The Fierce Freedom Podcast

Girls On The Run (GOTR) in the Chippewa Valley is cultivating a culture of joy and community, while encouraging self esteem and confidence in young girls.  We invited Rose Dolan Neil, Executive Director and Katie Albin, Coach and Board Member to share more about their passion for empowering this population and how this plants seeds for future resiliency. Rose and Katie also provide insights as to what GOTR programming entails, including their annual celebratory 5K run and ongoing participation in an eight-week after-school program that teaches lessons on goal-setting, friendship, and emotional and physical health.  To learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer, participant, or if you wanna support this awesome org, visit https://www.gotrchippewavalley.org/

With the rise of all things AI, what effect is this having on trafficking and exploitation? To share more about this we invited Nancy Irizarry, Social Services Director for the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services and Co-Chair for the Wisconsin Anti-Trafficking Consortium. Nancy provides an insightful analysis on what she believes are positives to AI utilization when it comes to identification and prevention of trafficking but also shares some of the chief ways it aids recruitment using deception and coercion for traffickers and abusers. She also shares about how crucial it is to bring survivors to the table and to be mindful about the unintended consequences ai can have on existing survivors' privacy and safety. If you'd like to have Nancy train your group on this topic - you can reach out to her via email: nancy.irizarry@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Digital abuse cases are alarmingly prevalent in Wisconsin. This is evidenced by the fact that the WI ICAC Task Force received 1,003 CyberTips from NCMEC in March 2025 alone. Last year, Detective Chaz Walton with the ECPD (Eau Claire Police Department) Sensitive Crimes division, worked on over 40 internet crime cases and is currently investigating 18 new cases in the Eau Claire area.  Chaz, who was also the recipient of this year's ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Investigator of the Year, shares with us about his work with cases of s*xtortion, child p*rnography and other forms of digital exploitation.  He also talks about what he hopes to see happen through the work he is engaged with and encourages parents and caregivers to take a proactive approach with their kids by using free tools and training though ICAC (icactaskforce.org) and by connecting with local law enforcement.

We know that approximately one in six boys is sexually abused before age 16 and yet this crime goes under-reported, under-recognized, and untreated. In honor of S*xual Assault Awareness Month, we want to honor all survivors and shine light on a story of one man's struggle to reclaim his life after surviving childhood s*xual assault and a near death experience of drowning. Robert Goodland is an author, equine therapy instructor, trained peer support specialist. He shares about how his new memoir "Beneath the Surface" which details how life experiences culminated into a place of reckoning with the trauma that  prevented him from finding healing. He gives insight as to navigating this messy and complicated journey and what he dreams will happen for other survivors who are still wrestling with the pain of their abuse. If you'd like to learn more about Robert's work and get connected with him and his org check out his website here: https://www.theheartofahorse.com/ If you'd like to purchase Robert's memoir "Beneath the Surface" visit Amazon or click this link!

Today's podcast is part III of a series of episodes of a real story of a couple who shares authentically about their journey of sexual brokenness, addiction, betrayal, and ultimately healing. To do justice work well, we have to wrestle together through the hard things. And if we want to fight s*x trafficking, we have to talk about the demand for it. Our stance is that porn is a huge precursor towards perpetuating trafficking and an addiction that is often brushed under the rug, leading to deep shame for those in addiction, or in other cases defensive minimization. We also believe in the worth, value, and dignity of each individual and so we offer this story to give you as the listener a new perspective and perhaps a reminder that even for the most seemingly broken of circumstances, there is above all hope that healing is possible and that quite possibly, the light can shine beautifully through our cracks. If you or a spouse are struggling with betrayal trauma, p*rn or s*xual addiction, there's help for you. Check out one of our highlighted podcast guests like Justin with Beyond the Line Ministries, or Ashley with Pure Desire Ministries - both are compassionate individuals who are here to help you. You are not alone.

