What does it cost to turn your pain into purpose, and how do you keep going when the weight of your story feels unbearable?

In this powerful episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Kathy Bryan, founder of The Genesis Project and a survivor of human trafficking, opens up about the long, courageous road from survival to leadership. With unflinching honesty, Kathy shares what it truly means to become an advocate while still carrying the emotional residue of past trauma.

This conversation goes far beyond statistics or headlines. It’s a deep dive into the realities of trafficking across urban and rural communities and the nuanced challenges survivors face when their stories become public tools for change. Kathy doesn’t just share her experience; she issues a call to action.

You’ll hear about the critical role parents play in prevention, why traffickers are targeting increasingly younger children, and how digital culture has transformed the landscape of exploitation. Kathy offers practical, heartfelt advice for families navigating a world that often feels out of control and reveals what true connection looks like between parents and children.

This episode is a gut-check, a guide, and a testament to the power of resilience. If you want to understand the human side of trafficking and how to make a real difference, start here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:36 Kathy's Journey: From Trafficking to Advocacy

09:31 The Cost of Sharing a Survivor's Story

14:49 The Genesis Project: Building Futures

22:22 Understanding Trafficking in Rural Communities

24:54 Statistics and Myths Surrounding Trafficking

28:26 Understanding the Risks: A Shocking Reality

31:07 Empowering Parents: Navigating Safety in a Digital World

33:49 The Harsh Truth: Child Trafficking vs. Other Dangers

36:38 Breaking the Silence: The Stigma of Sex Trafficking

41:08 The Role of Men: Accountability and Cultural Change

47:39 Survivor Perspectives: The Emotional Toll of Injustice

50:45 Practical Advice for Parents: Engaging with Your Children

52:10 Masculine Wilderness Theme.mp3

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://thegenesisproject.life

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