VOICES with Amber B Skylar  artwork

VOICES with Amber B Skylar

53 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratings

Have you ever wanted to talk out loud about being sexually assaulted? Or has society taught you that you were not strong enough to handle it? What about other subjects like single parenting, gaslighting, or women and religion? I am the expert on my trauma and have spent 30 years in therapy for low self-esteem, low self-worth, depression, and anger – all while getting up over and over only to be beat down by the cultural norms. However, even after being raped, suicidal thoughts, sexual harassment, military sexual trauma, homelessness, and surviving against a tsunami of "you can't do it" mindset, I managed to write a book called "Colors of Amber, A Memoir" and won a scholarship to be a yoga teacher from the Kripalu School of Yoga. Writing and yoga shredded years of torment and shame as it cut into my neural sheath – pathways that reminded me that I was female and less than. I once heard a psychiatrist say that “depression is the silencing of the soul”. It hit me. If I ever wanted to feel free, happy, joyful, and to have healthy anger, that talking, writing, speaking, and bringing all the “dirty secrets” to light was the ticket. It would hurt either way. Podcasting is another tool - therapeutic and transforming - that in 2021 gives women a voice and people are listening. In my "VOICES with Amber B Skylar" podcast, I share content to inspire, uplift, and plunge a listener into her/his nature, so you can see it, grieve it, get help and thrive. My goal is to be the voice of those who cannot speak up. I purposefully aim to show what empowerment as a woman really can be – self-inquiry, self-assessment of one's actions, contributions, beliefs. I am committed to my craft will dedicate talent, skill, research, compassion, and relentless energy to uphold the voices of women and the men who love and support them – and to healing future generations of humans. -Amber B Skylar, Author, Colors of Amber, A Memoir (Amazon). Audible version coming in May 2021. Contact: [email protected]

Personal Journals Society & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health rape depression women ptsd amberbskylar
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Episodes

[EP:44] Trump or No Trump, Vaccine or Unvaccinated, Black or White, Asian or Not, Rape, Sexual Harassment- What happened to that conversation? - Amber B Skylar

August 27, 2021 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MB

I got depressed this week, didn't even do my Wednesday episode.  The politics of vaccines, mask fights, people judging each other on whether or not they like Trump or republicans, are the democrats more caring, will doctors really stop treating people without a vaccine?  We talk about freedom to choose and yet we are still battling the issue of abortion.  I follow stories of sexual assault, rape, violence against women and it seems that it makes a headline as long as it feeds to media cycle ...

[EP:43] The most popular hashtags # is for women? I'm disappointed. - Amber B Skylar

August 20, 2021 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

When I reached out to my marketing team months ago, I was trying to better understand hashtags.  The ones I chose were good, or so I thought.  What I have learned when doing research on - what are the most popular hashtags for women - I was blown away.   amberbskylar.com - contact [email protected] #voiceofamber #voicesofwomen #womensrights #metoo #women #veteran #rape #violenceagainstwomen 

[EP:42] Taliban Bullies Fear Educated Women - Amber B Skylar

August 18, 2021 16:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

War is going on all over the world and with it comes rape of women and children.  Not only do we keep women uneducated in some cultures like the Afghanistan Taliban regime,(Islamic militants)  we use them like Mommies to cook, clean, and make them cover themselves all under the name of "God" or Allah - or be subjected to stoning, jail, and beheadings. The women are forced to be excluded from society all under some distorted, taken out of context, religious notion/faction,(just like other rel...

[EP:41] Hollywood's Influence on Women - Amber B Skylar

August 13, 2021 16:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

A good thing about 2021 is that we have more vehicles of communication than ever before.  I am 59 now and my entire life I've felt like and been treated like a second class citizen.  When you think about this stuff alone, you feel alone, and maybe even crazy (in the negative way).  But more and more movies and documentaries are talking about #metoo #wagediscrimination #sexualharrassment and so much more and I for one am grateful.  I do not have any women in my life who care enough to be invo...

