Who decides how we define our identities? How can we respect individual experiences while communicating effectively about grave issues like human trafficking? In our latest episode, we engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about language and identity with our esteemed guests, Mr. Jared Davis and Dr. Glenn Miles. We navigate the intricate web of la…

Want to know more about one of the most significant events in the fight against human trafficking? Join us on a fascinating journey as we discuss the highlights of the 20th annual Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference with our esteemed guest, Anna Schram. We explore the incredible success of the conference, which welcomed 1,400 attendees …

Ever wonder why some victims of human trafficking struggle to escape their situation, even when help is available? Tune into our Emancipation Nation episode 201 and allow us to shed light on two fundamental barriers that often impede victims from receiving the assistance they desperately need: transportation and housing. In this episode we unravel …

In this episode, we equip you with vital knowledge about what to screen and assess for when assisting victims of human trafficking. Our trusted guide is none other than Dr. Celia Williamson, director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at the University of Toledo. She shines a light on a recently revised screening tool designed to…

November is here and the holiday season is upon us. Amidst the hustle, bustle, and extra stress, the Emancipation Nation's gift is to you is to offer strategies to maintain and enhance your mental health during the season. Thus, I've curated a survival kit of powerful, clear, and concise tips to help navigate these additional pressures. Let's dive …

Picture this: a young military police officer, serving in South Korea, witnesses the horrors of human trafficking. Later on in life he meets someone that opens his eyes and heart to help fight this grave injustice. This is the real-life story of our guest, Dr. Christian Nanry, a special agent who spent years with the US Marshals and as a military p…

What does safety truly mean in the context of human trafficking and how do we ensure it for victims? Does it stop at providing a safe physical space, or does it delve deeper into the realm of emotional and psychological well-being? In this episode we unpack the multi-layered concept of 'safety' and its implications for survivors of human traffickin…

Looking fear straight in the eyes and choosing the path less traveled - that's the theme of this episode of Emancipation Nation. We uncover how fear, an emotion we're all too familiar with, can often serve as the chains that hold us back from reaching our full potential, our real dreams. Through personal anecdotes and stories of how successful indi…

Sharing invaluable insights, Dr. Doug Gilmer, an influential member of the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Countering Human Trafficking and mentor for the Frederick Douglass Human Trafficking Institute's Fellows Program, unveils the secrets of running effective and diverse coalitions in the fight against human trafficking. Prepare to b…

Step into a candid conversation with me and my esteemed guest, Erin Albright, as we pull back the curtain on the pervasive misconceptions surrounding human trafficking. Erin, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience, helps us break down the sensationalism that often obscures the nuanced reality of this global crisis. Together, we take a c…

What if embracing the fear and excitement of change could be your ladder to success? Join us as we swing on the metaphoric trapeze of life, exploring the thrilling yet terrifying moments of transition. Dr. Celia prompts us to face our fears, take the plunge and appreciate the expansive moments that accompany these changes. She shares some of her jo…

Have you ever stopped to consider the psychological impact of constantly dealing with trauma on those who work tirelessly to help others? Melissa Kaiser, an established social worker and North Dakota’s first human trafficking navigator, takes us on a revealing journey into the world of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma, a world she navigates …

Join us for a powerful discussion that will leave you both moved and inspired. Our guest is Tina Dixon, a thriver, advocate, and entrepreneur who has faced unimaginable hardships and emerged on the other side as a beacon of strength and resilience. Tina bravely shares her harrowing 30-year journey from being enmeshed in human trafficking and domest…

Guaranteed to enlighten the novice, this episode is focused on debunking the common myths and. misconceptions that cloud our understanding of this global crime. Prepare to rethink your assumptions to understand a world where manipulation and exploitation of vulnerabilities take center stage. It's not always about commercial sex—labor exploitation i…

Dare to step into the chilling underworld of organ trafficking with me, Dr. Celia Williamson. This harrowing journey paints a stark picture of how human organs are commercially traded outside of the recognized medical system, a realm where profit trumps ethics. Gain insight into how this horrific form of exploitation occurs. Brace yourself as we li…

