Defeating The Darkness

Some stories are hard to hear but that’s exactly why they need to be told.In this chilling and necessary conversation, Dr. Leslie Dobson joins Heather to expose the unseen world of sexual abuse, trauma, and what really happens when the Dr. is in session. As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Dobson has worked with attackers, survivors, law enforcement, and the court system to not only help people heal but to hold predators accountable.In Part 1 of this two-part series, she shares her own experiences, the shocking truths behind many of her cases, and what we can all do to protect the vulnerable. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s Intentionally Disturbing because staying silent helps no one.⸻NEXT STEPSFollow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to hear both parts of this series and future episodes.Learn More About Dr. Leslie Dobson at www.drlesliedobson.com and follow her on Instagram @drlesliedobsonSupport Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help expose evil and empower survivors.Support the PodcastDefeating the Darkness is more than a podcast... it’s a platform for truth, healing, and justice. If your brand or organization aligns with our mission of exposing evil and empowering survivors, we’d love to partner with you.Sponsorship Opportunities AvailableFrom episode sponsorships to featured mentions and social media integration, we offer impactful ways to reach an engaged, purpose-driven audience.📩 Email our Producer, Pete Campbell, at [email protected] to start the conversation.

When the bombs went off at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the world watched in horror. But behind the headlines was a team of federal agents racing against time to track down the perpetrators and former FBI agent Kristen Von KlonSmid was one of them.

In this gripping episode, Kristen joins Heather to share what it was really like to be on the ground during one of the most intense manhunts in American history. From identifying the suspects to supporting victims, and dealing with trauma herself. Kristen’s story gives us a rare look at the personal toll of public service.

She opens up about the emotional aftermath of the bombing, what it meant to serve during a national crisis, and how her work now focuses on healing those impacted by trauma, both in and out of the field.

Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more raw and redemptive stories.

Former SWAT operator and FBI agent Tom Brown returns to Defeating the Darkness with more stories from the frontlines. From training with flashbangs and shotguns to the chilling reality of the “funnel of death,” Tom breaks down the tactics, dangers, and split-second decisions that define survival in high-risk situations. He also shares wild behind-the-scenes moments, including FBI training trips to Russia, the truth about tasers, and what Hollywood always gets wrong about SWAT.This episode is a masterclass in courage, precision, and survival from someone who’s lived it.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss future episodes of Defeating the Darkness. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes clips and survivor stories.📚 Support Heather’s MissionPick up Heather Brown’s book Defeating the Darkness at heatherbrownlaw.com Your support helps share stories of survival, justice, and hope.💙 Partner with UsWe’re currently seeking sponsors who align with our mission to expose darkness and empower survivors. Sponsorships include podcast mentions, social media features, and collaborative opportunities. For details, contact Heather at [email protected]

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown sits down with John Kelly, the larger-than-life founder of Kelly’s Smoke Shop in Tustin.

From opening his tobacco shop at just 17, to becoming the youngest city councilman in Tustin at 24, John’s story is packed with history, politics, colorful characters, and a lifelong passion for tobacco culture.

He shares wild tales about the rise of clove cigarettes, the social hub his shop became, run-ins with California’s tax system, and why he always told customers to “Smoke ‘Em Easy."

This episode blends true crime with business battles, cultural history, and John’s unapologetically bold take on life, law, and legacy.

What happens when your loved one is on trial but you’re the one seeking justice?In this special episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown sits down with criminal defense attorney Michael Molfetta to talk about the cases you don’t see on the news. The ones where families come to him not because they believe their loved one is innocent, but because they believe they still deserve a fair trial.Michael shares what it’s like to represent not just the accused, but the heartbroken families stuck in the middle of the system. From high-profile cases to quiet courtroom moments filled with desperation, this conversation explores justice, redemption, and why the legal system is never as black and white as it seems.⸻✅ NEXT STEPSFollow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for weekly stories on justice, survival, and the unseen battles in the system.Learn More About Michael Molfetta at michaelmolfettalaw.comSupport Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit defeatingthedarkness.com to support survivor-led stories and justice reform.