[EP:40] Forgiveness. I'm just not feeling it. - Amber B Skylar

August 11, 2021 16:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

I do not believe that I need to forgive anyone who has hurt, abused, disrected and harmed me in any way.  I sometimes think that forgiveness is used as a cop out - for example, trying to get victims to look the other way, like religious leaders who have asked victims to talk about what happened and then to forgive their attacker.  Victims have been encouraged over and over to "let it go", "god wants you to forgive".  Call me selfish, immature, ungodly, call me whatever you need to call me to...

[EP:39] Embrace the Crazy. #Justdoit - Amber B Skylar

August 06, 2021 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Nike created an ad campaign called #Dreamcrazier - Just do it inspired by the treatment of female athletes who get emotional. I'm so tired of being told that I am "dramatic" because I express emotion.  Not just by men, but by scared, compliant females who need a man to complete them. Even my own brother tries to diminish my expression of anger and call it "drama queen".  So be it.  I am embracing the crazy.  I am embracing my feelings of anger at the amount of violence towards women and the ...

[EP:38] Get involved. Fight back. Take a stand- Amber B Skylar

August 04, 2021 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Predators seek out vulnerability.  Society starts training females at a young age to be sweet, feminine, naive and charming.  We are trained that we are not strong enough to hear truth about whats going on with violence against women.  We are not encouraged to fight violence with violence.  Why? A woman alone, carrying groceries to her car at night. A mother with her 2 children, juggling packages, schedules, just trying to live her life. Young, naive women at college, using smiles and provoc...

[EP:37] The Good Girl - Amber B Skylar

July 30, 2021 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

For a very long time now, females have learned that one of the ways to survive or to achieve more success, they had to be "good".  What does that mean exactly?  Maybe it helped generations of women in the past, in terms of survival, but will it really help future generations?  I think not. #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #veteran #metoo #ptsd #mentalhealth #violenceagainstwomen

[EP:36] I'm "not" sorry. - Amber B Skylar

July 28, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

I'm tired of apologizing for things that I do not need to apologize for.  Women have a tendency to quickly apologize for too many things.  I realize after doing this podcast that I have been apologizing my entire life for just being female.  Even though at times - I'd be burning up with rage or anger for some injustice and I'd hold it in with an apology.  Now, I get it, there is an appropriate time to say "I am sorry" but not always. #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #veteran #domesticviolence #m...

[EP:36] I'm "not" sorry - Amber B Skylar

July 28, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

I'm tired of apologizing for things that I do not need to apologize for.  Women have a tendency to quickly apologize for too many things.  I realize after doing this podcast that I have been apologizing my entire life for just being female.  Even though at times - I'd be burning up with rage or anger for some injustice and I'd hold it in with an apology.  Now, I get it, there is an appropriate time to say "I am sorry" but not always. #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #veteran #domesticviolence #m...

[EP:35] Acceptance. My current coping mechanism. - Amber B Skylar

July 23, 2021 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

I've had the hardest time actually accepting that I am disabled from Chronic Post Traumatic Stress. When I hear words like "mental illness" even though I know its not an illness, I have cringed over the years of my growth, telling myself I was going to "fix this". I actually had a plan to clean myself up and change - just like that. Only recently, with the help of an excellent therapist, am I beginning to understand my own behavior and life choices, judgments, and my brain and body (Central ...

[EP:34] Happiness, Addiction and Coping Mechanisms - Amber B Skylar

July 21, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

I cannot wrap my mind around the sale of happiness.  It's everywhere.  It's in our constitution - the pursuit of happiness. What is striking to me, is that we do not sell or market/promote our right to feel safe, to face our emotional pain without scrunity, judgment, and shame, and its the excruitiating amount of time it takes for human evolution to teach those that seem weaker, to fight back.  Instead we are lured into ""pleasure"".    Porn, shopping, alcohol, cigarettes, love, gambling, co...

[EP:33] Call for stories - Amber B Skylar

July 16, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

In the fall/winter 2022, I will be organizing a few events, perhaps a live call in event, and introducing 2-4 guests per month.  I aspire to have a few series on Women and Religion, Religion and Sexual Violence,  different types of trauma, like Institutional Trauma, Trauma and Substance Abuse/Use, Military Sexual Trauma, Sexual Trauma and Legal System, Sex Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Sex, Rape as a War Weapon.  I seek to help victims of trauma to share what its like to live with being a ...