Remember the impactful moments that change your life course? For our guest, Kyle Baker, his was a case involving two young girls, one lost in the world of drugs and commercial sex work while the other girl's life abruptly upended. This grim encounter lit a flame within Kyle, igniting a life-long journey battling human trafficking. Join us as he sha…

Get ready to embark on a journey with the extraordinary conference planner, Anna Schramm. We delve deep into the intricacies of the upcoming Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference, a historic event that is marking its 20th year. Anna gives us the scoop on the registration rates and deadlines, and emphasizes that affordability doesn't compr…

Ever grappled with simplifying complex research to engage a non-expert audience? Witness how, Nancy Hardcastle, a remarkable expert in crafting compelling presentations, lends her unique strategies to social impact leaders. Our conversation explores the hurdles faced by researchers in creating accessible presentations and how Nancy's expertise help…

The recently released movie that's taken the world by storm, the "Sound of Freedom" raked in an astounding $50 million to date. But what if I told you this film, with its American hero rescuing innocent children from far off lands, isn't painting the full picture of human trafficking? Join me as I navigate the complex narrative of this controversia…

What if one of the most dangerous places for a child was their own home? Tune in as we walk with Jennifer, a courageous survivor of familial trafficking, down a dark path that begins with a seemingly regular childhood and descends into a chilling world of manipulation, abuse, and exploitation by her own father. Jennifer's story is a harrowing explo…

Welcome to an episode that pierces through the hidden underbelly of society, shining a light on a gut-wrenching tale of survival. We welcome Jennifer, a beacon of resilience, whose personal story serves as a stark reminder of the often overlooked issue of familial trafficking. Raised in an environment laced with manipulation, grooming, and familial…

How can you be a part of the solution in the fight against human trafficking and the promotion of social justice globally? Join me, Dr. Celia Williamson with conference co-host Anna Schramm, to explore the exciting line-up of our 20th annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. Mark your calendars for September 20th to 22n…

Ever wondered about the intricate workings of Homeland Security Investigations? Get ready to be enlightened by our insightful conversation with Kelly Baird, a Supervisory Special Agent at HSI since 2006. Kelly walks us through the significant role HSI plays within the Department of Homeland Security and their dedicated commitment to victim-focused …

Discover how Innovation Africa is transforming lives by providing electricity and clean water to rural African communities in our conversation with Michal Smith, Director of Communications for the organization. Learn about their incredible impact on over 4 million people across 10 African countries since 2008, and how their dedicated team members, …

Do you celebrate Juneteenth? Is slavery indeed over? Should you use the term "modern day slavery" to describe human trafficking? Why or why not? Let's get into the conversation.

Sexually abused by his parents, Bill went on to be abused by both extended family and church members. Instead of keeping and continuing the secret, Bill is courageously exposing the people and churches that abuse others, while teaching and mentoring positive love and caring to those who love God.

Keyana Marshall tells her story of first being socialized by family, groomed by others and misunderstood, arrested, and victimized by the criminal justice system in Anchorage Alaska. She wrote a book about her experience called "Being Keyana Marshall". By the way, Alaska scored an F in the 2022 Share Hope International Report Cards for the way they…

Dr. Dennis McCarty makes the important point that if women such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Elizabeth Heyrick, all with limited education and who were unable to vote, could serve in prominent roles in the name of freedom and justice, so could you. You just need to know how. In this episode Dr. McCarty discusses his book "The Quest to En…

What did you do during the height of the pandemic? Well one very outgoing sister convinced the other sister to go into business making a line of jewelry that neither knew how to make and run a business without business knowledge or experience- some of the proceeds of which would go to support survivors of sex trafficking. The business took off! "Ri…

Truth is difficult to hear, but survivors tell us that so far we have failed. Survey results from the first national survivor study reveals that "systems" have largely failed survivors, including those that were involved prior to their trafficking experience, while involved, and after their trafficking experience.…

How many people are working hard to live the American dream of success, which is often translated to mean obtaining more and impressive material possessions. Instead of investing in things, Dan Emr left his lucrative career to invest in people. Learn about their "Worthwhile Wear" program, their "Worth It" Program, and "The Well", a comprehensive ar…

At what ages are you the most and least happy in life? As we approach the new year, we bring Season 2 of the podcast to a close by discussing the seasons of your life.

