The Fierce Freedom Podcast

In today's episode, Hannah Munn shares about her work with Love Justice International, which trains and places monitors at strategic transit points—like borders and bus stations—to identify and intercept potential victims before they are exploited. To date, they have intercepted over 100,000 individuals, in 17 countries, and facilitated the arrests of over 2,000 traffickers - stopping trafficking before it starts. Hannah shares powerful stories of impact from the field, offering a glimpse into the lives that have been changed through courageous intervention and plugs how future innovation using ai will drive their impact even further.  She also provides ways for listeners to support this incredible impact through becoming a financial partner at lovejustice.ngo and to learn more by checking out The Love Justice Podcast: https://lovejustice.castos.com

To honor Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are highlighting a real story of one survivor who found herself in a situation that ultimately led to sex trafficking. Kelsey shares how early vulnerabilities contributed to an unhealthy relationship with an older man that both jeopardized her physical safety and deeply impacted her mental health.  Kelsey also talks about navigating her healing journey, and reclaiming her voice as a survivor. Today, one of her greatest passions is to use her story to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help prevent future harm, reduce stigma, and to encourage  other survivors to find their own inner strength and resilience. Listener discretion is advised due to sensitive content.  This episode contains audio from our Intersections initiative, a video based curriculum for at risk youth to spur deep and important conversations. This project was sponsored by The Pablo Foundation. If you'd like to learn more about this program visit fiercefreedom.org

On this episode, we chatted with Jenny McGee, Founder and Executive Director of Starfish Project, a social enterprise helping women escape human trafficking and build independent, empowered lives. Jenny shares how the organization provides jobs, skills, and opportunities through handcrafted jewelry and goods made by survivors. Support their mission while you shop for the holidays! Visit starfishproject.com and use promo code fiercefreedom for 15% off your purchase and help women reclaim their freedom, one beautiful piece at a time.

We sat down with Lacie Weatherholt, certified recovery coach, facilitator, and advocate, for a preview of her upcoming session at the Empower Freedom Conference on Oct 10th. Lacie shares some highlights of her talk including the impact of trauma, ego burnout and compassion fatigue, and resources to make safe and compassionate communities. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that highlights the importance of authentic connection, supportive listening, and embracing the full spectrum of human experience. If you'd like to come check out Lacie's conference session, visit: bit.ly/empowerfreedomconference25 Ticket sales close 9/26!

On this episode we sat down with Dr. Andrew J. Bauman, Co-Founder and Director of the Christian Counseling Center for Sexual Health & Trauma, to discuss his latest book, Safe Church: How to Guard against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities. Andrew shares about his passion to elevate the voices of women in faith spaces and his heart for men to have a healthy confrontation of their own internalized misogyny that has been justified through a harmful misreading of God's word. Lastly, Andrew shares practical insight for church leaders who are ready to confront the culture of silence and complicity that often surrounds abuse in faith spaces. If you'd like to learn more about Andrew's work, you can visit www.AndrewJBauman.com & www.ChristianCC.org. To purchase his book Safe Church visit: amazon.com/Safe-Church-against-Christian-Communities/dp/1540903974

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 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/

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!

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