EP 59 Why Connection Comes Before Protection with Neil Milton

About this episode

Kristi McVee and Neil Milton discuss the importance of connection in protecting children and fostering healthy family relationships.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi , Kristi is joined by Neil Milton  - founder of The Table Talk Project , advocate, and survivor - for a powerful and deeply human conversation about connection, prevention, and the role safe relationships play in protecting children and strengthening families. Neil shares his lived experience of growing up without a voice at home, the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse, and how unaddressed trauma shaped his relationships, sense of safety, and ability to ask for help. He reflects on how becoming a parent - and later recognising his own experiences as abuse - became a catalyst for creating spaces where children are heard, believed, and supported. Together, Kristi and Neil explore how everyday disconnection within families can increase vulnerability to harm, why children often communicate distress through behaviour rather than words, and how something as simple - and intentional - as sharing a meal can create profound protective factors. This episode unpacks how grooming can occur in plain sight, the dangers of “busy” culture, and why having a designated space for conversation matters. It also explores the ripple effects of…

People in this episode

Host: Kristi McVee

Guest: Neil Milton

Topics covered

• connection
• child protection
• trauma
• family dynamics
• communication
• mental health

Keywords

• childhood sexual abuse
• safe relationships
• family support
• vulnerability
• trauma impact
• communication
• prevention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Table Talk Project

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