Episodes

  • Forced To Wed : The Child Bride Who Fled Bangladesh
    Jun 25 2025

    WARNING: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, forced marriage, rape, and suicide. Please listen with care, especially if these topics may be triggering. While Saleema’s story is one of survival and strength, it includes distressing events that may not be suitable for all audiences.


    This conversation delves into the harrowing experience of forced marriage, exploring the cultural and familial pressures that lead to such situations. Salema shares her personal journey from the UK to Bangladesh, where she faced coercion into marriage against her will. The discussion highlights the emotional and psychological trauma associated with forced marriages, the struggle for autonomy, and the long-term effects of such experiences. Salema's story is one of resilience, as she navigates the complexities of family loyalty, cultural expectations, and personal freedom.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:11 Childhood and Family Dynamics

    05:59 Cultural Expectations and Identity

    07:45 Awareness of Arranged and Forced Marriages

    08:34 The Trip to Bangladesh

    10:52 The Proposal and Pressure to Marry

    14:45 The Pressure of Expectations

    15:25 Isolation and Emotional Abuse

    16:30 Manipulation and Control

    17:21 The Flight Cancellation

    18:41 The Engagement Trap

    20:49 The Reality of Marriage

    22:09 Reaching Out for Help

    24:56 The Aftermath of Trauma

    27:32 The Long Road to Recovery

    29:32 Betrayal and Family Dynamics

    30:31 The Impact of Forced Marriage

    33:29 Reflections on the Past

    34:32 Cultural Pressures and Personal Choices

    35:31 The Reality of Marriage and Consent

    36:57 Survival Mechanisms and Coping Strategies

    38:39 Breaking the Cycle: Awareness and Advocacy

    40:02 The Journey of Healing

    42:23 Love and Relationships After Trauma Takeaways


    TAKEAWAYS : Forced marriages often stem from cultural expectations and family pressure. The experience of being coerced into marriage can lead to severe psychological trauma. Emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse in forced marriage situations. The concept of engagement in some cultures can equate to marriage without consent. Support from friends and organizations can be crucial in escaping forced marriages. The journey back to autonomy can be fraught with challenges and emotional turmoil. Betrayal by family members can complicate the healing process after trauma. Coping mechanisms may include focusing on personal achievements and goals. The long-term effects of trauma can manifest years after the event. Awareness and education about forced marriages are essential for prevention.

    KEYWORDS / TAGS : forced marriage, arranged marriage, cultural expectations, trauma, family dynamics, escape, resilience, women's rights, emotional abuse, cultural identity


    *This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Views expressed on this podcast solely reflect those of the host and do not reflect the views of Pionaire.

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    42 mins
  • My Body Is A Crime Scene: The Acid Attack
    Jun 18 2025

    Content Warning:

    This episode contains discussions of violence, attempted murder, and an ongoing court case. For legal reasons, we have bleeped out the name of the alleged attacker, as proceedings are still underway. Please listen with care, especially if these topics may be triggering.


    In this powerful conversation, Davina shares her harrowing experience of surviving an acid attack, detailing her life before the incident, the attack itself, and the long road to recovery. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, her journey of self-discovery, and her aspirations for the future. Throughout the conversation, themes of resilience, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of empathy for other victims are highlighted, showcasing Davina's strength and determination to overcome adversity.


    Please leave a review and make sure you SUBSCRIBE! If you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.com To request Stefanie to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.com


    FOLLOW ME: IG: instagram.com/steffrjones YouTube: / @stefandtea


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

    00:22 Life Before the Attack

    00:51 The Relationship with Alleged Attacker

    00:51 The Night of the Attack

    00:52 Waking Up in the Hospital

    01:25 The Recovery Journey

    02:20 The Impact of Pain on Relationships

    03:22 Rebuilding Body Image After Trauma

    04:40 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

    04:57 The Pursuit of Justice

    05:49 The Horrors of the Justice System

    07:35 Empathy for Other Survivors

    08:01 Navigating Safety and PTSD

    08:54 Finding Healing Through Support

    09:32 Looking Forward: Goals and Aspirations

    10:18 Understanding Survivors' Needs

    10:18 The Search for Answers

    10:26 Confronting the Attacker

    11:25 The Ongoing Journey of Closure


    Takeaways


    Davina was living a vibrant life in Hawaii before the attack. She experienced red flags in her relationship with her alleged attacker. The attack was sudden and life-altering, involving a gun and acid. Recovery from the attack was physically and emotionally grueling. Davina found strength through prayer, reading, and support from friends. Her relationship with her body changed drastically after the attack. The pursuit of justice for her attacker is ongoing and frustrating. Davina empathizes with other victims of violence. She struggles with PTSD and feelings of safety post-attack. Davina is now focused on her future goals and helping others. Davina, acid attack, recovery, resilience, bodybuilding, trauma, justice, PTSD, self-identity, empowerment


    *This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Views expressed on this podcast solely reflect those of the host and do not reflect the views of Pionaire.



    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins
  • Leaving L.A. for L’Amour
    Jun 11 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Stefanie and Ursulline explore the transformative journey of moving to Paris in search of love and a better life. Ursulline shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of dating in a new city, the cultural differences between American and French men, and the importance of intentionality in relationships. The discussion highlights the emotional and practical aspects of uprooting one's life for love, the realities of living abroad, and the beauty of embracing new experiences. Through their shared stories, they inspire listeners to take risks and pursue their dreams, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination.