Today's podcast is part II of a series of episodes of a real story of a couple who shares authentically about their journey of sexual brokenness, addiction, betrayal, and ultimately healing. To do justice work well, we have to wrestle together through the hard things. And if we want to fight s*x trafficking, we have to talk about the demand for it. Our stance is that porn is a huge precursor towards perpetuating trafficking and an addiction that is often brushed under the rug, leading to deep shame for those in addiction, or in other cases defensive minimization. We also believe in the worth, value, and dignity of each individual and so we offer this story to give you as the listener a new perspective and perhaps a reminder that even for the most seemingly broken of circumstances, there is above all hope that healing is possible and that quite possibly, the light can shine beautifully through our cracks. If you or a spouse are struggling with betrayal trauma, p*rn or s*xual addiction, there's help for you. Check out one of our highlighted podcast guests like Justin with Beyond the Line Ministries, or Ashley with Pure Desire Ministries - both are compassionate individuals who are here to help you. You are not alone.

Today's podcast is part I of a series of episodes of a real story of a couple who shares authentically about their journey of sexual brokenness, addiction, betrayal, and ultimately healing. To do justice work well, we have to wrestle together through the hard things. And if we want to fight s*x trafficking, we have to talk about the demand for it. Our stance is that porn is a huge precursor towards perpetuating trafficking and an addiction that is often brushed under the rug, leading to deep shame for those in addiction, or in other cases defensive minimization. We also believe in the worth, value, and dignity of each individual and so we offer this story to give you as the listener a new perspective and perhaps a reminder that even for the most seemingly broken of circumstances, there is above all hope that healing is possible and that quite possibly, the light can shine beautifully through our cracks. If you or a spouse are struggling with betrayal trauma, p*rn or s*xual addiction, there's help for you. Check out one of our highlighted podcast guests like Justin with Beyond the Line Ministries, or Ashley with Pure Desire Ministries - both are compassionate individuals who are here to help you. You are not alone.

Today's guest Ashley Jameson works as a Certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional and is passionate about partnering with churches to help individuals break free from addiction and shame, build healthy intimacy, and embrace the life God has for them through her work with Pure Desire Ministries. She shares with listeners about how her personal experiences with teen pregnancy, s*x and love addiction, and betrayal trauma have inspired her work now. Above all, she wants listeners to know that there is hope and healing with this kind of addiction is possible whoever you are and wherever you've been. If you'd like to learn more, Ashley is also a contributing author to Unraveled, Betrayal & Beyond, and Authentically You and co-hosts the podcast UnFiltered: Real Talk About Sex & Love where she and co-host Heather have candid, no-judgment conversations about sex, relationships, and healing. You can also email groups@puredesire.com to get started on your own journey towards healing today.

Today's guest Allison Mogensen is a Wisconsin native who now serves as the Executive Director for Priceless Alaska, a faith-based nonprofit organization that walks with survivors of sex trafficking through mentorship and survivor directed case management (for which they recently received an award from the FBI) as well as through their "Engage" training, designed to equip, engage and mobilize faith communities. Allison shares with us about the unique challenges and trafficking trends she has witnessed specific to the region and ultimately what she hopes to see happen through this work. If you're interested in supporting the important work of Priceless Alaska, or are interested in their training for faith communities, you can visit: https://www.pricelessalaska.org/

We're kicking 2025 off with podcast guest Chris McKenna, who left the accounting world to help families be safer online through his organization Protect Young Eyes. Chris shares his heart to transform the current digital landscape and about practical strategies for families to be more confident and resilient to the many risks and dangers youth face. He also touches on some macro level changes he'd like to see, but stresses the importance of a family centered cultural shift of community learning and collective responsibility towards harm reduction. If you'd like to support Chris's work or check out some of Protect Young Eyes' fantastic resources including parenting course "The 5 Habits of a Tech Ready Home," visit: protectyoungeyes.com If you'd like to see our unedited podcast conversation with Chris, head over to: https://youtu.be/RVv3POE4JBE

