Five years ago Shattered Lives host Donna R. Gore was inspired by Crime Wire hosts, Dennis Griffin and Susan Murphy Milano to begin her very own podcast to record interviews with guests who could speak to the aftermath of crime, it’s victims, and resources to help the survivors.
Over the span of 5 years Shattered Lives has featured many expert guests and touched on a multitude of topics, often showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
In the beginning
The original Shattered Lives podcasts were 30 minute interviews with the following 7 episodes: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/donna-r-gore-ladyjustice
- Sgt. Mark Vanau on Elder Abuse
- Janice Smolinski on her missing son, Billy Smolinski
- Wanda and Sam Reiger on Resilience after Devastation
- Robin Kraemer of Interval House
- Robert Rahn and Kim Anklin Private Investigator of Management Resources of NY
- Attorney Michelle Cruz on Victim Advocacy
- Dr. Laurie Roth on recovering from brain injury and returning to the airwaves
Finding that 30 minutes was not enough time to convey important information, Shattered Lives moved to the Inside Lenz Network joining other podcasts; Crime Wire, We Know a Guy, and Writers Tricks of the Trade.
Reminiscing over the past 5 years for favorite samples was a daunting task considering all of the quality guests willing to talk about their respective issues.
Samples of Shattered Lives
The short list of samples of the hundreds of Shattered Lives episodes can be heard at any time, anywhere on a computer, tablet or phone.
Guest: Unabomber Ted Kaczynski’s brother David Kaczynski
David Kaczynski, brother of Ted is an enigma. He is a soft-spoken, dignified man who carries the weight of an anguished heart that will never heal. David is also considered the traitor. He is the one who turned in his brother “The Unabomber” to the authorities all those years ago based on Ted’s writings. David and his wife Linda saw Ted’s “Manifesto” published in the Washington Post, and noticed an eerie similarity in thought and language pattern using his personal correspondence as a comparison.
Guest: Duane Bowers, LPC has returned to Shattered Lives as a guest 8 times over the last 5 years to discuss various topics such as suicide, cultural trauma, and trauma informed care.
Duane T. Bowers, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Reiki Master in private practice. His work includes working with individuals and groups. He teaches workshops, seminars, and courses nationally and internationally, and through a variety of media. He is author of “Guiding Your Family Through Loss and Grief” and “A Child is Missing: Providing Support for Families of Missing Children” Duane Bowers ranks among the very few professionals globally who specialize in working with and providing support for families of missing children and missing adults.
Twice in 2016 Shattered Lives was honored to welcome Dr. David Fowler to the show. Dr. Fowler is the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Maryland.In his most recent episode he discusses the very important role that medical examiners play in public health matters.
From the CDC: Each state sets its own standards for what kinds of deaths require investigation and its own professional and continuing education requirements for individuals carrying out these investigations. These different standards can have a broad-reaching public health impact as variations in the collection and reporting of cause-of-death data could hinder public health officials’ ability to conduct accurate mortality surveillance.
What’s coming up for Shattered Lives?
Recently, Shattered Lives featured the Colonial Parkway murders and there are plans to create a series of future episodes talking to family members of other victims.
30 years ago there were a series of murders committed on Virginia’s Colonial Parkway, they have never been solved. Guest, Bill Thomas, brother of victim Cathleen Thomas, discusses the case and what it means to the families. The investigation is still ongoing and technology has advanced greatly over the years giving family members hope that justice will be served.
The success of Shattered Lives lies in its unique focus on the aftermath of a crime and resources for the victims left behind suffering without guidance. By sharing information, awareness, education, and allowing crime victims to have a voice, it’s hoped that it has created a positive impact and helped others in some way.
Host Donna Gore sincerely thanks all of her guests who have given their time, talents and generosity along with their willingness to assist others in need.
Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a resource to share? If you would like to be considered a guest on a future episode of Shattered Lives, contact Donna Gore at ladyjusticedonna@gmail.com or ImaginePublicity at contact@imaginepublicity.com
To schedule Donna R. Gore for your next conference, seminar or event, please contact ImaginePublicity. Phone: 843-808-0859 or Email: contact@imaginepublicity.com
ImaginePublicity 