In this episode, Paris chats with Meg Appelgate, survivor, author of Becoming UNSILENCED, and founder of Unsilenced, about what really goes on behind closed doors in the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States.
Meg shares her experience growing up in these institutions, the lack of oversight that allows abuse to continue, and why “tough love” approaches often cause more harm than healing. We dive into how normal teenage behaviour gets pathologised, the emotional toll of gaslighting and victim-blaming, and what kind of real support families need when they’re struggling.
While the focus is on the US system, we also reflect on how some of these same patterns might be playing out here in Australia, and what we should be keeping an eye on.
We also talk about:
Why it took years for Meg to speak up
The work Unsilenced is doing to support survivors
The importance of finding your voice after trauma
How to challenge broken systems and protect young people
Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations around trauma and institutional abuse.
You can find Meg Appelgate here:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramYouTubeTikTok
Thank you to our Production Team:
Editing: Steve Dearden
Marketing: Sarah Miller
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Australia Wide Directory of Services:
https://www.myservices.org.au/
Western Australian AOD Services:
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Aus AOD Phone Line:
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
Aus Phone Lines for Anxiety, Depression, Suicide Ideation:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Services: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Mind Spot: 1800 61 44 34
Head to Health: 1800 595 212
Mens Line: 1300 78 99 78
Aus Phone Lines for First Nations:
13YARN: 13 92 76
Thirrili: 1800 805 801
Aus Phone Lines for LGBTQIA+ Community:
QLife: 1800 184 527
Aus Phone Lines for Children/Youth:
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Headspace: 1800 650 890
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https://www.thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au/
https://www.claremacleodconsultancy.com/
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https://a2apodcast.com/
https://dannyshannon.com.au/
https://encapsulator.io/
https://emmamakepeace.com/
https://addictioncoachingaustralia.com.au
https://beyondallbounds.com.au/
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