Have you ever thought of what a concerned parent of a trafficked child must go through? Have you ever put your feet in the shoes of a mom struggling with a child with mental illness? Well you are about to go inside and learn the emotional struggle and fight that takes place in trying to work with systems designed to respond and support. Do these sy…

Bill Cosby victimized vulnerable women. Listen to one woman's powerful story. Formally known as Jane Doe #6, today Patte O'Connor is sharing her story as a in hopes of helping other victimized and vulnerable women reclaim their power and voice. Check out her website: https://patteoconnorassultsurvivorspeaker.com and read her powerful book: Chasing …

Our conference planner Anna Schramm recaps our 19th annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference! Find out who was there, what happened, and other juicy details.

At the end of 7th grade Tamara MC was forced to marry a much older man in secret. Beginning at the age of 12, she spent her school years in classes and her summers as a married child forced to perform all of the duties of a traditional wife. Listen as Tamara explains her experience from child bride and domestic servant to finally breaking free and …

It is a hidden secret that everyone knows, but few will talk about. Systems can cause trauma. There is a reason that today we are having a global conversation about "trauma-informed care". It's because some of our systems have exploited, abused, and victimized vulnerable individuals without holding ourselves accountable. This story is one example o…

What? Trauma-informed care doesn't heal trauma? This episode focuses on how to help survivors heal from trauma.By Celia Williamson, PhD

Sara Tasneem was a victim of a forced child marriage that took place in the U.S. and that continues to take place across the U.S. and around the world. She tells the story of her experience and her continued advocacy to pass laws across each state that prevent forced child marriages and how you can access more information to get involved in the fig…

In this episode we expose a little known disease affecting some human trafficking and domestic violence survivors.

Because of the prevalence of physical violence among survivors of human trafficking, the potential to have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is high. A TBI can affect a survivors ability to recover. Learn more about TBI and how to screen for it.By Celia Williamson, PhD

Most of us know about domestic violence and the physical and sexual abuse involved. However, we may know less about "coercive control" used by both abusive intimate partners and some sex traffickers. Learn more about the most common form of victimization in this episode.

If you haven't registered for the annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference, register now! If you have already registered, listen to what will take place at the conference. This episode is devoted to providing you with an overview of what is to come on September 21, 22, and 23rd, 2022!…

Some of us remain stuck because we don't understand the 2/3rd's life theory. In anti-trafficking work or indeed in life in general, we can adopt two of three routes to achievement. We can accomplish in a way that is cheap, fast, or good. We can't have all three. Make the best decision for you.

A religious cult disguised as a new wave church indoctrinated Frankie and her family when she was very young. Her trafficking related to the church began at age 12 as sexual touching, videos, and inappropriate sexual discussions all leading to the eventual and continued trafficking and rape by the cult leadership. Her advice for those wishing to he…

Lora's early life was one of extreme victimization by family, strangers, and systems. She was first trafficked at the age of nine, while her mother watched on. As a young woman she was institutionalized in a mental hospital without just cause. Her saving grace was the formal and informal messengers and advocates that appeared throughout her life to…

The Impact Dialogue Foundation focuses their work on both prevention and intervention in India. Learn how they address the root causes of poverty and lack of opportunity by training and supporting survivors to become economically empowered. Also, learn about sex trafficking, child marriage, and organ trafficking in India.…

Each year we host a national annual human trafficking virtual event geared toward high school aged youth. Event speakers provide relevant, youth-centered, great educational information. The day also includes a youth poetry slam and art competition! Registration is free! Once registered, teachers can use a zoom link to bring the event into their cla…

The best way is to target your awareness campaign is to focus on each target population with messages that are culturally appropriate and positive. Hmmm...but how do we protect youth against human trafficking with messages that are positive? Listen and learn how.

Learn about what to expect at this year's annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference! We have 115 different sessions to choose from. Get the details on the cost, continuing education units we will be providing, and information for vendors. We will also reveal four amazing well-known people that are coming!…