[EP:33] Call for stories. - Amber B Skylar

July 16, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

In the fall, I will be organizing a few events.  One or two live, call in events and the beginning of having guests as well as audio video podcasts.  Series will be on Women and Religion, Religion and Sexual Violence, Trauma, different types, like Institutional Trauma, Trauma and Substance Abuse/Use, Military Sexual Trauma, Sexual Trauma and Legal System, Sex Trafficking, Domestic Violence.  I seek to help victims of trauma to share what its like to live with being a victim of a violent crim...

[EP:32] Stop Blaming and Start Claiming - Amber B Skylar

July 14, 2021 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

As angry, depressed, triggered as I am, I feel it is vital, essential that victims rise up and claim their life back.  How? Your voice.  Your written and spoken word.  Your actions in going after your abuser or attacker.  Calling the police, filing reports, getting involved in victims assistance programs.  I have said this over and over, it is hard either way.  Do nothing or take action.  We must know our truth strength cannot be raped, beaten, or shamed if we unite and take action and suppo...

[EP:31] From PTSD to PTSG (Growth) - Amber B Skylar

July 09, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MB

I heard this term PTSG from a friend.  It's a term used for positive experiences associated with growing from PTSD.  This episode will discuss my growth and how podcasting, writing, speaking helps me move forward (not pain free) as I live and evolve as a human being.   #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #metoo #veteran #ptsd

[EP:30] Why am I doing this Podcast? - Amber B Skylar

July 07, 2021 16:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

I've mentioned several times that I would talk about my choice to podcast and what motivates me to be so open.  Im just tired of holding in all of the thoughts and emotions I have, as a mature women, determined to add my voice to the women's movement.  Not perfect, not an expert, just a person listening to myself, looking at my life, looking at the world around me, and growing as a result of my inquiry.  I leave this legacy of thought and experience for my granddaughter to one day remember m...

[EP:29] I am a feminist. - Amber B Skylar

July 02, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB

I've been confused about feminism most of my life.  Fear of rejection, judgment, retaliation. Fear of being left out.  Fear of being harassed, hurt, stalked.  Now after researching and learning about the powerful women before me who stood - alone - on the human playing field of life, I feel inspired to own my truth, accept responsibility for the outcome, and to live my life in defense of women and human rights. #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #veteran #metoo #rape #freedom #ptsd

[EP:28] Slut Shaming - Amber B Skylar

June 30, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

I'm all over the map on this topic.  On one hand I know that females are not raped because of their clothing even though historically we tried to make the victims responsible because of what they were wearing.  It was (and sometimes still is) a highly effective prosecutorial strategy to use against  a rape victim, but I personally believe and especially for our younger women that they are being exploited, taught, trained, targeted to be very sexual in social media and/or wherever/however the...

[EP:27] A Mouthpiece for Women - Amber B Skylar

June 25, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

Did you know that in the 18th century, we used to put a hinged iron framework around a woman's head which gaged her into submission and silence? It was used to publicly humiliate her and to teach other women to keep their mouth shut. Is this hatred, fear, ignorance?  How could a civilization be so cruel and do you feel better knowing we don't do it any longer? Don't be too comfortable, we may not be using a Scold's Bridle today, but we use rape, domestic violence, and other means of torture ...

[EP:27] A Mouthpiece for Women - Amber B Skylar Share

June 25, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

Did you know that in the 18th century, we used to put a hinged iron framework around a woman's head which gaged her into submission and silence? It was used to publicly humiliate her and to teach other women to keep their mouth shut. Is this hatred, fear, ignorance?  How could a civilization be so cruel and do you feel better knowing we don't do it any longer? Don't be too comfortable, we may not be using a Scold's Bridle today, but we use rape, domestic violence, and other means of torture ...

[EP:27] A Mouthpiece for Women - Amber B Skylar

June 25, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

Did you know that in the 18th century, we used to put a hinged iron framework around a woman's head which gaged her into submission and silence? It was used to publicly humiliate her and to teach other women to keep their mouth shut. Is this hatred, fear, ignorance?  How could a civilization be so cruel and do you feel better knowing we don't do it any longer? Don't be too comfortable, we may not be using a Scold's Bridle today, but we use rape, domestic violence, and other means of torture ...