After surviving a near-fatal undercover sting, former FBI agent Rob Preijers stepped out from behind the badge. In Part 2 of this powerful two-part series, Rob sits down with Heather to share the next chapter of his story: chasing mafia bosses, investigating spies, and ultimately turning his attention to the mental health crisis inside law enforcement.Rob pulls back the curtain on his time in counterintelligence, what really goes into psychological profiling, and how he became a forensic psychologist dedicated to helping others heal. From undercover IDs to court testimony to counseling trauma survivors. This is a story about what happens after the bullets stop flying… and the work of redemption begins.⸻NEXT STEPS• Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to never miss a story.• Learn More or Connect with Rob: Email Dr. Preijers at [email protected] for psychological evaluations, expert witness services, or trauma support.• Support Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help amplify stories that matter.

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with former FBI agent and police officer Rob Preijers to unpack one of the most harrowing nights of his life. Rob shares the gripping, real-life story of an undercover drug sting gone sideways. An operation that ended in a deadly shootout, a paralyzed suspect, and Rob barely escaping with his life.With raw honesty and sharp detail, Rob recounts how he kept his cool under unimaginable pressure, and how years of training and divine intervention may be the only reason he lived to tell the tale. From posing as a drug buyer to taking out two armed men in seconds, this episode gives you a rare inside look at what really goes down in the world of undercover ops.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In the next episode, we explore Rob’s path to healing, his FBI career, and his current work as a forensic psychologist.⸻Next Steps:Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube so you don’t miss Part 2 and future survivor-led stories.

Learn More About Rob Preijers:

Visit Rob’s LinkedIn or search Robert D. Preijers to learn more about his private practice in forensic psychology.Support Heather’s Mission:

Get her book Defeating the Darkness or visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help shine a light on survivor stories and justice reform.

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with Julie Green, author of A Thousand Little Memories: A Mother’s Pilgrimage to Reclaim Joy After Traumatic Loss. Julie opens up about her journey through unthinkable grief, navigating the pain of loss while finding healing, faith, and hope along the way.Her story is a tender yet courageous reminder that even in the darkest valleys, joy can be rediscovered one step at a time. For every parent, survivor, or listener walking through loss, Julie’s words offer both comfort and strength.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss future episodes—subscribe to Defeating the Darkness on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you listen.Learn More About Julie GreenDiscover Julie’s book A Thousand Little Memories and her story at juliegreenhealing.com or on AmazonSupport Heather’s MissionOrder Heather’s book Defeating the Darkness at defeatingthedarkness.com.

Visit the website for resources, speaking engagements, and ways to support survivors.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Martha, founder of A Quarter Blue, we explore the journey of reclaiming value and purpose after trauma. Martha shares the hard but hope-filled process of healing, the power of speaking your truth, and why giving survivors both a voice and a choice changes lives. This is a conversation about courage, advocacy, and the kind of hope that turns pain into purpose.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss the next powerful conversation—follow and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a rating or review to help others discover these important stories.💙 Learn More About A Quarter BlueDiscover how A Quarter Blue is giving survivors a voice and a choice. Learn how you can get involved, support the mission, and access resources at aquarterblue.org.📚 Support Heather’s MissionOrder Heather’s book Defeating the Darkness and explore more resources and ways to connect at heatherbrownlaw.com.

For this episode, Heather sits down with Martha Wade, the founder of AQuarterBlue, an organization devoted to helping survivors of sexual abuse find healing, hope, and a voice.

Martha opens up about her own story, what led her to create the nonprofit, and how her team is working to educate, equip, and empower individuals and communities through trauma informed care and advocacy.

Whether you’re a survivor, an ally, or someone who wants to understand more... this conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring.

Learn more about A Quarter Blue at: https://aquarterblue.org

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