How can we move from sexual destruction to sexual wholeness? Today's guest Justin Smith, Founder of Beyond the Line Ministries, is walking alongside men who have been caught up in sexual addiction, which is also feeding the exploitative and massively pervasive porn industry, and incidentally generates MORE than the NFL, NBA, and MLB combined Justin, who understands the pain and challenges of this journey, explains how he goes to the heart of these addictions by focusing on three areas in a mans healing. Repentance, The Brain, and The Wounds. Beyond The Line Ministries offers intimate small group settings and 1-1 mentoring for men to cross a new line to freedom that they have so desperately wanted. If you'd like to get started towards sexual wholeness - visit https://beyondthelineministries.com/ If you'd like to check out Justin's full testimony, check that out here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ovDili2m_d4

How can our shopping support survivors of sex trafficking and strengthen at risk communities? On today's episode, we are joined by our friend Grace Schmoldt, Way Maker and Co-Founder of Blooming Grace Boutiques. Grace invites listeners to make a global impact through your consumer choices this holiday season, and shares about some of the beautiful and unique products she has available for purchase, crafted by global artisans in India, Bolivia and China. To start shopping purposefully this holiday season, you can check out Blooming Grace Boutiques by visiting: bloominggraceboutiques.com/

How do we dismantle an enterprise that generates $5.7 billion every year? Our guest Tomas Perez shares how his organization Epik Project is addressing sex trafficking by going to the root of it, by engaging with buyers who are driving demand. Tomas shares why he believes these men are purchasing sex and how Epik Project's approach uses a non-traditional accountability model to reach these individuals. If you want to learn more about Epik Project or support the work Tomas is doing, you can head to their website: epikproject.org

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a case of s*x trafficking, r*pe, and s*xual assault, listener discretion is advised. On today's podcast episode, we're talking about the recent arrests of the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch Mike Jeffries, and other associates including a local Wisconsin man James Jacobsen- who have been charged with operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution business from 2008 to 2015. We'll discuss the details of the case including some key takeaways. We are also joined by Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who will share about the local connection to this case and how he hopes it will bring further awareness of sex trafficking for Wisconsin residents. What were your thoughts on this case? Let us know what you think by emailing podcast@fiercefreedom.org. Our references for this podcast episode included NBC and BBC News Networks.

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with the topic of sextortion and includes an account of suicide, listener discretion is advised. Jordan Demay was a handsome, popular and athletic 17 year old, months shy of his 18th birthday. One night, he became a victim of sextortion and because of this, decided to end his own life. Sadly, Jordan is not the only one. The FBI has said that over 20 minors have committed suicide because of sextortion scams in the last few years.  To speak more about this horrific and incredibly prevalent side of digital exploitation, we invited Jordan's father John, who shares what he wants other parents to know and the ways he is tirelessly engaged in protecting youth from sextortion, sex trafficking and other harms online.  John believes social media is no place for teenagers - and for parents to take a hard line for their kids because of all the risks and dangers young people face. To view the unedited video version of this podcast visit: https://youtu.be/UxRq0gqm0lg

How can those seeking to support survivors of trauma do so in a way that honors that individual, helps reduce stigma around addiction, and avoids burnout? We are joined by Julie Bates-Maves, PhD, LPC Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling The University of Wisconsin-Stout who shares lessons from the field and recommendations for professionals in clinical and direct support settings as well as important reminders for non-professionals who want to offer care. If you'd like to check out Julie's book Grief and Addiction you can purchase that here. Julie will also be joining us at the Empower Freedom Conference as a keynote speaker, to purchase your tickets visit fiercefreedom.org!

How prevalent are cults? And how is cult abuse similar to the coercion found in human trafficking cases? To learn more, we invited Dr. Lalich, the Founder and CEO of The Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion, which provides a collaborative approach and safe spaces for survivors through courses, workshops, and discussion groups. She shares about her own experience breaking free of a cult, and how she began her journey towards recovery to help create safe spaces and resources for others who had gone through a similar experience.  To learn more about the work Janja is doing, you can visit: https://janjalalich.com/ To view the unedited video podcast, go here: youtu.be/9XZ3BhMmw90

