Safe Space is a show about subjects that are hard to talk about–a respectful forum for courageous conversations about difficult subjects in order to reduce stigma, provide education, offer hope and access to resources. It is a space for the in depth discussion of matters that touch hearts and yet feel risky to share; subjects that deserve, but rarely get, thoughtful consideration.
The topics on Safe Space often deal with the guests’ courage to accept difference in themselves, especially when they feel afraid or ashamed about that difference. Shame is a painful psychological and emotional experience, but it is also a cultural and political force. All acts of courage inspire others to take risks, to express themselves, to be themselves. Such acts have political force to stand up to silencing, to create change.
Each show attempts to name and acknowledge difficult feelings, and to honor those who have found their own way of putting them into perspective. Listening to Safe Space will introduce you to many who are daring to speak about what is true for them as they find a way to turn their deepest wounds or hidden struggles into a gift for others. Giving voice to the unspeakable is ultimately an act of generosity and courage that makes our world more hospitable and welcoming to the parts of each of us that feel vulnerable.
Mission
The mission of Safe Space Radio is to inspire courageous conversations, break down the barriers that divide us, and create compassionate communities.
Anne Hallward MD
Dr. Hallward is a Board certified psychiatrist in Portland, Maine. She trained at Harvard Medical School, and served on the faculty at Harvard, teaching at Cambridge Hospital, before moving to Maine. Her interest in creating space for open conversation about difficult subjects began in her teens when she noticed that very few adults seemed to be talking about intimate or difficult subjects. While at Harvard, she taught classes on Death and Dying, Human Sexuality, Psychiatric Interviewing, Psychotherapy and Cultural Competence. The one thing these classes all have in common is that they address subjects that people avoid talking about. She approaches these tender subjects respectfully, in a way that gives acknowledgment and recognition to feelings and fears that have been carried in silence.
Dr. Hallward is also available for speaking engagements, please see her detailed CV for further information. Hallward cv 2017
Anne is also initiating a study on pediatric medical trauma, looking at the long term impact of urological procedures that are done on young girls. This is another not-discussed subject that can have long-lasting impact particularly if the fear and pain of the procedures are not named and acknowledged. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact her at dr.anne@safespaceradio.com.
Brit Hanson
Brit Hanson is Safe Space Radio’s Senior Producer. She is a graduate of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and has a background in public radio reporting and community organizing.
Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, Miami Herald, North Country Public Radio, St. Louis Public Radio, Omaha Public Radio, Life of the Law and more.
Brit has been the recipient of the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Public Service in Radio Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Best Digital Presence and Best Continuing Coverage Award from the New York State Associated Press Association, the Gabriel Award for New Media, and the Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting (Region B) Award and Best Multimedia Presentation (Region B) Award from PRNDI – Public Radio News Directors Incorporated.
Public service journalism is her life’s work.
Dana Glass
Dana Glass is Program Director at Safe Space Radio. Before joining the staff of SSR, Dana was a college English instructor in New Orleans, where she also edited a literary journal and taught creative writing in the prison system. Before that, she recorded hundreds of stories as a facilitator with StoryCorps and coordinated outreach and communications for their Historias Initiative.
Thanks
Our thanks go out to WMPG for believing in the show from the beginning. Also to broadcaster Neil Mckenty for his wise counsel and detailed feedback on most of our early shows. Thanks too to Jim Russell, the Program Doctor, for his clarity and guidance.