logo
episode-header-image
Apr 18
47 m

From Assault to Astronaut: Here's How Sh...

Impact Theory
About this episode

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen has achieved stunning success passing legislation to protect the civil rights of rape survivors.


On this episode of Women of Impact with Lisa Bilyeu, Amanda Nguyen describes exactly what motivated her to take on the entire legal system and its double standards about sexual assault. Along the way, she describes the importance of radical empathy, details exactly how to stay centered on your own internal compass, and advocates just showing up and being present.


[Original air date: 12-4-19].


SHOW NOTES:

Amanda details the experience of going through a rape kit and its legal aftermath [3:36]

Amanda describes being betrayed by the criminal justice system [6:32]

Amanda asks why evidence from murder trials is never destroyed, but rape kits are [9:57]

Outrage fueled Amanda, but it didn’t sustain her. Hope sustains movements. [11:22]

What is the difference between referring to people as victims versus survivors? [14:31]

The difference between having a dream and having hope is having a plan [15:28]

Amanda describes her internal compass, her North Star [16:50]

Amanda explains how incredible optimism and outrage helped her deal with politics [17:47]

Amanda talks about radical empathy, clear objectives and staying grounded [20:14]

Amanda advocates the importance of just showing up and being present [24:27]

Amanda deals with pressure simply by reminding herself that it’s not about her [27:15]

Amanda talks about having already had two heart surgeries [29:36]

Other survivors have been inspired by Amanda’s organization Rise to advocate [33:40]

Amanda describes the experience of being seen as nothing more than a victim [35:38]

Amanda talks about believing in democracy and running an efficient campaign [36:51]

Amanda shares her superpower [40:35]


CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS

Audible: Sign up for a free 30-day trial at https://audible.com/WOI 

Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. 

BiOptimizers: Head to https://bioptimizers.com/impact and use code IMPACT for 10% off. 

Kettle & Fire: Get 20% off at https://kettleandfire.com/lisa with code LISA

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa

Netsuite: Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://NetSuite.com/women


**********************************************************************

LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: 

apple.co/womenofimpact


**********************************************************************

FOLLOW LISA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
Why Nice Girls Finish Last: The 8 Step Playbook for Women Who Are DONE Being Overlooked | Dr. Thema Bryant PT 1
In this powerful episode of Women of Impact, Lisa Bilyeu welcomes the trailblazing psychologist, author, and current President of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Thema Bryant. Renowned for her expertise in trauma recovery and healing, Dr. Thema joins Lisa to dive into ... Show More
41m 53s
Jul 8
Burnout. Overthinking. People-pleasing. These Hidden Habits Are Destroying Your Confidence | Dr. Nicole LePera (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. I’m sitting down again with the incredible Dr. Nicole LePera—The Holistic Psychologist—for a radically honest conversation about self-sabotage, self-betrayal, and how our subconscious habits keep us stuck for YEARS if we don’t wake up and intervene. Dr. ... Show More
44m 21s
Jul 7
Raised to Stay Small, Taught to Obey—Here’s How She Took Her Power Back and Rewrote the Rules | Julia Haart (Fan Fav)
This is a Fan Fav episode. From growing up in a world where women were told to disappear and serve—and taught their worth was only found in silence and subservience—to writing a book called Brazen and stepping into the world as an empowered entrepreneur, Julia Haart’s story is on ... Show More
57m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2020
#105: Coming Home to Your Body with Tami Amanda
This week I welcome Embodiment Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tami Amanda to the podcast. Tami walks us through her own experience with therapy and the ways she still felt stuck in her shame after therapy. This led Tami to the realization that something deeper may hav ... Show More
2h 15m
Oct 2024
089: How Cancer Transformed Amanda Kimiko's Life and Mindset to Conquer Leadville 100
In this episode, we dive into the story of Amanda Kimiko—military veteran, cancer survivor, and ultra-endurance athlete. Amanda’s mantra, Unbreakable, is more than just a word; it’s how she approaches life’s toughest moments. From overcoming cancer to taking on the Leadville 100 ... Show More
1h 13m
Sep 2024
Amanda Knox: “I didn’t fucking do it.” (FBF)
Father Cooper sits down with Amanda Knox. The interview begins with Amanda giving a clear reminder to the world – “I didn’t fucking do it”. In 2007, while studying abroad in Italy, Amanda was wrongly accused and convicted of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher. Meredith was t ... Show More
1h 29m
Oct 2024
Real Art Disrupts with Amanda Seales
This week Lara and Michael sit down with the one and only Amanda Seales. Amanda shares her path to learning about and speaking up for Palestine as an artist, explaining that it takes about seven minutes to figure out what is going on, especially if one is armed with knowledge and ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2021
Amanda Knox - “I didn’t fucking do it.”
This week, Father Cooper sits down with Amanda Knox. The interview begins with Amanda giving a clear reminder to the world – “I didn’t fucking do it”. In 2007, while studying abroad in Italy, Amanda was wrongly accused and convicted of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher. Mer ... Show More
1h 29m
Sep 2024
Naseem Rochette on How Paying It Forward Changes Lives EP 509
In this powerful episode, Naseem Rochette shares her remarkable story of survival after being run over three times by a car in 2018. Naseem turned this traumatic experience into an opportunity for growth and resilience, ultimately celebrating Unbreakable Day to inspire others to ... Show More
55m 31s
Dec 2022
Amanda Knox: “I didn’t fucking do it.” (REVISIT)
Call Her Daddy will be taking a brief break this week, but we'll return on January 11, 2023 with a brand new episode. Please enjoy this older favorite from Call Her Daddy in the meantime. Father Cooper sits down with Amanda Knox. The interview begins with Amanda giving a clear re ... Show More
1h 30m
Apr 16
Nichole Schmidt: Gabby Petito’s Story
In this week’s episode, the Lautners are joined by Nichole Schmidt—mother of Gabby Petito—for a brave and honest conversation about the murder of her daughter. Nichole begins by sharing Gabby's vibrant personality and the moment she knew something was wrong when Brian returned ho ... Show More
1h 14m
Mar 2025
Amanda Knox Is 'Free,' But Is That Enough?
Amanda Knox spent nearly four years in an Italian prison for a murder she didn't commit. After her exoneration, she reached out to the man who prosecuted her case. She talks about how she made herself useful while in prison, readjusting to being back home, and the survivor's guil ... Show More
44m 29s
May 9
Simone Biles: “I thought America hated me” (FBF)
Join Alex in Houston for an exclusive interview with gold medalist, Simone Biles. Simone is here to share her side of the story and what really happened at the infamous Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from the team competition and shocked the world. She opens up about the trauma ... Show More
1h 20m