Amanda Le’Anne Brunzell | Dreamer

On episode 2 of the MST Podcast, we talk with Amanda Le’Anne Brunzell about her MST experience in the navy, years of traumatic silence, and how she now uses her story and voice as an advocate for MST survivors.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

The worst day of her life was when Amanda Le’Anne Brunzell was diagnosed with a brain tumor . . . and she was raped by a fellow sailor. Sure, she had been drinking to help process the shocking news of her medical condition. And despite Amanda’s plea for help regarding her sexual assault, the navy focused instead on her underage drinking. “Bad behavior,” the military declared, sending Amanda to alcohol awareness training. As for her rapist? He eventually admitted his crime and the navy declared that for his “bad behavior” he would get kicked out of his training school and moved to another duty station.

For too many survivors of MST, command indifference (or cover up) for sex crimes is a familiar experience, one that often causes as much trauma as the original assault.

On this episode, Amanda shares how she now uses her story and voice as an advocate for MST survivors.

This episode was recorded July 14, 2018 in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Host: Lauren DelRicci. Guests: Amanda Le’Anne Brunzell. Audiography: Kevin Farkas/The Social Voice Project. Music (available on SoundCloud.com): Nicolai Heidlas Music (“Wings”), Pipe Choir Records (“Inscencer”), 9 Smooth Vibe (“Soul Lounge Mix”), Alyssa Riley (“Runaway”). Additional sound (available on Youtube): Dept. of Defense (“Sexual Assault – Retaliation,” “Get Consent”). MST Podcast cover art: Nickie Renee Artistry. ©MST Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Where our stories are told, others can unfold. The MST Podcast features hopeful conversations with survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). Because there is a direct connection between storytelling, compassion, empathy, and healing, MST also stands for My Story Told. Through stories we connect, we understand, and we heal. Specifically, through stories of hope and possibility we can also inspire other veterans and trauma survivors to shift from surviving to thriving. Our guests lead by example, they speak up about their trauma, and they reveal that what works in their lives just might work for others. We think it’s our duty to listen and learn. Lauren DelRicci hosts the podcast. She is a veteran of the US Navy and an MST survivor.

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