True Crime Connections ~ Advocacy Podcast

<p><b>True Crime Connections</b> is a survivor-led podcast where stories of abuse, trauma, and resilience are shared with raw honesty and purpose.</p><p>We exist to break cycles of silence and shame by giving survivors the microphone—and turning lived experiences into sparks of hope and healing because your voice matters.</p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you’re questioning your past, grieving what you lost, or reclaiming who you are, this is your place to be seen, heard, and reminded:</p><p>💜 You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.truecrimeconnections.com/">https://www.truecrimeconnections.com/</a> </p>

When Abusers Seek Help

What if the abuse you went through… started generations before you? And what if no one ever showed you a healthy version of love? In this episode, therapist and survivor Sophora Acheson shares her raw, personal story—from being raised by a violent father in a biker gang, to surviving a toxic relationship that ended in blood and jail, to now leading one of the country’s top trauma recovery nonprofits. We talk about what happens when your nervous system only recognizes chaos, how healing real...

10-02
50:54

Finding Strength in Your Scars

At just three years old, Avonley Lightstone tried to save her mother from a house fire — but lost her. Shortly after, her father gave her up for adoption, and she endured years of emotional and physical abuse in a home where love felt conditional. But her story doesn’t end in pain — it rises in faith. In this powerful conversation, Avonley shares how she turned tragedy into testimony, writing her book Strength of Scars to help others find healing, forgiveness, and purpose. ✅ What You’ll Lear...

09-25
48:56

The Family Court System Is Failing Our Kids

Rosario Chico is a DHS insider, whistleblower, and mother—now facing criminal charges for trying to protect her kids. After reporting abuse, getting a protective order, and being told by DHS to seek emergency custody, Rosario fled for safety… only to be arrested and labeled a kidnapper. Why? Because of one powerful player in her case: the guardian ad litem. A woman Rosario, says lied under oath, hid evidence, and had personal connections with opposing counsel. 🎧 In this shocking episode, Ro...

09-19
59:09

Florida’s Forgotten Madman

In 1949, Norman and Anne Browne were enjoying retirement in the peaceful beach town of Crystal Beach, Florida. Until one morning, a stranger returned to their home with a shotgun in his hand and secrets nobody saw coming. In this episode, Tiffanie sits down with author Michael Gross, whose book MADMAN uncovers the twisted true story of John “Rastus” Russell—a charming man with movie star looks and a history of violent crime. What unfolded that day wasn’t just murder—it was part of a mystery i...

09-17
30:34

My Escape from Mother God

What if the person you trusted as a spiritual guide turned out to be the reason you lost yourself? In this gripping episode, Andrew-Ryan Profaci shares his harrowing experience inside the 'Love Has Won' cult, where he lived as 'Father God' under the control of Amy Carlson, known as 'Mother God.' From overcoming addiction and surviving stage four cancer to being manipulated and ultimately realizing the harsh truth, Andrew's story is a powerful testament to the struggle of reclaiming one'...

09-11
01:01:00

The Flaws in the Justice System

At just 14, Morgan Scafe was caught in a web of betrayal, abuse, and silence, handpicked by her best friend's family to endure unthinkable trauma. With nowhere to turn, she wrote an anonymous note that sparked a seven-year battle for justice, resulting in a high-stakes courtroom showdown. Morgan shares her journey from victim to advocate, the flaws in the justice system, and the urgent need for legal reforms to protect survivors. Her upcoming book, 'Carpenter Road, ' promises to s...

09-04
01:04:06

I Found Out the Truth About My Dad's Murder!

When Lt. JG Burr Johnson III was murdered aboard a U.S. Navy ship in Pearl Harbor, his daughter was just two years old. The government went silent. The killer disappeared. And for over 30 years, no answers came. In this powerful true crime episode, Allicia Johnson Niles shares her journey to uncover the truth behind her father’s death—revealing a shocking military cover-up, emotional trauma from unresolved grief, and a spiritual connection that helped guide her search. In this episode: ✅ Wh...

08-28
48:56

Own Your Sh!t

Alan Katz carried a devastating secret for 45 years — even from himself. At 14, he was sexually abused twice by the religious director of his synagogue. The trauma buried itself deep, quietly poisoning his confidence, self-worth, and ability to connect with others… until it nearly cost him his life. In this powerful conversation, Alan shares how he confronted his past, survived a near-suicide, and rebuilt his life through radical honesty, storytelling, and creativity — including his time as ...

08-21
01:04:10

When the Government Shields the Abuser

When Kristen Louise Duncombe was just 10 years old, her life changed forever. The man who abused her wasn’t hiding in the shadows — William Francis Mulcahy, a senior U.S. diplomat with diplomatic immunity, protected by the very government sworn to uphold justice. Even after multiple victims came forward, he kept his job, his freedom, and access to children. Kristen recounts the insidious grooming tactics he employed and the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice for 30 years. e...

08-14
48:38

The Drugs In Your Mind: How Childhood Shapes Your Adult Life

Why does healing hurt so much? Why do we repeat painful patterns—even when we know better? This week, I sit down with Jasmina Sabi, author of Am I Thinking Correctly?, who opens up about surviving childhood trauma, becoming an escort, and the deep betrayal that broke her open. We talk about how your brain chemistry (dopamine, cortisol, serotonin) shapes your decisions—even when you're unaware—and how healing means facing the truth about yourself and the people you love. This isn’t just her st...

