s unique upbringing and current thoughts on race, academia, and the dating/ma ... Show More
1h 25m
Oct 2024
Don't Blame Us (Penelope Trunk Returns)
In this episode, Penelope Trunk returns for another session of therapeutic sado-masochism. We relay listeners’ most personal questions and Penelope duly dismisses their trauma and punishes them for such public displays of vulnerability—everyone wins! We hope this leaves you with ... Show More
1h 28m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Run Like Hell: The Truth About Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
In this episode Catherine and Kate interview Dr Nadine Macaluso, the ex-wife of the infamous Wolf on Wall Street. They discuss her story of fairytale love turned nightmare and how she has used her experience to help other women break free from trauma bond relationships. Learn how ... Show More
1h 5m
May 2023
Those College Students Might Surprise You: Sarah Hepola’s Report From The Classroom
Fan favorite Sarah Hepola is back! Sarah has visited The Unspeakable to talk about everything from alcoholism to #MeToo to the changes in the media landscape and literary world. Today she returns to discuss a recent solo episode she recorded for Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em, the podc ... Show More
2h 8m
Feb 2021
Ep 3 - Sadie Robertson Huff: Overcoming Hurt and Finding Love
<p>Sadie Robertson Huff joins Paula to talk about the life-defining moments that helped her discover who she is and what she wants out of life at a young age. The 23-year-old shares what it was like rising to fame as a teen on the reality show, “Duck Dynasty,” and the loneliness ... Show More
31m 59s
Sep 2023
Letting Go of the Pain and Trauma of Abuse with Rachel Grant
<p dir="ltr">Sherry and Carla start out talking about the real deal - the difference between loving someone and being in love with them. They go to a Love Fix question from a listener feeling spooked that they may be getting ghosted soon, and are looking for some advice on what t ... Show More
32m 55s
Mar 2024
Elsa Wolinski, « ma fuite, c’est aller vers les autres »
<p>Si cet épisode de Folie Douce parle de beaucoup de sujets différents, c’est le fait de la vie et de la personnalité de son invitée, Elsa Wolinski.</p><p>Autrice, journaliste, fondatrice du podcast <em>Allez j’ose !</em> et de la marque de vêtements Sisterhood, Elsa Wolinski ra ... Show More
1h 6m
Aug 2020
BOOK CLUB: The Yield
Correction: An earlier edit of this episode said the fictional town of Massacre Plains was based in the Northern Territory of Australia. This is incorrect - the town is based in New South Wales. HELLOOOOO BOOK CLUB PALS! This month, we’re discussing the 2020 Miles Franklin Litera ... Show More
35m 36s
Dec 2020
With the Help of Strangers
<p><em>This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence.</em></p><p>In 2013, Courtney Queeney published an essay about surviving domestic violence and the legal proceedings that followed. She described going to a courthouse every two weeks to renew her emergency protection ... Show More
26m 12s
Jun 2021
Dealing With Trauma, Healing, and Systemic Queer Issues | #SwipingSafely
In this episode, we talk to a series of experts that give tips on how to deal with trauma, sexual assault, and complications in relationships. It was a great conversation that gives lots of insight into why teens are going on hookup apps, the consequences, and what we can do abou ... Show More
1h 32m
Nov 2021
REAL STORIES: What’s Eating Lucinda?: Abused, Anorexic, now Healed
This week’s episode is something a little different, something a little raw, and something that you need to hear.. A story of a little girl who by the age of 13 had already encountered so much; Lucinda Hoffman is daughter of a Gay Narcissist, prey of a Sexual Abuser & the brave s ... Show More
42 m