🎙️ Episode Overview
A survivor's powerful journey from victimization to advocacy, featuring Sandy Phillips Kirkham, author of "Let Me Prey Upon You".

🚨 Content Warning
This episode contains discussions of clergy sexual abuse and its impact on young people. While handled sensitively, listener discretion is advised.

The Story
At 16, Sandy Phillips Kirkham thought she had found a spiritual mentor in her youth pastor. Instead, she found herself trapped in a five-year nightmare of manipulation and abuse, masked behind the facade of religious guidance. Now, decades later, Sandy breaks her silence in this powerful episode, taking us through her journey from a trusting teenager to a fierce advocate for change.

But this isn't just a story about trauma – it's a testament to resilience. After years of carrying this burden alone, Sandy didn't just confront her abuser; she transformed her pain into purpose. Her book "Let Me Prey Upon You" rips away the veil of secrecy that often protects religious institutions, exposing how predators exploit faith to access their victims.

What makes this episode essential listening? Sandy doesn't just share her story – she provides a roadmap for change. Through raw, honest dialogue, she reveals the red flags she wishes someone had recognized, the systemic failures that protected her abuser, and most importantly, the path forward for survivors seeking to reclaim their faith and power. Whether you're a parent, religious leader, or someone grappling with their own trauma, Sandy's insights could help protect the next vulnerable teen or guide another survivor toward healing.

Chapters
(0:000) - Sandy's Story of Clergy Sexual Abuse
(12:47) - Manipulative Clergy Abuser's Control Tactics
(19:19) - Grooming, Betrayal and Consequences of Clergy Abuse
(25:27) - Church Responses to Clergy Abuse
(38:19) - Rebuilding Faith After Betrayal
(42:27) - Healing and Advocacy After Abuse
(52:18) - Gratitude for Enlightening Candid Conversation

Highlights
(06:48) Uncomfortable Progression of Physical Intimacy (23 Seconds)
(09:42) Inappropriate Relationship With Pastor (43 Seconds)
(16:15) Elders' Instructions in Church Scandal (44 Seconds)
(18:40) Sexual Misconduct Scandal Unfolds (82 Seconds)
(25:27) Exposing a Pastor's Dark Past (46 Seconds)
(32:23) Victims Seeking Validation From Churches (78 Seconds)
(39:31) Writing the Book (67 Seconds)
(47:16) Avoid Texting Between Adults and Children (55 Seconds)

Resources & Action Steps

1. Immediate Help:
   • Support Resources:
     • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
     • Online Chat: online.rainn.org
     • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
     • SNAP Network: snapnetwork
     • In an Emergency call or text 911
2. Prevention Guidelines:
   • Two-adult rule for youth activities
   • Transparent communication policies
   • Background check requirements
   • Social media and messaging protocols
3. Further Reading:
   • "Let Me Prey Upon You" by Sandy Phillips Kirkham
   • Hope of Survivors: https://www.thehopeofsurvivors.org/
   • COCA - Council on Child Abuse: https://www.cocachild.org/

If you're struggling, please reach out for support. You are not alone.

⭐️ SUBSCRIBE TO The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast ⭐️
https://www.youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers
https://mainlinevideostudio.com/gurus-and-game-changers
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gurus-game-changers/id1705702934

Connect with our Hosts:
Stacey: https://www.instagram.com/staceymgrant/
Mark: https://www.instagram.com/mark_lubragge_onair/

➡️ More about the guest: Dr. Alan E. Nelson, Ed.D., Global Leader, Founder of KidLead
Website: https://www.kidlead.com/
Educational

Ever wonder why some kids (and adults) naturally take charge while others follow? This week we're cracking the leadership code with Dr. Alan Nelson - the guy who teaches Navy SEALs by day and revolutionizes child leadership by night 👊

His take? The best leaders aren't born or made - they're caught early. After training NASA engineers and international military officers, he discovered something shocking: we're developing leaders way too late.

🔥 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your "strong-willed" child might be your family's next CEO
• The secret window of leadership development (hint: it's NOT the teen years)
• Real solutions that work from playground to boardroom

💡 From the expert who:

• Wrote 40 books on leadership
• Teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School
• Trained Top Gun pilots
• Studied thousands of young leaders worldwide

➡️ Chapters
(00:02) - "The 3-Year-Old CEO: Spotting Leadership DNA Early"
(07:40) - "From Bossy to Boss: Turning Strong Will into Skill"
(16:42) - "Playground Politics: Natural Leadership in Action"
(28:12) - "The Leadership Launch Pad: Your Home's Hidden Training Ground"

➡️ Highlights
(0:00:02) - "The 5-15 Rule: When Leaders Are Really Made"
Why these critical years determine your child's leadership future
(0:07:40) - "Dinner Table Leadership: Small Moments, Big Impact"
Hidden opportunities to build natural leaders at home
(0:16:43) - "Beyond 'Because I Said So': The Decision Secret"
Turn everyday choices into leadership gold
(0:28:12) - "Natural Leaders: Unlocking What's Already There"
Spot the signs, skip the pressure, watch them soar
Even punchier alternative:
(0:00:02) - "The Leadership Sweet Spot: Ages 5-15"
Why these years matter more than any leadership course
(0:07:40) - "Your Kitchen Table CEO Academy"
How daily family life builds tomorrow's leaders
(0:16:43) - "Smart Choices, Strong Leaders"
The simple decision trick that builds natural authority
(0:28:12) - "Born This Way? The Leadership Truth"
How to spot and spark their natural potential

