At just 8 years old, Kelly Wallace faced the unimaginable—testifying in court against her own grandfather, a man who committed the heinous act of sexual abuse. Her story is a stark reminder of the silent battles that many face, hidden behind the closed doors of seemingly ordinary homes.
Kelly's journey is not just one of survival, but of unwavering courage and the pursuit of healing. As an alcoholic in recovery since 2001, she confronts the overlooked correlation between addiction and the trauma of sexual abuse. With raw honesty, Kelly discusses the ongoing challenges of trust and the complexities of family dynamics, especially when those who should protect you become the perpetrators.
In a poignant conversation that spans the personal to the systemic, Kelly reveals the inadequacies of a legal system that often fails the innocent, the generational cycles of abuse, and the power of speaking one's truth. Her voice is a clarion call for awareness, change, and the empowerment of survivors everywhere.
Join us as we dive into a narrative that, while difficult, is necessary for shedding light on the shadows of abuse and the strength it takes to stand against it. Kelly's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to fight back and forge a path towards a brighter, more just future.
Better Call Daddy: The Safe Space for Controversy.
Connect with Kelly
https://www.kellywallace.org/
Connect with Reena:
bettercalldaddy.com
linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts
twitter.com/reenareena
instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts
instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@bettercalldaddy
Me and my dad would love to hear from you. Drop us a review—reviews help more people find the show—and let us know what you like and what you'd like us to change. Please share the show with one friend who you think would be helped by the show.
ratethispodcast.com/bettercalldaddy
podchaser.com/bettercalldaddy
Castmagic is the AI tool I use for show notes and podcast title ideas; it has helped save me tons of time. Please use my affiliate link if you sign up: https://get.castmagic.io/bettercalldaddy
Show notes created by https://headliner.app
(00:00) This is the better call daddy show. Each week, I interview a guest, share stories with my dad
(01:38) Kelly Wallace is a sexual assault survivor and an alcoholic in recovery
(03:58) You testified when you were eight against your grandfather for sexually abusing you
(13:07) Kelly says most sexual assault survivors can't speak up about what happened
(20:10) Working out helps me with my mental health, and also creativity
(22:53) Have you had any spiritual awakenings or do you believe in God
(24:16) What do you think your purpose in life is and what is your legacy
(26:03) What's your relationship like with your mom now? My relationship with my mom is challenging
(34:09) You recently joined the advisory board of Incest Aware
(36:46) What's your interest in the Scientology piece? It's so funny
(39:28) You haven't reached out to your dad or grandfather since 1996
(44:51) Is time really heal for people with PTSD
(46:05) Do you think that everyone who's been sexually assaulted should have therapy
(48:05) You've had some of your videos go completely viral
(49:40) One question I did see in the comments of your story was, where was children protective services
(55:21) The court system is so hard. It's just being involved in any legal case is stressful
(56:52) Documents from Oregon child sexual abuse lawsuit were lost in a flood
(01:03:46) The whole consent thing is so new, and it's so foreign
(01:05:24) This is going to be quite an interesting conversation between my dad and me
(01:06:25) Kelly, this is really a tough episode. I had trouble sleeping after this interview
(01:09:27) This episode brings out a lot of issues about sex and court systems
---
🎙️ Thanks for podcasting with Headliner!
350. Riffs, Relationships, and Real Talk: Amy Edwards on Pursuing Passions Post-30
349. From Anxiety to Art: Tom Vaughan's Emotional Screenwriting Journey
348. The Sound of Freedom: How Paul Hutchinson is Challenging Child Exploitation
347. From Club Promoter to Podcast Star: Ken AKA Mr. Gentleman Lifestyle Podcast
346. Think Faster, Talk Smarter Podcast Host and Author Matt Abrahams
345. Terrorism and Trauma Leads to Ezra Max’s Truth
344. Happy Ending With Jerry Springer, He Got One Too: Big Baby Zach Strenkert
343. A Father And Son’s Guide to What the F is Next - David and Colton Chorpenning
342. From Coast Guard to Creative Writer: Tamara Miller Davis Despite the Buzz
341. The Vow, A Love Story And The Holocaust: Michael Ruskin
340. From Hollywood Production to a Heartfelt Reinvention: Jonathan Bogner
339. Wrestling with Life, Love, and Legacy: Marvelous Marc Mero’s Inspiring Path
338. A Clash of Worldviews: Spirituality, Intellectuality, and the Reality of the Israel Conflict: Batya Ungar-Sargon, Newsweek
337. Sal Greco, NYPD Officer Turned Advocate: Fighting Injustice and Corruption
336. From Tragedy to Healing: Lance Schuttler’s Journey in Questioning the Healthcare System
335. How do we utilize optimal stalking to master relationship building? Benoit Kim and Reena Watts
334. From Reality Television to Real Love: Creating Love On Purpose: Orna and Matthew Walters
333. The Adam Triple A. Adams: Grow Your Show Through Fatherhood, Podcasting, and Entrepreneurship
332. Fatherly Guidance: Bounce Back and Dad Up: Bryan Ward
331. From Podcaster to Matchmaker: Bruce Chamoff’s Vision for Podcast Networking
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Sackhoff Show
Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings
Team Deakins
You Can’t Make This Up
Script Apart