[EP:26] The Dark Side of Yoga - Amber B Skylar

June 23, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

It's important to keep your eyes wide open, in anything really.  Yoga is just one activity that is easy to target people because of our romanticization of how things are done in the East.   Most people believe yoga came from India.  It did not.  Furthermore, stop glamorizing India.  Its treatment of women is deplorable.  It was women who brought yoga to older women in the US, but since women were not "allowed" or sacred enough, we give credit to a man with long dark hair, with white linen fl...

[EP:25] Is love really the answer, or? - Amber B Skylar

June 18, 2021 16:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

We hear so often, that "love is the answer" and yet with the human capacity to  love we still live in a violent world.  How many times have you felt like you were "in love"?  How many times have people told you that you have no choice in who you choose to love?  Fate? Or are we limiting our ability to make choices based on fact, need, passion, and our own capacity to love.   #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #womensvoices #veteran #metoo

[EP:24] Marriage. I married myself. - Amber B Skylar

June 16, 2021 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

Times have changed but "romance" is still in its infancy. Laws have changed but some states still hold to the religious ideals about marriage and how it's supposed to look instead of how it actually is.  Men still blame women and women still blame men.  Stop blaming and get smart before you get married.  #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #metoo #ptsd #anxiety #depression #voiceofwomen #mindbody

[EP:24] Marriage. I married myself. - Amber B Skylar

June 16, 2021 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

Times have changed but "romance" is still in its infancy. Laws have changed but some states still hold to the religious ideals about marriage and how it's supposed to look instead of how it actually is.  Men still blame women and women still blame men.  Stop blaming and get smart before you get married.  #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #metoo #ptsd #anxiety #depression #voiceofwomen #mindbody

[EP:23] Gaslighting! When people try to make you sound crazy. - Amber B Skylar

June 11, 2021 16:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MB

Have you ever felt you were being manipulated but did not listen to yourself?  Have you ever felt like you were paranoid or crazy because you have a gut feeling, intuition, an inkling that something is off and you can't quite sort it out.  Years ago, it was very easy to force a woman to comply as a housewife and mother by threatening her, telling her she is crazy and then having full authority to put her in psychiatric care.  Gaslighting can happen at work, with families, friends, romantic p...

[EP:22] Do you ever have premonitions, dejavu? - Amber B Skylar

June 09, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

Have you noticed that when women have supernatural experiences we mock them.  But a man named "Moses" for example can climb a mountain, have a supernatural experience and bam - he's an angel of God.  Women have strong intuition, premonitions, dejavu, dreams, unexplained experiences that are minimized by the social order of religion and the sciences.  What's the deal?  #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #metoo #ptsd #anxiety #depression #voiceofwomen #mindbody

[EP:21] Designed to cry. It's intelligent actually - Amber B Skylar

June 04, 2021 16:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

We really like to judge people when they cry. We stuff the emotion and it is stored on our body systems. No joke. In 2008 Rose -Lynn Fisher started a project to look at the molecular structure of tears and made a huge discovery. How long have we been shaming males for crying and judging women as "too emotional". Nonsense really.  #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #women #anxiety #depression #ptsd #metoo

[EP:20] Confrontation, Fight or Flee- Amber B Skylar

June 02, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

I have strong personality.  Being assertive and female has its own set of rules, even today.  Yes, its changing as more women get into leadership roles and  our environments still have engrained messages in our social landscape that attack our nature as females, whether we are strong and powerful, or quiet and accommodating. Confronting situations and tasks/goals/problems can be difficult but rewarding if your intention is to evolve and grow. #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #womanwithininternat...

[EP:19] Distractions- Amber B Skylar

May 28, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MB

I have learned how easy it is to get distracted.  For women, I think its even easier because we are marketed (subliminally and overtly)to "have it all" and we deplete our resources by over committing, not using that road sign of "no".  Even relationships can be a distraction. Social messages have been engrained in every sort of media, encouraging us to shop, be a perfect mother that works, takes the kids to sporting events, go to PTA and be busy, busy, busy - leaving us feeling depleted.  Wh...