Did you know that one in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience sexual assault during their time on college campuses?  On today's episode your hosts Cat and Mark discuss why assault is so incredibly prevalent on college campuses and why many often go unreported. They'll also chat about some practical ways to incorporate talking about consent and body autonomy with your kids from a young age, how you can find support in reporting, and also some wellness reminders for you and your family. If you'd like to sign up for your free subscription for Fierce Parenting visit: bit.ly/fierceparentingfree Check out this "Tea and Consent" video that unpacks this concept more in a simple and humorous way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ&t=2s  Sources: mginjuryfirm.com

Today's guest Audrey Walters Moore is CEO of Lift Up the Vulnerable (LUV) whose mission is empowering the most vulnerable to become change agents in their own communities towards the prevention of trafficking and other forms of oppression. Audrey gives a little history of the communities in South Sudan and Sudan where LUV works to address the root causes of exploitation in regions which have often been ravaged by war and a history of colonization.  Audrey also shares about how LUV finds sustainability in their work by partnerships with locals with lived experience to meet these community needs by investing in education, food security, mentorship, and employment. If you'd like to join this movement to help lift up the vulnerable, or learn more about their work, you can visit their website at https://liftupthevulnerable.org/ To watch the unedited video recording of this podcast visit: https://youtu.be/ArJek3m-ID8

Today's guest Dana Brown is dedicated to building a safer communities by discouraging crime, restoring victim well-being, and emphasizing direct offender accountability through his work as Director of Eau Claire Treehouse and as the former Director of Restorative Justice. He shares about how this work takes place through ongoing relationships with youth and cites the importance of support for professionals within schools and the criminal justice system to be trained with restorative justice concepts that focus on helping youth to identify and develop strengths, set personal goals, and improve critical thinking skills.  To learn how you can get involved as a mentor or financially support the work being done by Dana and his team, visit www.ectreehouse.org Email: Hello@tandemmentorship.org or call 715.718.6887

Today, typical teens spend hours on social media and gaming apps, looking for fun and connection but sometimes stumbling upon s**ual groomers and predators, looking to entice and entrap youth through their devices. Today's podcast guest is working to create a world where kids are safer online and adults have tools in place to foster healthy and relevant conversations with youth about navigating the pitfalls of an ever growing ai and digital landscape through his brand new software, Game Safe. This new tool, which he calls "ai done right" came from an experience David had when one of his children was playing on an online game and was targeted by a child predator. He shares with us how this technology works to quickly identify threats and how his org is collaborating with other entities to pool their data and overall create a web of safety around young and vulnerable youth. To start your FREE 30-day trial of GameSafe, visit gamesafe.ai To view the unedited podcast interview on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgsCqUVinnM

Today's guest Angel Slawinski is working to connect survivors of sex trafficking with wholistic healing for their mind, body, and spirit, through the Angel Wings Healing Foundation, a ministry that supports survivors in their post-treatment healing journey by offering them to participate in a 3 month transition program which includes a 4-day exclusive healing retreat. Angel shares about some of the highlights of these programs and about her God-given vision for a retreat center in central WI where survivors can walk out their journey of restoration and transformation surrounded by beauty and peace. To financially support trafficking survivors going through this program and the work Angel is doing, head over to angelwingshealingcenter.org and click DONATE. To view the UNEDITED version of this recording visit: youtube.com/watch?v=Z0zPOauoIUc

Today, there are 400,000 children in foster care in the U.S., these youth are at significant risk to be trafficked or exploited because of factors related to their involvement with this system. Today's guests Jamey and Sarah McIntosh are advocates with The Forgotten Initiative, which is helping support the foster care community through awareness, encouragement, and advocacy. They share about their journey to grow their family through fostering and adopting, how they navigate both the "very hard" and incredibly rewarding moments that come with this decision, and what they want other prospective foster parents to know if they feel called to pursue it To learn more about The Forgotten Initiative visit their website here: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Click here to check out their book recommendation "Reframing Foster Care" by Jason Johnson

