Born Resilient:

From Sex Work to Advocacy

Tune in here

Polar Vortex 2025 Special Release

Season 1: Episode 8

Release Date: 12/31/24

Host: Gabby Cunningham

Guest: Ronika Merl

Show Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction

Host Gabby Cunningham introduces today's episode and provides a recap of the podcast's purpose: sharing personal stories about homelessness to highlight resilience and hope.

[02:30] - Guest Introduction

Introduction of guest Ronika, who currently leads a nomadic lifestyle and is joining from County Cork, Ireland.

[03:45] - Early Life and Growing Up

Ronika shares her background: left home at 15 with minimal concern from her mother.

Discusses experiences of homelessness and instability during her teenage years.

[07:00] - Lifestyle Inspiration and Background

Explains how her nomadic lifestyle is tied to her family history of movement on both Austrian and Indian sides.

[10:00] - Career and Writing

Discusses the flexibility of her career as a writer and her ability to earn income from anywhere.

When writing commissions are unavailable, she takes on side jobs such as pizza work in Dublin.

[13:30] - Advocacy and Mentorship

Shares her work in advocacy, focusing on face-to-face interactions and mentoring, including a story about helping a young woman get into film school.

[16:45] - Personal Experiences with Homelessness

Differentiates between her nomadic lifestyle and past involuntary homelessness.

Recollections of living on the streets, in hippie communes, and various transient lifestyles.

[20:00] - Impact of COVID-19 and Current Living Situation

Describes experience in a rural refuge due to COVID-19 lockdown and strict safety measures.

Provides insight into current living arrangements and her children's stable environment in Ireland.

[24:00] - Experiences with Prostitution and Trafficking

Openly discusses involvement in prostitution post-high school in Austria, where it is legal.

Reflects on coercion experiences in sex trafficking and eventual escape.

[30:00] - Reflections on Homelessness and Society

Discusses a different perspective on homelessness through her aunt's experience of community-supported living.

Emphasizes that homelessness is an experience, not an identity.

[35:00] - Painting and Activism

Details her artistic contributions to the refuge and her involvement in activism focusing on domestic violence and community support.

[39:00] - Future Aspirations and Lifestyle Choices

Talks about the dream of purchasing a house in France and the inspiration behind her nomadic movements.

[42:00] - Resources and Support for Listeners

Gabby highlights resources available at www.formybonuschild.org/polarresources for those affected by homelessness, encourages contributions, and includes contact information.

[45:00] - Closing and Preview

Gabby thanks Ronika for sharing her story and mentions an upcoming episode where Ronika will delve deeper into her experiences with sex work and being trafficked.

[46:30] - Final Remarks and Listener Engagement

Encourages listeners to subscribe, review the podcast, and get involved or learn more at www.formybonuschild.org.

Conversation Starters

 Finding Home in Unexpected Places: Ronika shares an intriguing story about her aunt living under a rock cared for by a community. What are your thoughts on different cultural perspectives on homelessness and community care?



Art as Advocacy: Ronika uses her art to support and empower women in a refuge. How do you think art can play a role in advocating for social change and supporting individuals facing homelessness?



Nomadic vs. Homelessness: Ronika makes an interesting distinction between being nomadic and feeling homeless. How do you define "home," and what factors contribute to that feeling for you?



Challenges of Single Parenthood and Housing: Ronika's experience highlights the difficulties single parents face in finding stable housing. What are some effective solutions that communities can implement to support single parents experiencing homelessness?



Overcoming Adversity: Ronika's journey from sex trafficking to activism is incredibly inspiring. What are some ways we can better support individuals who are trying to leave a life of exploitation and rebuild their lives?



Mentorship and Empowerment: Ronika played a pivotal role in mentoring a young woman interested in film. Have you had a mentor or been a mentor to someone facing difficult circumstances? How did it impact your life or theirs?



Legalization and Regulation of Sex Work: Ronika supports the legalization and regulation of sex work to mitigate exploitation. What's your perspective on this, and what impact do you think it could have on reducing trafficking and exploitation?



Community Support During Natural Disasters: With the release of the special episode on the polar vortex, what's your take on the role of community support in helping the unhoused during extreme weather events?



Navigating Parenting and Career: Ronika describes her unique arrangement with her children's father while pursuing her career. How do you think societal perceptions of gender roles shape parenting responsibilities, particularly in unconventional family dynamics?



Travel and Resilience: Ronika's travels have taken her across Europe and shaped her resilience. How have your experiences of travel or relocation contributed to your personal growth and understanding of "home"?

Worksheet: Exploring Themes from "When I was Homeless..." - Episode: Ronika

Objective:
To deepen understanding of the themes discussed in Ronika's story, including homelessness, nomadic lifestyle, advocacy, and the impact of trafficking, while encouraging reflection on community support and personal resilience.

Part 1: Reflective Questions

1. Homelessness vs. Nomadic Lifestyle

   • How does Ronika distinguish between feeling "homeless" and living a "nomadic lifestyle"?

   • Reflect on a time when you felt without a stable place or routine. How did it impact your sense of identity and belonging?

2. Personal Resilience and Growth

   • What steps did Ronika take to eventually leave the life of prostitution and trafficking?

   • Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced. What resources (internal and external) did you draw upon to overcome it?

3. Community Support

   • How did the tribal community's support for Ronika's aunt reshape your understanding of community care in the face of mental health issues?

   • How can local communities foster similar environments of care and support for those without homes?

4. Career Flexibility

   • Ronika talks about the flexibility her career offers her. What role does financial independence play in personal freedom and security?

   • Explore how individuals can create careers that offer both stability and flexibility. Provide examples based on your experience or people you know.

5. Advocacy and Activism

   • What was a significant story of advocacy work shared by Ronika? How does it illustrate the power of mentorship and support?

   • Think of an advocacy initiative in your community or that you’re aware of. How does it provide support and empowerment?

Part 2: Critical Thinking Activities

1. Societal Perspectives on Roles

   • Ronika faces societal criticism regarding her lifestyle choice as a single mom and artist. Discuss how societal expectations of gender and parenting roles can affect individual choices.

   • Create a mind map to explore different societal norms around parenting and how they could evolve to be more inclusive.

2. Understanding Trafficking

   • Based on Ronika's experiences, what misconceptions might people have about trafficking?

   • Develop an informational poster that could be used in schools or community centers to educate youth and adults about the realities of trafficking and where to seek help.

Part 3: Action Items

1. Resource Compilation

   • Visit www.formybonuschild.org/polarresources to explore resources related to the polar vortex 2025 and its impact on the unhoused community.

   • List three resources that stood out to you and consider how you can share them with others who might benefit.

2. Community Involvement

   • Reflect on how you might become more involved in supporting those experiencing homelessness in your area.

   • Identify one action you can commit to this month (e.g., volunteering, advocacy, sharing resources).

3. Support Networks

   • Think about the support networks in your life. How do they enable you to overcome personal challenges?

   • Write a brief letter or note of gratitude to someone in your support network who has helped you through a difficult time.

By completing this worksheet, you'll engage with the profound themes of Ronika's story and apply them to your experiences and community, while exploring resilience and advocacy as pathways to personal and collective growth.