[EP:19] Distractions- Amber B Skylar

May 28, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MB

I have learned how easy it is to get distracted.  For women, I think its even easier because we are marketed (subliminally and overtly)to "have it all" and we deplete our resources by over committing, not using that road sign of "no".  Even relationships can be a distraction. Social messages have been engrained in every sort of media, encouraging us to shop, be a perfect mother that works, takes the kids to sporting events, go to PTA and be busy, busy, busy - leaving us feeling depleted.  Wh...

[EP:18] Stop Having Babies - Amber B Skylar

May 26, 2021 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Don't be a victim of accidental or irresponsible pregnancy.  As women we have choices now.  To raise is child is emotionally, financially and physically demanding.  If you have the money to bring a child into the world, and a support system, and you actually are ready to have a child - go for it.  But if you have not completed your education or created a career path that allows you to be independent - I say - wait - until you know you can care for and are ready to commit to raising a child. ...

[EP:17] Boundaries - Amber B Skylar

May 21, 2021 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Who taught you about having good boundaries especially when it comes to relationships?  Why are we as women, still seeking a man as a protector, provider, even helper with the home and children? What about getting involved with strangers from online dating and not thinking about safety, but just sex or comfort, hoping for love and relationship?  At my age, I can look back and see how my mother and my father, grandparents and the culture help set me up for failure.  Its 2021 women, let's be s...

[EP:16] No Is Just A Road Sign - Amber B Skylar

May 19, 2021 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

I have learned or been exposed somehow to this notion that - No just means, "ok, let's turn around, let's go around, let's find a different path." However, "no means no" as it applies to rape, or "don't call me" are real boundaries. This episode refers to no as you did not get the job, or "no you are not invited," or "no we don't like you".  I have had enough experience at rejection and sometimes just because I am female.  No, is a motivator to me. If we can get past our fears of making "n...

[EP:15] - Hope and Reality - Amber B Skylar

May 14, 2021 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

I believe depression is a part of over-hoping that things will/may get better.  It's a passive expectation or desire for change.  This PODCAST highlights human and civil rights people who understand reality and that action is the path forward. Action will keep the flame of hope's possibility from fading.

[EP:14] Rock Bottom - Being Homeless - Amber B Skylar

May 12, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MB

I've been homeless. Sometimes when you think you can't fall any further, you can. Human kindness prevailed as predators and unwilling souls were guides into my despair and ultimate revival of my spirit. We often think it's just the human kindness that uplifts, but the negative people can be strong motivators to get up and fight, reclaim our innate ability for strength, and mend the wounds of the human spirit. I invite you to listen and trust me.  I've lived it.

[EP:13] Suicide, Do You Ever Think About It? - Amber B Skylar

May 07, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 46 MB

People get depressed.  Really depressed.  Life.  Broken spirits, minds and weary bodies.  Thinking about suicide is quite common.  Most people just do not want to tell anyone or even talk about it.  I have experienced a suicide attempt, and many thoughts of suicide.   A therapist once said to me, "suicide is the minds way of knowing it can stop the pain".  It actually inspired me and has become a pivotal motivation for me to continue to drudge through and into the darkness of my life, the w...

[EP:12] Depression and Lonliness - Amber B Skylar

May 05, 2021 16:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

It's natural to feel depression, lonliness.   I have recently learned how damaging isolation can really be.  I have recently learned the root cause of my depression.  What is the difference?  How do you know when you need medicine or not. Some folks will need medicine because a genetic biological predispostion renders a need for medicine and it can work. But in general, I believe sincerely that depression is a call or an internal communication from  within that is calling for an individu...

[EP:12] Depression and Loneliness - Amber B Skylar

May 05, 2021 16:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

It's natural to feel depression, loneliness.   I have recently learned how damaging isolation can really be.  I have recently learned the root cause of my depression.  What is the difference?  How do you know when you need medicine or not. Some folks will need medicine because a genetic biological predispostion renders a need for medicine and it can work. But in general, I believe sincerely that depression is a call or an internal communication from  within that is calling for an individ...