For over a decade, the team at NCOSE (National Center on Sexual Exploitation) has been holding 12 mainstream entities like Apple, Spotify, Discord, and Roblox accountable for facilitating, enabling, and even profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation through their annual campaign, The Dirty Dozen List. To share about this year's list, we had the privilege of speaking with Tim Nester, Senior Director of Communications at NCOSE, to share more on why this year's companies made the list and more importantly how we can all join together to take action.   To join the movement and to hold these companies accountable visit: Dirtydozenlist.com To check out our unedited video recording with Tim: visit https://youtu.be/4MxpiZBG-dw

We haven't seen significant legislation to protect kids online for the last quarter of a century, this bill could change that.  On today's podcast we're talking about Senate Bill 1409, "Kids Online Safety Act" (KOSA) which, if passed, would be among the most significant kids' online safety statutes since the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 2000. Upon its passage, this bill would allow parents to sue social media companies and other online platforms if they do not sufficiently shield children under the age of 13 from harmful content on their platforms. We'll discuss what else this bill entails, what the opposition says, and what you can do to support its passage. Project Liberty Action: See their template for contacting your representative Our Sources: The Cap Times, Congress.gov, NBC, NCOSE, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wikipedia, The Verge, TechCrunch.com #onlinesafety #KOSA #podcast #generationalpha #parents #caregivers #legislation  

Bestselling author Lori Scott is passionate about youth, sports and spreading awareness of human trafficking. This intersection of passions led to her newest literary work for young adults called "Offsides," which tackles the difficult topic of human trafficking and opens the door for important conversations all while using age-appropriate sensitivity and ending on hope from a faith perspective.  The book also provides important resources for families and at-risk individuals who may be facing a difficult situation related to trafficking or substance abuse. Check out Lori's website for more updates about her work at: https://lori-z-scott.com/ follow her on Instagram (stories.by.lori) and you can purchase Offsides by visiting Amazon.

Local nonprofit Rewired & Real Foundation has already reached 30,000 individuals and they're just getting started. Their message? To help rewire the way we look at mental health, and to embrace the collective power of kindness towards oneself and the world around us. Married couple Stacy and Kjersten Franzwa were inspired by their own experiences to start a movement designed to promote mental health through human connection and to unlock the treasure of kindness within each individual through their "million acts of kindness challenge." Learn how you can join their "Unlocking Kindness" challenge, learn about upcoming initiatives, or support Rewired and Real by visiting their website here. www.rewiredandreal.com

If there's anything today's guest understands, it is the power of overcoming adversity, and using your own life lessons to help lift up others who are navigating similar challenges. Dekelen "DJ" Griffin is the the Founder of MBM (Motivation Begins with Mindset Corps), a new nonprofit in the Chippewa Valley that is dedicated to help motivate others to go beyond their own life's challenges through the mentorship of others who also have lived experiences as well as by connecting individuals in need with essential physical items such as clothing, housing, and everyday necessities. DJ shares his experiences as a child of parents struggling with substances, shedding light on the impact it had on his own path towards addiction as well as the pivotal moment that inspired him to break free from this dark lifestyle and embark on a journey of recovery and life transformation. If you'd like to support the work DJ is doing with MBM, you can head over to their website or email DJ at dekelengriffin@gmail.com

In a culture that shows a majority of violent acts perpetrated by men, how can we help to empower men and boys towards healthy behavior that honors and restores relationships? We invited Shawn Schutt, Community Engagement and Prevention Manager Underground Railroad Inc. & Co-Chair for the Mid-Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, to share about how he believes sports are a great way to help coach boys into maturity and to unlearn behaviors that set the stage for future possibly violent behaviors. Shawn says that this work has to begin internally, and encourages each of us to check our own belief systems and how they may inadvertently promote relationship violence or abuse. You can check out Shawn's podcast "Touchy Subjects" or support his org Underground Railroad Inc. here: undergroundrailroadinc.org

Did you know it is estimated that 27.6 million people are trapped today in forced labor? (Walk Free's Global Slavery Index) The level at which exploitation touches everyday products we all consume is astounding, which is why our guest Samuel Logan, CEO and founder of Evidencity, is working to give businesses full control over their information supply chain, by conducting investigative due diligence to combat modern slavery. Samuel shares about how these ethical actions can be integrated through legislative, business, and personal practices, and how he believes we can transform these sectors through conscious and collective effort. To learn more about Samuel's work, visit his website: https://www.evidencity.com/