08-07
01:13:43

Protect Your Kids from Trafficking Predators

Paul Hutchinson’s story is the one that inspired the movie Sound of Freedom, but the truth is much deeper—and the fight is far from over. In this gripping episode, Paul takes us through over 70 life-risking undercover missions to rescue children from human traffickers. While the movie sparked global awareness, Paul reveals that the reality of human trafficking is still a growing crisis that demands urgent action. From personal accounts of rescue missions to the unspoken truths of the traffic...

07-31
52:43

The Deadly Mistake Every Parent Thinks They’ll Never Make

Did you know your brain can only hold 7–8 things at once? That’s why even the most loving parent can make one fatal mistake—and forget their child in the car. In this powerful and emotional episode, Tiffanie speaks with Michael Israel, co-founder of CleverElly, a company built by tech dads who wanted to save lives. Michael explains the terrifying reality of hot car deaths, the simple science behind why it happens, and how CleverElly’s low-cost reminder device is making a massive impact. We’re...

07-29
29:38

The Effects of Untreated Mental Illness on a Family

What happens when the people meant to protect you become the source of your pain, and the system designed to save you only adds more trauma? Adriene Caldwell shares her powerful story of growing up in foster care, surviving emotional and physical abuse, and witnessing unimaginable pain. But what begins as a tale of betrayal turns into a story of hope. Adriene later learns that her mother, once viewed only through the lens of trauma, was suffering from untreated schizophrenia. Her heali...

06-12
48:10

When Family Becomes the Villain: Abuse, Betrayal, and the Fight for Truth

When family becomes the villain, the betrayal cuts deeper than anything else. Donna Hall from The Hall Closet shares how she uncovered her family’s shocking ties to two infamous Philadelphia murder cases, the role her own mother played in trying to frame her brother, and the devastating impact of generational abuse and lies. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Donna’s mother became entangled in crime and manipulation ✅ The truth about her stepfather and wrongful convictions ✅ What DNA te...

06-05
01:03:53

Betrayed by One of Our Own: What Happened at Camp Pennsylvania

What should have been another night preparing for war turned into a nightmare when a fellow soldier turned on his own. Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack recounts the events of the 2003 Camp Pennsylvania insider attack, the lives lost, and the lessons he learned in leadership, awareness, and resilience. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ What really happened the night of the attack ✅ How Bart’s instincts and leadership saved lives ✅ The long-term impact of betrayal from within ✅...

05-29
01:07:03

The 90% Rule for Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose

After surviving narcissistic abuse and a devastating car accident, Sky Bellarmine rebuilt her life from the ground up. In this inspiring episode, she shares how the 90% Rule helped her move from survival to purpose — and how you can use it to transform your own life. How to contact: https://www.skyebellarmine.com/ Shoot me a text! Support the show 10 Things About You: Self-Exploration Journal https://www.amazon.com/shop/truecrimeconnectionspodcast htpps://www.truecrimeconnecti...

05-22
35:31

Betrayed by Blood: The Dark Side of Guardianship

When Jonathan Farley’s brother took control of their mother’s life through guardianship, the result was forced isolation, involuntary medication, and years of emotional abuse. Jonathan now fights to expose these abuses and push for laws that protect the most vulnerable. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How families can weaponize legal systems ✅ Guardianship red flags to spot before it’s too late ✅ The emotional and legal toll of elder abuse ✅ Why Jonathan is fighting for Karilyn’s...

05-15
55:07

The Family Secret That Waited 50 Years to Surface

At 50 years old, Peter J. Boni learned he was donor-conceived — a truth that uprooted his identity and reawakened old wounds. In this episode, Peter shares his journey to healing, his advocacy for the rights of donor-conceived individuals, and his book, Uprooted. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Peter’s shocking discovery and emotional aftermath ✅ Why knowing your biological history matters ✅ The hidden risks of the unregulated fertility industry ✅ Peter’s 5-part formula for survivi...

05-08
39:09

Outsmarting Legal Abuse in Family Court

High-conflict divorce strategist Lisa Johnson shares how she fought back against legal abuse, helped pass Jennifer’s Law, and found her way to peace after years of court chaos. This episode offers strategies for anyone battling a toxic ex in family court. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Signs you’re facing legal abuse ✅ How to organize evidence that actually matters ✅ Why emotional detachment can save you in court ✅ The truth behind Jennifer’s Law — and why it matters ✅ How to surv...

05-01
50:35

The Custody Blueprint: Protecting Parents Against Abuse

Reneé Rodriguez, founder of Best Foot Forward, reveals the harsh truth about custody battles with narcissistic co-parents and how the system often traps protective parents. Learn what post-separation abuse really looks like, how to gather evidence legally, and why a custody blueprint could be the key to winning your case. Inside this episode: ✔️ What “post-separation abuse” really looks like ✔️ Why most family courts aren’t equipped to handle narcissistic abuse ✔️ How to collect ...

04-24
54:23

Michelle Pawloski

heard of your podcast from dating hurts so glad I found it

05-14 Reply

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