CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains an open discussion of kidnapping, sexual assault and rape, which some listeners may find difficult.

In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I sit down with the incredible Jaclyn “Jacks” Genega: survivalist, wilderness educator and recent participant in the World Championship series of Alone. This is Part 1 of our conversation, with Part 2 to come shortly.

Jacks’ strength in the wilderness is extraordinary, but the story behind that strength is even more powerful. At just 19 years old, Jacks was kidnapped, brutally assaulted and raped by two men. For years afterwards, she carried the trauma, searching for meaning and trying to build a life that looked full on the outside while struggling to truly feel alive within it.

Jacks shares so openly about the long road from feeling wounded to becoming the woman she is today. Rather than allowing fear to dictate the boundaries of her life, she began learning how to understand it. She trained in wilderness survival, navigation and self-reliance, eventually taking herself on solo expeditions around the world and facing some of the very fears that had once held her back.

We also talk about her extraordinary experience on “Alone”, where the wilderness taught her something far greater than how long she could endure. It taught her about power, integrity, love and the courage to choose herself.

One thing Jacks says really stayed with me: the best way she could find justice was to live a meaningful life.

There is so much courage in this conversation, but there is also tenderness. Jacks reminds us that resilience isn't about becoming emotionless or proving how much pain we can withstand. Sometimes our greatest strength comes when we take back the pen, reclaim our own story and decide that fear will no longer be the author.

I know so many people will connect with Jacks’ story, and I am incredibly grateful to her for trusting us with it.

Get in touch with Jacks Genega:

Website: https://jacksgenega.com/

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Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.

Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com)

Mentioned in this episode:

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