This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Welcome to Grey Minds Think Alike. In this episode, we speak with Sandy Ross, former president of California Protective Parents and Executive Director of Family Court Awareness Month. Sandy brings her extensive expertise in child safety issues in child custody cases, drawing on her work in forensic and child and adolescent psychology. She has played a pivotal role in passing California's Piqui's Law and received numerous accolades, including the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council's Breaking Silent Survivor Activist Award. Sandy shares her personal journey, the challenges within the family court system, and effective advocacy strategies. Join us as we explore the critical issues and impactful efforts to protect children and support survivors.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:04 Sandy Ross: Advocate and Survivor

00:57 Billboards and Awareness Campaigns

02:59 Personal Journey and Family Court Challenges

04:28 Systemic Issues in Family Court

09:00 Advice for Protective Parents

14:47 The Need for Systemic Change

18:56 Cross-System Challenges and Personal Experiences

23:47 Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

24:47 Support Groups and Peer Support

25:40 Involvement with Advocacy Organizations

27:55 Piqui's Law: A Personal Mission

30:23 The Tragic Story Behind Piqui's Law

33:49 Advocacy and Legislative Challenges

42:00 Celebrating Advocacy and Future Plans

About Sandy Ross

Sandy Ross is the President of the California Protective Parents Association and the Executive Director of Family Court Awareness Month, where she works tirelessly to reform the family court system and advocate for child safety in custody cases involving abuse. With a master’s degree in forensic psychology and a graduate certificate in child and adolescent psychology, Sandy has spent more than a decade training professionals and educating the public about dangerous personality traits and systemic failures that endanger children. A survivor and the protective parent of a now-adult child survivor, she played a key role in the passage of Piqui’s Law and was honored with the Breaking Silence Survivor Activist Award for her leadership and courage.

Contact:

California Protective Parents Association

Family Court Awareness Month

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this episode of 'Grey Minds Think Alike,' host Ali Kessler dives into the emotional lives of parents with experts Hillary Jacobs Hendel and Dr. Juli Fraga. They discuss their new book, 'Parents Have Feelings Too,' which offers practical tools for parents to manage and honor their emotions. The conversation covers why parents often neglect their own emotional needs, the impact of attachment styles, and practical steps to bring calmness and joy into family life. Hendel and Fraga share their professional insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional education and self-awareness for the entire family's well-being.

Parents Have Feelings, Too book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788442/parents-have-feelings-too-by-hilary-jacobs-hendel/

About Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW: Hilary Jacobs Hendel is a Certified AEDP psychotherapist and supervisor, and psychoanalyst. She is the author of the award-winning and acclaimed It's Not Always Depression, and her work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, TIME, and Oprah.

hilaryjacobshendel.com | IG: @hilaryjacobshendel | Facebook: @AuthorHilaryJacobsHendel

About Juli Fraga, PsyD: Juli Fraga is a psychologist and parenting educator. She has contributed to national outlets like The New York Times, Parents magazine, and NPR. She is also on the medical advisory board of Baby Center and teaches classes for expectant parents at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) hospital.drjulifraga.com | IG: @parentshavefeelingstoo | X: @dr_fraga

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Join host Ali Kessler on Grey Minds Think Alike as she dives deep with Nicole Hernandez, a board-certified hypnotist, success coach and human design advisor from New York City. Nicole shares her journey from corporate anxiety to becoming a healing guide, specializing in transforming anxiety into an edge through her high-frequency success approach. Discover how Nicole's unique combination of hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and human design helps high achievers and anxious individuals lead more fulfilling lives. Learn about the misconceptions of hypnosis, the impact of childhood trauma on present anxiety, and the holistic healing potential of human design. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to overcome stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages to achieve true clarity, confidence, and success.