Trigger Warning: This episode depicts a real story of trafficking which includes some details of child sex trafficking and abuse. Today we hear from a brave survivor recounting her experience of trafficking as a young woman in California. Sarah shares about how some of her vulnerabilities enabled sexual abuse and ultimately sex trafficking during her teen years.  She frames for listeners what her healing path has involved and how she is learning to love and re-parent herself towards further restoration of her self. Check out Sarah's show Que Sera Sera (8 years old this year) on Driftless Community Radio out of Viroqua, WI on WDRT or by visiting: www.wdrt.org

Women who come to Sarah's Oasis in St. Paul, MN are often fleeing various traumas abroad, including war, trafficking, torture, violence, and discrimination. To hear more about the org's history and impact, we invited the director Cheryl Behrent, whose goal is to "always to make a difference in the lives of women. It is my greatest joy to accompany women lacking resources and support on their life journeys." Sarah's accompanies these women on their journeys through opportunities for education, job training, and family reunification, but also by creating an environment of peaceful community where these women can begin to regain their lives and sense of self at Sarah's and beyond. If you would like to learn more about the work Cheryl and her team are doing you can visit their website: www.sarahsoasis.org/

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of making shattered dishes whole. It was also the theme for this past year's trafficking survivor retreat held by the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI.  Program and Retreat Coordinator for the center, Julie Connelly, shares more about the retreat, as well as a bit of her own journey to spiritual direction and how this practice can benefit survivors of human trafficking as well as anyone on their own journey of healing. Lastly, Julie shares about some resources with listeners and encourages individuals to check out some of their programming found on their website: www.fscenter.org

Sound of Freedom has grossed $172.84 million domestically, shocking mainstream media with its popularity. The film, depicting the life of Operation Underground Railroad's Tim Ballard and has surpassed blockbuster hits like Indiana Jones and Disney's Elemental. Podcast hosts Cat Morgan and Mark Halvorsen dive into a conversation about this recent box office success, delving into some of the controversy surrounding the film and sharing 5 key takeaways we can learn from it. What were your thoughts on the film? We'd love to hear from you! You can connect with us by emailing podcast@fiercefreedom.org

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast episode makes mention of forced abortions and child sexual abuse, please share and listen with discretion. Part II of our conversation with bestselling UK Author Michelle Kelly who shares more about some of the trends she is seeing in the sex industry including grooming of autistic youth and university students towards sex work. She also shares on the podcast about the porn to trafficking pipeline and how many in the industry experience forced abortions in addition to other forms of sexual violence. Michelle encourages listeners to continue educating themselves and to continue sharing about these important topics and shares what keeps her inspired in this work. If you want to check out Michelle's written work you can visit: michellek.substack.com

Bestselling UK Author Michelle Kelly is working tirelessly to dismantle assumptions regarding legalized prostitution and commercial sexual acts, informed by her own experiences as a survivor of sexual violence and exploitation both in-person and online. She shares on the podcast why she has firmly taken the stance that "sex work is not work" and the backlash she has received for expressing this viewpoint so publicly through her writing. Michelle encourages proponents of fully decriminalizing prostitution to educate themselves through survivor testimony and research of what the effects have been in other countries. If you want to check out Michelle's written work you can visit: michellek.substack.com

Toni Mattson is the Founder of Trinity Equestrian Center as well as a speaker, writer, and podcaster. For part II of our conversation with her we hear more about how she was influenced by her upbringing towards helping others know the 4 P's of passion, power, peace, and purpose and to help weave this calling into everyday life.   Toni also shares about upcoming projects including an upcoming book she has written about hope and transformation. To stay in touch with Toni's work and to check out her podcast "Live The Life" you can visit her website tonimattson.com 

