Uproot Abuse

About Uproot Abuse

'Uproot Abuse' is a groundbreaking podcast dedicated to confronting the pervasive epidemic of interpersonal violence in America. Host Donna Bartos, author of 'Are You Blooming or Wilting?' and founder of Bloom 365, draws from her own experiences with abuse to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change. Each episode dives deep into the root causes of violence, examining red flags, risk factors, and the path toward healthier relationships. With insights from trusted peer influencers, subject matter experts, and special guests, the show empowers communities to educate, intervene, and disrupt the cycle of abuse before it begins. Join us on a mission to challenge the status quo and help create safer, more compassionate communities for future generations.

Publisher

Donna Bartos

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Feb 2025

Latest episode

11 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

1 of 43 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Ep 42 The Heart of Mentorship: How Empathy Counters Youth Loneliness

   In this episode of Uproot Abuse, Donna sits down with Laura Capello, former CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central AZ and current Regional Director at Cohere Life, to examine the silent drivers of youth harm: loneliness and insecurity. With hundreds of children waiting for mentors and the "noise" of AI and social media reaching a fever pitch, Laura discusses why the "Trusted Adult" model is more critical than ever. We explore empathy as a superpower and how we can uproot abusive behaviors by teaching the next generation that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s time to trade digital algorithms for human connection and provide our youth with the role models they deserve.

2. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Ep 41 Replacing Systemic Judgment with Radical Compassion

   In this episode of Uproot Abuse we dig into the systemic roots of bias and rejection with Nate Rhoton, CEO of one·n·ten. We explore the empathy gap and the urgent need for sensitivity in a climate where 38% of LGBTQ+ youth aren't safe enough to come out to their own families. From the funding crises sparked by political rhetoric to the "terrorist" labeling of trans individuals by extremist groups, Nate and Donna discuss how misinformation fuels abuse and strips away safe spaces in schools and communities. This conversation is a call to uproot judgment and replace it with the compassion necessary to ensure every young person can celebrate their true self.

3. 

   11 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Ep 40 “Power To, Not Power Over:” Gloria Feldt on Reclaiming Autonomy

   What if the key to ending domestic violence isn't just funding more shelters, but fundamentally redefining power? In this episode of UPA, host Donna Bartos sits down with the legendary Gloria Feldt—former President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and current CEO of Take The Lead. With a career spanning from Head Start classrooms in West Texas to the national political stage, Gloria brings a lifetime of fierce advocacy to a candid discussion on the "Prevention Gap."We dive deep into the "Elephant in the Room:" why society finds it easier to fund crisis intervention for victims than to invest in preventing interpersonal and domestic violence at the root. Gloria challenges the 2025 McKinsey report’s findings on the "ambition gap," arguing that women don’t lack ambition—they lack the corporate and societal support systems that men take for granted.Through the lens of her books, No Excuses and Intentioning Gloria explains her transformative shift from "Power Over" (oppression) to "Power To" (creation and energy). We tackle the sexual double standards that shame women’s autonomy, the urgent need for male accountability in reproductive rights, and why we must stop normalizing the objectification of women. This isn't just a conversation about the steps backward in a post-Title IX world; it’s a masterclass in using controversy as an opportunity for radical societal change.

Inside a recent episode

Ep 40 “Power To, Not Power Over:” Gloria Feldt on Reclaiming Autonomy

Published 11 Mar 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And sometimes if something is controversial, both parties will or all parties will see something in a different light and have a better understanding of each other. And I think that's a big elephant in our room. And people are complaining these days about the fact that, oh, politics is so polarized, I can't talk to so-and-so. Well, that's part of it. We need to be able to talk. We need to be able to engage in conversation and disagree and respect other people's position. We also need to be able to articulate our position and not be afraid to. To be willing to have the courage basically to speak our conviction. […]

Who has been a guest on Uproot Abuse

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Denise Brown
• Jane Gordon
• Judge Lynn Toler
• Peter Bartos
• Dr Hirsch Handmaker

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Uproot Abuse

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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