The Ugly Truth About The Girl Next Door

In the second half of our conversation with Abby Wade, we discuss the impact of lack of knowledge about the neuroscience of trauma and family controlled trafficking on victims.....and celebrate the the transformative experience of connection and knowledge.

In this first of two episodes, we explore the neuroscience of developmental trauma with survivor-leader Abby Wade who is a neuroscientist specializing in child maltreatment and institutional responses to trauma. Abby is also a survivor of family controlled sex trafficking.

In this episode we share more about what we've been up to over the last three years and our plans for the podcast. We also share about our experiences advocating for the passage of an anti-trafficking bill in Albany including our excellent experience with Assemblymember George Alvarez.....and we encourage every one to #beaGEORGE!!

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Epstein case, focusing on what it may signal to victims about what to expect when seeking accountability through the court system. We explore the many ways systems can—and too often do—fail victims, and the lasting impact of those failures.

In this episode we continue to explore how the Epstein case shines a light on the painful journey victims/survivors are on when they make the desperate choice to engage with the systems that are meant to help.

In this episode, we consider the role of parents in the Epstein exploitation ring. We know that children as young as 4 or 5 have been identified as victims but yet we are not hearing about family-controlled sex trafficking. How could a child that young....or even 9 or 10....possibly be victimized in these extreme ways and a parent not be involved or at least criminally neglectful?

In this episode we take a deeper look at some of the systemic failures both in the Epstein case and our experience. We celebrate the ways that victims and their advocates have been struggling and persisting to bring the reality to light. We will rage....and celebrate....in equal measures (sort of)....

This series of episodes about the Epstein case will draw parallels between the experiences of victims in every community and Epstein's victims. In this episode, we will share a general overview and some of our thoughts. Future episodes will include systemic responses, considering the role of parents, how victims are experiencing this process, the power of journalism and community outrage and, most importantly, how victims have bravely persisted for each other and with each other to be heard.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Stephen Mills, author of Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood and actor, producer and director Anthony Edwards who some will remember as Goose from the movie Top Gun or Dr. Greene from the television show ER. We are grateful for the authenticity and courage of these men as they share their experiences of sexual abuse as boys. Please join us as we discuss the long term impact of childhood sexual abuse, institutional coverups and the unwillingness of "bystanders" to take a stand.

In this episode, we consider recent events and how to deal with the emotional impact. Bottom line.....we ALL have a mission.....to stand for the vulnerable.....so we STAY.ON.MISSION. As we consider this we look to the example of Miep and Jan Gies....the Dutch couple who protected Ann Frank and her family.

Wow....it's been a minute! In this episode we share what Mezzo Allies, Inc. has been passionately pursuing. We also talk about the importance of being willing to be uncomfortable...to speak up when injustice and ignorance are staring us in the face. We are either part of the solution or part of the problem.....there isn't much in the middle.

In this episode we have a conversation with Abbi Nye and April Sochia about CFCtoo. CFCtoo is an organization committed to creating a safe space for survivors of Christian Fellowship Church in northern New York State. CFCtoo is also advocating for the passage of legislation requiring faith leaders to be mandated child abuse reporters in NY State.

In this episode we have a conversation about the current state of NY State laws regarding child abuse and the need for reform

In this episode we speak with Joyce Short who is the author of Your Consent – The Key to Conquering Sexual Assault and a TEDx Talk Presenter and Nina Lucas who lead Consent Awareness Network (CAN). Joyce and Nina are on a mission to educate the public and legislators about the critical importance of having consent defined in our laws. Click the link to visit CAN's website https://consentawareness.net

In this episode, we talk about the reality of the web of the network of offenders in organized sexual abuse and how difficult it can be for victims to break free. Listen to our raw and real feelings following the creation of the cork board.

In this episode, we unpack in detail the ethics of the decision to move from social worker-client to podcast partner then to non-profit partner.

In this episode we share an unscripted…sometimes raw…perspective on the Liberty University Clery Act settlement of $14 million dollars (plus $2 million in new campus safety improvements)

In this episode we address a question that is asked frequently....sometimes with concern...sometimes with curiosity...and sometimes with a hefty dose of skepticism. The question is Why Don't You Just Move?

In this episode we have a conversation with Nicholle Overkamp of PowHERhouse Money Coaching and Wilcox Financial Group about her upcoming "Becoming PowHERhouse" Summit on March 8th....International Women's Day.

In this episode we have a conversation with Lisa Goldblatt Grace, LICSW, MPH who co-founded MLMC in 2002 after a teen was murdered by her exploiter. Join us as we talk through the factors that make a difference in the lives of the victims and survivors as well as the lives of the helpers.