Man vs Bear: A Conversation on Safety and Trust
- Author
- Theresa Hubbard and Walker Bird
- Published
- Fri 25 Jul 2025
- Episode Link
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myinnerknowing/episodes/Man-vs-Bear-A-Conversation-on-Safety-and-Trust-e35vq48
⚠️ Sensitive Content: Sexual Assault and Trauma
This episode includes real, personal stories about sexual assault and trauma. If that feels tender or overwhelming right now, we invite you to listen with care or come back when the timing feels right. And if anything we share brings something up for you, please know you're not alone. It’s okay to reach out for support. You deserve to feel safe, held, and supported on your journey.
What would make a woman choose a bear over a man in the woods? This honest, emotional conversation explores why that question resonates for so many and what it reveals about our internal stories and lived experiences.
"I don’t ever think that a woman is going to come running out of the woods to harm me."
What You'll Learn
→ How fear lives in the body even after healing
→ Why intention doesn't always equal safety
→ What it means to hold space when we don't fully understand
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Episode Links & Resources
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National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) Website
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Confidential support via phone or live chat, 24/7
Crisis Text Line Website
Text HOME to 741741
For any emotional crisis, including sexual trauma
Episode Chapters
00:00 Welcome and setting the scene
01:14 Why some listeners prefer watching
02:41 New YouTube series announcement
04:53 Free mini course details
05:25 Man vs bear concept explained
07:19 Walker’s initial reaction
08:49 Exploring what fear really feels like
12:40 Theresa reflects on real experiences
15:52 Story of early trauma and confusion
19:20 When people cross invisible lines
24:04 Assumptions, power, and safety
30:12 Walker asks about flirting vs assault
33:53 What made Theresa feel safe in their relationship
36:53 Mowing alone and the weight of hypervigilance
40:49 Holding space and raising boys differently
44:08 Closing thoughts and what helps us heal
Topics we explore in this episode include:
nervous system awareness, fear and safety, trauma-informed healing, gendered experiences, relational power, survivor stories, embodied trauma, emotional honesty, boundaries, holding space