About Nicole Hernandez

Known as The Traveling Hypnotist, Nicole Hernandez is a clinical Board-Certified hypnotist based in New York City with globe-trotting tendencies. She is also an anxiety educator, speaker, and Resident Healer for the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Nicole specializes in helping anxious high achievers become impactful, conscious leaders that can navigate life transitions with a sense of clarity and ease. After healing her own anxiety-related illness with hypnosis, she felt a deep calling to demystify the healing modality and help others. Her signature approach combines modern hypnotherapy, mindfulness, somatics, and her intuitive gift. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, BeLatina, BestLife, Forbes, Success, Texas Monthly, Wall Street Journal, and more.

Guest Links

Free Love Yourself Hypo-Meditation Download: www.thetravelinghypnotist.com

Nicole Hernandez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelinghypnotist/

Nicole Hernandez Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenicolehernandez/

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors: A Deep Dive with Lammy Askar from AVDA

Welcome to Grey Minds Think Alike! In this episode, we dive into an enlightening and empowering conversation with Lammy Askar, Chief Program Officer at Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA). Lammy shares her extensive experience in working with youth survivors, communities, and the transformative programs AVDA offers to end cycles of abuse. Learn about AVDA’s comprehensive services, including emergency shelters, outreach programs, prevention education, and innovative resources like a text-enabled hotline. Discover crucial insights on recognizing signs of abuse, understanding different forms of violence, and the importance of prevention and empowerment. This conversation is essential for anyone invested in breaking generational patterns of abuse and promoting healing and safety for survivors. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and support efforts to raise awareness and provide help to those in need.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:47 Lammy Askar's Journey and Expertise

02:16 Overview of AVDA Services

03:24 Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing

06:40 Collaboration with Law Enforcement

08:38 Challenges and Types of Abuse

11:19 Legal Aid and Confidentiality

21:14 Prevention and Community Education

25:05 Community Awareness and Domestic Violence

26:03 Seasonal Patterns in Domestic Violence

27:43 Recognizing Teen Dating Red Flags

35:02 Empowering Survivors Through Education

38:59 Personal Stories and Impact

45:30 Resources and Support for Survivors

About Lammy Askar- Chief Program Officer to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc. (AVDA)

Lammy Askar is the Chief Program Officer at AVDA – Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc., where she leads comprehensive programs focused on ending domestic and dating violence. With an extensive background in both nonprofit and educational spaces, Lammy has dedicated her career to youth advocacy, violence prevention, and systems change. She brings years of expertise in the areas of domestic abuse, child protection, and survivor empowerment, always with a deep commitment to social transformation. Lammy is a passionate educator and advocate, working to equip communities with the tools needed to create lasting safety and healing. https://www.avdaonline.org/

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in the successful passage of Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Navigating Trauma and Healing: A Deep Dive with Dr. Lisa Fox

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Lisa Dawn Fox, founder of Shadow and Soul. Dr. Fox shares her inspiring journey from being a surgeon to becoming a transformative healer focused on trauma, betrayal, and emotional recovery. She delves into her personal experiences with coercive control and emotional suppression, offering insights into recognizing and overcoming these challenges. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking deeper understanding or navigating their own path to inner alignment and healing.

About Dr. Lisa Fox:

Dr. Lisa Dawn Fox is the founder of Shadow and Soul, a sacred space for deep healing, truth-telling, and personal reclamation. With a doctorate in Transformative Studies and decades of experience guiding individuals through trauma recovery, relational healing, and spiritual awakening, Dr. Fox supports those navigating the aftermath of coercive control, betrayal, and emotional fragmentation.

Her work blends psychology, intuitive guidance, and nervous system awareness to help clients reconnect with their authentic voice, discern truth from illusion, and find safety within themselves after emotionally destabilizing experiences.

Dr. Fox specializes in helping people recognize and recover from relational patterns rooted in shame, suppression, and survival. Through 1:1 coaching, curated workshops, and her signature Shadow Work process, she creates space for individuals to excavate long-buried truths, integrate disowned parts of self, and step into conscious wholeness.

