The Fierce Freedom Podcast
The Fierce Freedom Podcast aims to shine light on all aspects of modern-day slavery by sharing compelling conversations with individuals who are using their passions and talents to fight human trafficking and exploitation. By telling these stories, we hope to both educate listeners through spreading awareness and to inspire individuals to rise up and fight within their sphere of influence.
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The Dirty Dozen List 2024 Revealed: Accountability for Tech Enabled Abuse
04/16/2024
The Dirty Dozen List 2024 Revealed: Accountability for Tech Enabled Abuse
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: To check out our unedited video recording with Tim: visit
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The Kids Online Safety Act: Should You Support It?
04/02/2024
The Kids Online Safety Act: Should You Support It?
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
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Offsides: How One Author is Tackling Human Trafficking through Young Adult Fiction
02/13/2024
Offsides: How One Author is Tackling Human Trafficking through Young Adult Fiction
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: follow her on Instagram (stories.by.lori) and you can purchase Offsides by visiting .
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Changing the World by Unlocking Kindness
01/30/2024
Changing the World by Unlocking Kindness
Local nonprofit 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
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Unlocking the Power of Motivation through Mindset
11/21/2023
Unlocking the Power of Motivation through Mindset
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 [email protected]
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Engaging Men & Boys in Violence Prevention Work
11/07/2023
Engaging Men & Boys in Violence Prevention Work
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 & 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 " or support his org Underground Railroad Inc. here:
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Eliminating Exploitation from Supply Chains
10/17/2023
Eliminating Exploitation from Supply Chains
Did you know it is estimated that 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 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:
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How a Survivor of CST is Sewing Seeds of Forgiveness
10/03/2023
How a Survivor of CST is Sewing Seeds of Forgiveness
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:
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How Sarah's Oasis for Women Is Helping Restore Safety & Dignity
09/19/2023
How Sarah's Oasis for Women Is Helping Restore Safety & Dignity
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:
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Survivor Healing Through Spiritual Direction
09/05/2023
Survivor Healing Through Spiritual Direction
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:
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Sound of Freedom Film Review: 5 Important Takeaways
08/22/2023
Sound of Freedom Film Review: 5 Important Takeaways
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 [email protected]
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Living a life of Hope and Transformation
07/25/2023
Living a life of Hope and Transformation
Toni Mattson is the 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
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The Healing Power of Equine Encounters for Survivors
07/18/2023
The Healing Power of Equine Encounters for Survivors
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 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:
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Eau Freedom Highlight: Blue Ox Running!
07/11/2023
Eau Freedom Highlight: Blue Ox Running!
Today we're highlighting Adam and Alicia Condit of , who will share more about what you can expect from the E 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 to connect with Adam and Alicia and to check out their podcast which features real life stories centered around fitness.
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Restoring Hope Though Free Tattoo Removal
07/04/2023
Restoring Hope Though Free Tattoo Removal
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 , 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:
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Combatting Vulnerabilities within the LGBTQ+ Population
06/27/2023
Combatting Vulnerabilities within the LGBTQ+ Population
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. () We invited Melinda Sampson, Community Outreach Coordinator for 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 : ncstophumantrafficking.org
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Creating a Community of Art & Belonging
06/20/2023
Creating a Community of Art & Belonging
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
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Becoming Your Own Advocate
06/13/2023
Becoming Your Own Advocate
How can each of us learn how to advocate for ourselves in a holistic and trauma-informed way? Today's guest Kayleen Soden, 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 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 where she explores various passions including: nutrition, nature, psychology, spirituality, and self-discovery.
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Protecting Children Through Wisconsin Legislation
06/06/2023
Protecting Children Through Wisconsin Legislation
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 . TRIGGER: This episode includes some subject matter related to child sexual abuse that may be unsuitable for children, we recommend for ages 14+
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Developing A Porn Resilient Mindset, Part II
05/30/2023
Developing A Porn Resilient Mindset, Part II
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: Use code FIERCE20 to get 20% off your purchase.
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Developing A Porn Resilient Mindset, Part I
05/23/2023
Developing A Porn Resilient Mindset, Part I
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: Use code FIERCE20 to get 20% off your purchase.
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A Village of Support for All!
05/16/2023
A Village of Support for All!
School-age children and youth spend of their waking hours outside of school, and yet third spaces can be inaccessible to families due to cost or lack of knowledge. Enter , 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
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The Dirty Dozen List 2023: Exposing Mainstream Exploitation
05/09/2023
The Dirty Dozen List 2023: Exposing Mainstream Exploitation
Spotify, Ebay, Discord, Instagram - all these major corporations are featured on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's 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:
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What's the Deal with Deepfake Porn & What Can You Do?
05/02/2023
What's the Deal with Deepfake Porn & What Can You Do?
Deepfake pornography is on the rise. In fact, a 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.
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Building A Healing Community for Trafficked Women
04/25/2023
Building A Healing Community for Trafficked Women
On today's episode we're highlighting our friend Marlene Sorenson, who is the Co-Founder/Executive Director of 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:
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United Against the Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (Part II)
04/18/2023
United Against the Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (Part II)
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
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United Against the Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (Part I)
04/11/2023
United Against the Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (Part I)
The BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) estimates there are 4,200 missing and murdered cases that have gone unsolved, most of these cases are women. To speak more about the disproportionately high rates of sexual violence and incarceration among native women and its roots in historical oppression, we invited Shayla Beaumont, who has advocated for those in human trafficking or domestic abuse for nearly a decade and now serves as the Elevate|Uplift Coordinator for MIWSAC Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition. Shayla brings to light so many of the disparities modern Native peoples face and how frequently crimes against them by non-Native members go unchecked. To learn more about the work Shayla is doing with Elevate|Uplift, check out their website .
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What We Can Learn from the Film: "Women Talking"
04/04/2023
What We Can Learn from the Film: "Women Talking"
Oscar-winning film "" is living up to its name by inciting thought-provoking conversation about abuses going on in isolated religious communities. This episode is no exception, to delve more into the hard truths stirred up by this powerful film, we invited returning guest Hope Anne Dueck, Executive Director of which often works with survivors of abuse from plain dress communities. Hope Anne shares from her own professional and personal experiences growing up in a Mennonite community to explore its connections to real life events and what important takeaways we can take from such an impactful story.
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Light Despite the Darkness: Counteracting Adverse Childhood Experiences
03/28/2023
Light Despite the Darkness: Counteracting Adverse Childhood Experiences
Studies show that about 61% of adults surveyed across 25 states reported that they had experienced at least one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE). All of us carry invisible traumas from childhood that greatly affect our life trajectory and can also lead to higher risk for substance abuse, depression, and lower life expectancy. Despite this fact, there is hope. We invited Fierce Freedom Board Member and Doctor of Physical Therapy Jessie Podolak to highlight healing pathways of compassion towards these experiences within ourselves and subsequently helping others to counter these negative pulls. To learn about these resources you can download Jessie's slide deck
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Why Adolescents Are Targeted for Sextortion
03/21/2023
Why Adolescents Are Targeted for Sextortion
What is sextortion and why is it on the rise? We asked returning guest Dr. Justin Patchin, Co-Founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center to share about growing trends of sextortion - what has caused its rise and why kids make such common targets for predators. He also gives an overview of a new tool "Take It Down," aimed at helping victims of sextortion have their image taken down across various platforms and how he recommends families approach these kinds of tough topics through harm reduction and supportive practices. To learn more about the work Justin is doing you can visit: cyberbullying.org
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