Today's guest has a passion to unite horses with people and watch incredible healing take place. Toni Mattson is the Founder of Trinity Equestrian Center, whose mission is to help change lives through relationships, faith, and horses. She talks about how Trinity Equestrian Center has offered survivors of complex trauma the opportunity to learn how to maintain healthy boundaries and the magic that occurs when you let horse and survivor interact in an organic way. She also shares about other programs which include youth mentoring and development for kids that have been in high risk environments and for veterans of combat. To learn more about the programming available or to support the work at Trinity Equestrian you can visit: trinity-ec.com

Today we're highlighting Adam and Alicia Condit of Blue Ox Running, who will share more about what you can expect from the Eau Freedom Fun Run & Fest and why they decided to partner with Fierce Freedom and our work locally. The couple also shares about their collective passion to develop healthy internet/social media practices for families and some practical ways to model this by resetting our own digital rhythms. Visit blueoxrunning.com to connect with Adam and Alicia and to check out their podcast which features real life stories centered around fitness.

Tattoos have become a popular way to represent personal interests and passions. But for a victim of sex trafficking, "branding" tattoos from their pimp tell the gut-wrenching story of their abuse and exploitation. Stephanie Andresen-Stevens is the Founder of Restorative Ink, a 501-c3 non-profit providing FREE tattoo removal services to those who are rebuilding their lives due to human trafficking or domestic violence. Stephanie shares about how this service was borne out of her own personal and professional experiences. She gives warning signs for service providers and encourages them to respond to victims in a trauma informed way that validates both their reactions and experiences. If your facility would like to receive training and resources from Stephanie and her team at Restorative Ink, or if you'd like to support this org - you can visit: restorativeink.com

The LGBTQ+ population is three times more likely to engage in survival sex when compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, yet these cases go highly unreported. (Loyola University) We invited Melinda Sampson, Community Outreach Coordinator for NC Stop Human Trafficking to shine light on some the root causes as to why this population is disproportionately affected, and to discuss the need for a big picture shift to help support all marginalized populations. She also shares the importance of addressing demand and how showing "simple but not simple acts" of kindness and making human connections goes a long way in helping victims find the help that can change their life trajectory. If you'd like to receive professional training or just learn more about the work Melinda is doing with NC Stop Human Trafficking check out their website here: ncstophumantrafficking.org

Encouraging artistic development is an important aspect of childhood and can foster both creative problem solving and healthy avenues for collaboration and positive self-expression in youth.  The CollECtive Arts is a local non-profit organization made up of multiple ministries that seek to glorify God through music, dance, theater, and visual art with programming for children, youth, and adults. We invited Director Michael Rambo to share more about his passion to create spaces of belonging and creativity which are fostered by the free and affordable programming made available through CollECtive Arts. If you'd like to learn how to join creative forces with the work Mike and his team are involved with, come check out their booth at our upcoming Eau Freedom event, or by visiting them at collectiveartsec.org

How can each of us learn how to advocate for ourselves in a holistic and trauma-informed way? Today's guest Kayleen Soden, Founder of Phoenix Holistic Wellness LLC will share about how she began moving beyond unhealthy patterns cemented in childhood and subsequently embracing her own journey towards self-awareness and efficacy.  She encourages listeners to check out her org Phoenix Holistic Wellness as a possible first step - which offers services, classes, and workshops, designed to help clients understand how their entire experience in the world can be integrated into a single understanding about self, wellness, and community. Kayleen also shares about an upcoming Artist Market that integrates artistic expression with trauma-resiliency - where she also is designating funds to local orgs with similar aims (including Fierce Freedom!).  You can also check out Kayleen's blog where she explores various passions including: nutrition, nature, psychology, spirituality, and self-discovery.