Grounded, trauma-informed, and soul-centered, Lisa's presence is both fierce and compassionate — a guide for those ready to move from fear to clarity, and from fragmentation to freedom.

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this episode, Ali Kessler interviews David Mandel, founder of the Safe and Together Institute, discussing his extensive experience in child welfare and domestic violence reform. David shares insights on the Safe and Together model, which aims to keep children safe by holding perpetrators accountable and partnering with protective parents. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in child safety, the importance of understanding fatherhood, and the myths surrounding parental alienation. David emphasizes the need for systemic change in how child protection agencies approach domestic violence cases, advocating for a more equitable treatment of mothers and fathers.

About David Mandel:

With over 35 years in domestic violence and child welfare, David created the Safe & Together Model, a transformative approach to how systems respond to domestic abuse involving children. He identified how a perpetrator pattern–based approach enhances collaboration with survivors, parental intervention, and child outcomes. David founded the Safe & Together Institute, working globally with governments and NGOs, offering training, consulting, e-learning, and trainer certification. The Model is relevant across sectors like family court, law enforcement, mental health, and more. He has authored numerous articles, book chapters, and a recent book, "Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers," available on Amazon.

Contact:

https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/about-our-standards/staff-faculty/

Safe and Together Institute

https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/stop-blaming-mothers-and-ignoring-fathers-book/

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Adrianne Phoenix’s Journey: Surviving Domestic Abuse and Breaking Cycles

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, we speak with Adrianne Phoenix, a survivor of domestic abuse and childhood trauma. Adrianne discusses her work with FACTS (Families Against Court Travesty), her experiences navigating family court, and her ongoing efforts to ensure her children do not fall into the same patterns of abuse. Emphasizing advocacy and humor as tools for healing, Adrianne shares her journey of finding her voice and breaking generational cycles. Tune in to hear her insights on the complexities of domestic violence, sibling abuse, and the importance of transparency and community support.

About Adrianne Phoenix:

Adrianne is a mom, survivor, and parent advocate who is passionate about using humor to navigate life’s complexities. As a child, Adrianne was abandoned by her father and was living with her borderline mother, which led her down a long path of abusive relationships. Now a middle-aged mom of three, Adrianne navigates the uncertainties of life while battling the cruel injustice in family court, using humor to get through life’s hardest challenges.

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

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This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Dr. Ramani on Narcissism: Healing, Boundaries, and Moving Forward | Grey Minds Think Alike

In this informative episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, co-hosts Ali and Randee Kogan welcome Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and leading expert on narcissism, toxic relationships, and emotional wellness. Dr. Ramani delves into her journey of becoming an expert on narcissism, the impact of narcissistic abuse, and the dynamics of healing from such relationships. Additionally, they discuss the complexities of co-parenting with narcissistic individuals, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of realistic expectations and radical acceptance. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Ramani's latest bestseller, 'It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People,' and discover valuable insights and practical tools for healing and empowerment.

About Dr. Ramani Durvasula:

Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in California, the founder and CEO of LUNA Education, Training and Consulting, and professor emeritus. She is the New York Times Bestselling Author of It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People. She is also the author of multiple other books including “Don’t You Know Who I Am”: How to Stay Sane in the Era of Narcissism, Entitlement and Incivility and Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship With a Narcissist. She has lectured and trained therapists around the world on best practices on working with clients experiencing narcissistic abuse and has developed a 36 hour virtual training and certification program in conjunction with PESI to train clinicians on how to use an Antagonism-Informed approach with clients experiencing narcissistic relationships. maintains a program offering support and education to thousands of survivors, and is a featured expert on the digital media platform MedCircle. She also maintains an engaged online network called the Dr. Ramani Network. She has also been widely involved in the governance of the American Psychological Association, including the APA Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology and the APA Minority Fellowship Program. Dr. Durvasula received her M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from UCLA, and completed her internship and post-doctoral training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric...