“It takes a village” is a phrase we hear time and time again. And while the phrase holds true, it leaves us with unanswered questions, especially when navigating trauma. How do we find our village? How do we become a villager for someone else? How does my village change after trauma?

Healing is often portrayed as an independent journey, but, in reality, it never is. In this episode, EG explores the concept of "being a villager” and how to be someone who shows up in the difficult seasons. Through a blend of neuroscience, psychology, and practical reflection, this conversation examines why establishing a “village” is not simply a nice addition to healing but a fundamental human need.

Key Themes: Community and healing, social connection, co-regulation, trauma recovery, survivor support, loneliness, resilience, shame and belonging, mental wellness, chosen family, peer support, trauma-informed care, building healthy relationships, community as medicine

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening.

Lux Resources is a North Carolina-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence through providing legal resources. Survivors can access resources and legal aid for free on our website, www.luxresources.org.

Follow Lux on Instagram and TikTok @luxresources for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more tips on supporting survivors and allies.

Want to get in touch? Ideas for resources to add to the website? Podcast content suggestions? Reach out to us: https://www.luxresources.org/contact

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to share it with someone who might need it.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and acknowledge the challenges many still face. LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, making these conversations especially important.

In this episode, EG shares the story of Brandon Teena, a young transgender man whose life, assault, and murder became a pivotal moment in conversations about survivor advocacy, transgender safety, and institutional responses to violence. Rather than focusing on graphic details, this episode explores Brandon's life, the systems that failed him when he sought help, and the lasting impact his story continues to have today.

Through a survivor-centered and trauma-informed lens, EG examines what happens when survivors are not believed, protected, or supported equally, and why Brandon's story remains relevant more than three decades later. At its core, this episode is a conversation about dignity, credibility, identity, and the responsibility we all share in creating safer systems for survivors.

This episode is for survivors, allies, advocates, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of sexual violence, LGBTQ+ experiences, and systemic responses to harm.

Key Themes: LGBTQ+ survivor advocacy, transgender history, sexual violence prevention, reporting and disclosure, institutional responses to violence, trauma-informed care, survivor-centered support, gender identity, dignity and remembrance, social justice

The Brandon Teena Story

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening.

Lux Resources is a North Carolina-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence through providing legal resources. Survivors can access resources and legal aid for free on our website, www.luxresources.org.

Follow Lux on Instagram and TikTok @luxresources for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more tips on supporting survivors and allies.

Want to get in touch? Ideas for resources to add to the website? Podcast content suggestions? Reach out to us: https://www.luxresources.org/contact

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to share it with someone who might need it.

In a world where we’re constantly connected, something as simple as texting can feel… unexpectedly heavy. You might find yourself overchecking your phone, overanalyzing tone, rewriting messages, or avoiding responding altogether.

In this episode, EG explores the psychology behind texting patterns and habits, and how they’re all rooted in the same place: a desire for safe, predictable connection.

EG shares personal reflections (including her own experience with avoidant texting) and walks through small, realistic shifts to make communication feel less overwhelming.

This episode is for anyone who has ever stared at a text, overthought a reply, avoided responding, or wondered, “why am I like this?”

Key Themes: nervous system responses, communication patterns, avoidant texting, overchecking, emotional safety, overthinking, tone analysis, trauma-informed care, connection and relationships, self-awareness

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening.

Lux Resources is a North Carolina-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence through providing legal resources. Survivors can access resources and legal aid for free on our website, www.luxresources.org.

Follow Lux on Instagram and TikTok @luxresources for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more tips on supporting survivors and allies.

Want to get in touch? Ideas for resources to add to the website? Podcast content suggestions? Reach out to us: https://www.luxresources.org/contact

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to share it with someone who might need it.