What is being done to curb sexual predation towards children in Wisconsin and to decriminalize underage victims of trafficking? We invited Wisconsin State Senator Jesse L. James to speak more about his passion for protecting families in our state through enacting policy and legislation. He provides updates on new legislation he and his team are working to get passed. Bills include amendments to child protection laws which will now include AI rendered images of youth, and new legislation that would outlaw the use of child sex dolls. He also shares about why he believes we need a Safe Harbor law for underage victims of trafficking in our state and how is working to get this passed. If you want to get in touch with Jesse and his team, you can email him at sen.james@legis.wisconsin.gov. TRIGGER: This episode includes some subject matter related to child sexual abuse that may be unsuitable for children, we recommend for ages 14+

How can I bring porn-resiliency into my own personal spheres of influence? In part II of today's podcast, our guest Taylor Chambers, MS, LMFT shares with us about his work as a sexuality coach and how he encourages couples seeking guidance after betrayal trauma to move beyond it and stresses the importance of becoming a trustworthy and honest person versus regaining trust. He also points to several resources for listeners he has worked to develop including a course to help families bring porn-resilient thinking to the home.  To check out Taylor's resource Porn-Resilient: The Pilgrimage From Unwanted Porn Use to Fearless Sexuality and his course about raising porn-resilient kids, visit his website: taylorchambers.com Use code FIERCE20 to get 20% off your purchase.

Can fearlessly embracing our sexuality lead to more resilience towards pornography?   In part I of today's podcast, our guest Taylor Chambers, MS, LMFT shares with us about his work as a sexuality coach and how he encourages his clients towards a higher form of sexual expression amidst a constantly evolving pornographic landscape by focusing on a model that he believes will point to overall sexual health without repression of sexuality itself.   To check out Taylor's resource Porn-Resilient: The Pilgrimage From Unwanted Porn Use to Fearless Sexuality and his course about raising porn-resilient kids, visit his website: taylorchambers.com Use code FIERCE20 to get 20% off your purchase.  

School-age children and youth spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside of school, and yet third spaces can be inaccessible to families due to cost or lack of knowledge. Enter Village, a local tech company empowering families to easily find and connect with the many out-of-school programs in their community, connecting youth with new experiences and relationships. We invited Trish Cummins, the Director of Mission, to speak more about how Village matches families with vetted providers of extracurricular programming. She also speaks about the opportunity for individual donors to support youth - creating equal access for all kids.  To get involved as a family, provider or donor you can visit Village.com 

Spotify, Ebay, Discord, Instagram - all these major corporations are featured on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's "Dirty Dozen" list this year for facilitating, enabling, and even profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. To speak more on the history of this decade spanning initiative, and its many victories, we invited Lina Nealon, Vice President & Director of Corporate Advocacy for NCOSE. Lina highlights some of these mainstream contributors of sexual exploitation and how consumers can easily take action to help hold them accountable and influence future policies. If you'd like to learn more and help to ignite change within these global entities, check out the Dirty Dozen list this year by visiting: endsexualexploitation.org/dirtydozenlist-2023

Deepfake pornography is on the rise. In fact, a 2019 report showed that deepfake creation would double yearly and that 96% of existing deepfakes were nonconsensual pornography. (Fight the New Drug) To dive deeper into this newer form of online exploitation, host Cat Morgan is joined by new podcast co-host, and broadcast veteran, Mark Halvorsen. Together they'll also share some of the ways to approach this issue within your family, how to help curb this rise, and lastly what to do if you've been a victim of nonconsensual pornography. If you've been a victim of deepfake pornography call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

On today's episode we're highlighting our friend Marlene Sorenson, who is the Co-Founder/Executive Director of Zeteo Community based in Madison WI. This is a non-profit organization working to provide housing, healing and hope for women who have been sexually exploited and their children. Marlene shares about this journey to create a beautiful home of healing and restoration for survivors - which came from a God-given desire to give survivors of exploitation a healing community where they can dream and thrive. To learn more or to partner with Zeteo Community financially you can check out their website:  zeteocommunity.org

Today's episode continues our conversation with Shayla Beaumont, the Elevate|Uplift Coordinator for MIWSAC Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition. Shayla shares more about best practices for engaging with this work and highlights the programming available through Elevate|Uplift to assist organizations serving survivors of sexual violence to change their practices and uphold the healing journey through a variety of learning opportunities To learn more about the work Shayla is doing with Elevate|Uplift, check out their website here.