    00:00 Introduction and Personal Challenges

    00:16 The Decision to Move to Paris

    04:04 Navigating Discomfort and Risk

    07:03 Love and Relationships in a New City

    09:52 Emotional Attachments and Letting Go

    12:32 Navigating the Challenges of Relocation

    14:04 The Journey of Dating in a New City

    18:24 Cultural Differences in Dating Norms

    23:39 Understanding Gender Roles and Expectations

    24:03 The Dynamics of Modern Dating

    25:15 Intentionality in Relationships

    26:12 Cultural Differences in Courtship

    30:21 The Importance of Intentionality

    36:06 Language Barriers and Cultural Exchange

    40:26 The Art of Courtship

    42:29 Myths of Love Abroad

    44:15 Navigating Visa Challenges

    44:17 Embracing French Culture

    46:34 Pursuing Dreams and Financial Stability

    46:50 The Journey of Resilience


    Please leave a review and make sure you SUBSCRIBE!


    If you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.com


    To request Stefanie to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.com



    FOLLOW ME:


    IG: instagram.com/steffrjones

    YouTube: youtube.com/@stefandtea



    Keywords:


    Paris, dating, love, adventure, cultural differences, relationships, personal growth, expatriate life, self-discovery, intentionality

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    46 mins
  • Silence Kills: Inside the Mind of an FBI Hostage Negotiator
    Jun 4 2025

    In this conversation, Scott Harvey shares his unique journey from being trained by the FBI in negotiation to applying those skills in both high-stress situations and everyday life. He emphasizes the importance of communication, listening, and emotional intelligence in fostering relationships and resolving conflicts. Scott discusses the dangers of silence in both personal and professional contexts, advocating for open dialogue about mental health and the need for supportive workplace cultures. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he illustrates how presence and rapport can make a significant difference in crisis situations, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace uncomfortable conversations for growth and understanding.



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Conversation

    01:32 Scott's Journey into Hostage Negotiation

    03:43 The Importance of Communication Skills

    05:39 Training and Techniques in Negotiation

    08:07 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

    11:58 Real-Life Negotiation Scenarios

    15:56 Building Rapport and Trust

    20:13 Reflections on Recidivism and Relationships

    23:19 The Power of Self-Control

    24:26 The Importance of Communication

    26:27 Building Rapport in Leadership

    28:15 Understanding Mental Health and Suicide

    31:38 Navigating Difficult Conversations

    35:46 Managing Emotions in Leadership

    40:22 Navigating Difficult Conversations

    43:19 Understanding Emotions in Crisis Negotiation

    45:00 Lessons from Crisis Negotiation in Personal Life

    47:27 The Power of Presence

    53:28 Reflections on a Career in Crisis Management


    Please leave a review and make sure you SUBSCRIBE!


    If you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.com


    To request Stefanie to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.com



    FOLLOW ME:


    IG: instagram.com/steffrjones

    YouTube: youtube.com/@stefandtea


    Keywords

    communication, negotiation, emotional intelligence, crisis management, mental health, leadership, rapport, listening skills, hostage negotiation, workplace culture

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • Brain Cancer Was The Best Thing Thats Happened To Me
    May 28 2025

    In this conversation, Grace Wethor shares her incredible journey as a brain tumor survivor, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced since her diagnosis at the age of 13. She reflects on the impact of her illness on her relationships, mental health, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest despite the uncertainties. Grace also explores the complexities of living with an invisible illness, the role of empathy in her life, and her aspirations for the future. Throughout the discussion, she offers valuable insights on resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of embracing life's adventures.


    Please leave a review and make sure you SUBSCRIBE!


    If you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.com


    To request Stefanie to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.com



    FOLLOW ME:


    IG: instagram.com/steffrjones

    YouTube: youtube.com/@stefandtea


    Key Words:

    brain tumor, cancer survivor, mental health, resilience, personal growth, storytelling, empathy, wellness, social media, relationships

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    50 mins
  • Surviving The Tsunami : Riley Kehoe's Story
    May 21 2025

    In this conversation, Riley Kehoe shares her harrowing experience of surviving the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, which struck while she was on vacation with her family. She recounts the moments leading up to the disaster, the chaos that ensued, and the profound impact it had on her life. Riley discusses the importance of faith, courage, and community support in overcoming trauma, as well as her journey to healing and finding purpose in sharing her story. She emphasizes the significance of facing fears and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges, ultimately inspiring others to embrace their own journeys of courage.


    Please leave a review and make sure you SUBSCRIBE!


    If you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.com


    To request Stefanie to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.com



    FOLLOW ME:


    IG: instagram.com/steffrjones

    YouTube: youtube.com/@stefandtea


    Keywords


    tsunami, survival, courage, faith, family, trauma, healing, motherhood, resilience, storytelling

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • Giving Up Eternal Life For Coffee : Escaping The Mormon Church
    May 21 2025

    In this conversation, Alyssa shares her experiences growing up in the Mormon Church, discussing the expectations placed on women, the indoctrination of guilt, and the challenges of leaving the faith. She reflects on her marriage, the complexities of polygamy in the afterlife, and the emotional turmoil of navigating family relationships after her departure from the church. Alyssa also discusses her journey towards personal freedom, including her experiences with missionary work, the impact of her online presence, and the importance of bodily autonomy.





    Keywords


    Mormon Church, personal experiences, caffeine, expectations, guilt, family, marriage, polygamy, afterlife, missionary work, bodily autonomy

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
  • Stef & Tea Coming May 21st! (The Trailer)
    May 15 2025

    Stefanie Rycraft Jones is a TV personality as seen on Morning In America, NewsNation, EXTRA (previously co-host of the national talk show Daily Blast Live), and host of the Stef & Tea Podcast. Known for her lively personality and sharp wit, Stefanie brings candid conversations and fresh insights to both TV and podcasting. Launching everywhere May 21st!

    We'd love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/steftea

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 min