[EP:11] PTSD, A Service Dog and Dating! - Amber B Skylar

April 30, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Its awkward to date in the first place, right?  Add in "hi, I have PTSD. Oh and here's my Service Dog, Arbor".  Service Dog aside, online dating has its perks, risks and a world of weirdos.   Be careful out there!  #caninecompanions #amberbskylar #voiceofamber #servicedog #veteran

[EP:10] My Service Dog, Arbor - Amber B Skylar

April 28, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

I'm not a medicine person.  I've tried all sorts of medicine for mental health pain.  I learned that medicine did not work  for me and it was a psychiatrist who helped me understand.   When you injure your knee, you may be prescribed a course of medicine for a period of time.  In mental health we subscribe medicine, which can help for period of time, as a crutch for the difficult moments.  Therapy helps the grueling landscape of self-inquiry and walks you straight through it, deep into it, ...

[EP:9] Living With PTSD and God

April 23, 2021 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

I remember as a little girl going to church and praying so hard for help for my mother.  It never came.  Only more suppression and "sinner bullshit". Then as an adult when I tried to tell church members that my husband was emotionally and physically abusive, I was told to "Turn the other cheek"!  Once in high school, I was put in front of the entire congregation trying to cleanse me of my sins, because I was a cheerleader.  I ran out of the church.  What about being punished as a female bec...

[EP:9] Living With PTSD and God - Amber B Skylar

April 23, 2021 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

I remember as a little girl going to church and praying so hard for help for my mother.  It never came.  Only more suppression and "sinner bullshit". Then as an adult when I tried to tell church members that my husband was emotionally and physically abusive, I was told to "Turn the other cheek"!  Once in high school, I was put in front of the entire congregation trying to cleanse me of my sins, because I was a cheerleader.  I ran out of the church.  What about being punished as a female bec...

[EP:8] PTSD and Rape - Amber B Skylar

April 21, 2021 16:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

How does rape affect a person and contribute to post trauma?  I think that even after your trauma, when you hear how prevelant rape is, in war, neighborhoods, college campuses, the military - it adds to the trauma.  Being a victim of a violent crime that seems to be "normalized in the culture" is unacceptable.  We must understand what people go through who have suffered an unexpected event that is traumatizing.  Talking out loud about rape has been taboo.  People accusing victims of "staying...

[EP:7] Hormones, Crazy, or PTSD? - Amber B Skylar

April 16, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

How many times have you had for example, chest pain? What about overall body aches, low energy, depressed, etc.  How many times have you heard "you look fine"? Or "It's your hormones".  When you have a emotional, cognitive challenge like PTSD, its easy for medical staff to minimize your experience and if they can't justify doing a deep look into your health complaint, you walk out of the office, thinking its all in your head.  "She's crazy.  There is nothing wrong with her".  I hear you.  I ...

[EP:6] Baggage - Amber B Skylar

April 09, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

Another victim "shaming" tool.  We refer to a person's life as baggage.  I prefer Gucci myself, (although) not affordable.  But what I carry in my "baggage" is gold.  Don't let someone refer to your life's experience as trash or baggage.  

[EP:5] Am I a Bitch Because I'm Angry? (Pt. 2) - Amber B Skylar

April 07, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

In my experience, when  I am assertive, or say no, or simply speak up, Im a bitch.  Men's anger is more socially normal and acceptable.   We've also taught men to "stuff it" or to grab a bottle of beer to cope.   I choose being a bitch, if need be.  I will assert myself and set and manage good boundaries. 

[EP:3] Happiness, Really? - Amber B Skylar

April 02, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

Another victim shaming tool - the social media realm on happiness and all the "experts" with simplistic comments that can deter a struggling victim from feeling as if they do not fit in.  I don't know about , but I get tired with the overwhelming messages out there telling me I need to be happy, should be happy, if I am happy then ...if Im not happy then...its my fault.  Happiness is just part of the emotional landscape potential  for human beings which is directly impacted by environments ...

[EP:4] Am I a Bitch Because I'm Angry? (Pt. 1) - Amber B Skylar

April 02, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

Im ok with being called a bitch.  Today, its not an insult. Women are embracing the "bitch energy". I know my point has come across when somebody calls me a bitch.  In this episode I talk about my anger, and men's anger from my life, and I read from my book, Colors of Amber, A Memoir.  We shame men for crying, we cheer them on for anger, stoicism, being "manly" and there really is no where to go with anger.  It's seems very difficult for men to handle a woman's anger.  If she's strong, we ca...