⭐️ SUBSCRIBE TO The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast ⭐️
https://www.youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers
https://mainlinevideostudio.com/gurus-and-game-changers
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gurus-game-changers/id1705702934

Connect with our Hosts:
Stacey: https://www.instagram.com/staceymgrant/
Mark: https://www.instagram.com/mark_lubragge_onair/

➡️ More about the guest: Dr. Alan E. Nelson, Ed.D., Global Leader, Founder of KidLead
Website: https://www.kidlead.com/
Educational Series: Kid Lead Academy: https://www.kidlead.com/kla

➡️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast
*THE OPINIONS OF OUR GUESTS ARE NOT OURS*
The Gurus & Game Changers Video Podcast follows the paths of influential leaders from humble beginnings and/or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to where they are now.

💌 𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛 💌
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers?feature=shared
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurus_and_gamechangers/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HIA2sSNKIflt5KU8zfz9g?si=3f6e5ca2495e490a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gurus-game-changers-podcast/id1705702934

➡️ Thanks for watching:
#LeadershipPotential, #ChildDevelopment, #Nurturing, #YoungLeaders, #Success, #Cultivating, #Parenting, #Educators, #CollegeAdmissions, #AcademicProwess, #Decision-Making, #Teamwork, #OverprotectiveParenting, #CulturalDifferences, #Genetics, #IndividualPotential, #GrowthOpportunities

Find Your Voice, Own the Room: Communication Secrets from the Expert

Whether you're struggling to be heard at the dinner table, preparing for a difficult conversation with a loved one, or gearing up for a work presentation, communication expert Dr. Laura Sicola reveals the life-changing techniques that work in any situation.

➡️ Meet the Guest: Dr. Laura Sicola
With a University of Pennsylvania education in cognitive linguistics and a revolutionary TEDx talk that's inspired millions, Dr. Sicola brings both scientific expertise and real-world wisdom to everyday communication challenges. While she's coached Fortune 500 executives and UN leaders, her true passion lies in helping anyone who's ever felt unheard find their voice and make it count.

Discover:
💫 How to make people truly listen when you speak (no more being talked over!)
💫 The psychology behind why some voices command attention while others get ignored
💫 Simple tricks to boost your confidence before important conversations
💫 Ways to disagree respectfully while still getting your point across
💫 Techniques for speaking authentically in any situation - from family gatherings to job interviews

➡️ Chapters
[0:02] Finding Your Voice: The Art of Speaking to Influence
[3:59] Mastering Executive Presence (Even If You're Not an Executive)
[17:46] Game-Changing Communication Techniques Anyone Can Use
[24:34] Transform Your Voice: From Hesitant to Confident
[27:55] Discover Your Leadership Voice (It's Already Inside You!)

➡️ Highlights
[2:06] "Stop Doubting, Start Speaking" - Learn why most people hold back (and how to break free)
[4:33] The Three C's Revolution - A simple framework that changes everything about how you communicate
[18:41] The Preparation Playbook - Dr. Sicola's foolproof system for nailing any important conversation
[24:29] Social Media's Hidden Impact - How modern media is secretly changing your speaking style
[26:52] DIY Voice Transformation - Professional techniques you can practice at home (no coach needed!)
[33:23] Beyond Theory: Real Success Stories - Inspiring transformations and how to create your own

⭐️ SUBSCRIBE TO The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast ⭐️
https://www.youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers
https://mainlinevideostudio.com/gurus-and-game-changers
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gurus-game-changers/id1705702934

Connect with our Hosts:
Stacey: https://www.instagram.com/staceymgrant/
Mark: https://www.instagram.com/mark_lubragge_onair/

➡️ More about the guest:
Website:https://laurasicola.com/
Book: Speaking to Influence: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Influence-Mastering-Leadership-Voice/dp/B0CP4D611Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T5P4JUAQPSH6&keywords=speaking+to+influence+mastering+your+leadership+voice&qid=1703227556&s=books&sprefix=speaking+to+influence%2Cstripbooks%2C301&sr=1-1
Podcast: Speaking to Influence: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/

➡️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast
*THE OPINIONS OF OUR GUESTS ARE NOT OURS*
The Gurus & Game Changers Video Podcast follows the paths of influential leaders from humble beginnings and/or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to where they are now.

💌 𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛 💌
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers?feature=shared
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurus_and_gamechangers/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HIA2sSNKIflt5KU8zfz9g?si=3f6e5ca2495e490a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gurus-game-changers-podcast/id1705702934

➡️ Thanks for watching:
#Communication, #ExecutivePresence, #Voice, #Delivery, #Interactions, #CognitiveLinguistics, #CommunicationHurdles, #CommunicationStyle, #VocalPresence, #VirtualMeetings, #VocalClarity, #VocalHabit