Jose Lewis Alfaro is a man of culture, colour, and generosity. His experiences lead him from human (sex) trafficking survivor to advocate, speaker, activist and proud member of the LGBTQ+ Community.  

In this episode, Jose takes our hand and walks us through his memories, his experiences, and his healing journey from childhood to manhood. 

To connect with Jose, reach out to him at https://www.instagram.com/joselewisalfaro/ 

If you have a story you would like to share with us on the podcast, please reach out to us. www.rayanneirving.com 

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Dr Louann Brizendine is a neuropsychiatrist, professor, at UCSF, and Founder and Director of 'The Women's Mood and Hormone Clinic'. Dr Louann is the NYT bestselling author of 'The Female Brain' and 'The Male Brain'. 

Part One with our incredible guest, Dr Brizendine, we discuss The Female Brain.  We deep dive into the science behind 'Pink Aggression', 'and Tend to Befriend' and discuss at length the neurochemicals creating an orgasm like effect in the brain of teenage girls when they connect with friends. Using biology science, we reveal why specific recruiting tactics used for sex trafficking, appear as phenomena.  

We also touch upon the hormones that affect both boys and girls and wrap the episode up with a brief explanation of Neuroplasisity - our brain's ability to heal/change behaviour.

Her new book "The Upgrade: How Women's Brains change --for the better--in the Second Half of Life" will be available in 2021.

To connect with Dr Louann Brizending, follow her on Facebook! 

https://www.facebook.com/DrLouannBrizendine

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

In 2019 service members reported over 20,000 cases of military sexual trauma. Lucy Del Gaudio is intimately familiar with this statistic. An emerging leader who testified at Congress to help pass the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, Lucy is a US Army Veteran, culture expert, advocate for MST movement, and ally of the survivor agenda. 

In this meeting of hearts, Lucy and I discuss a multitude of topics none the least, what it's like to sift through the emotional debris of new beginnings; the rarity of making new friends as adults with baggage, moving on from relationships that no longer serve us, learning from the past, and rising up to meet our own expectations rather than lowering ourselves to match those set in motion for us by outside influences.

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Dr Alex Katehakis PhD, CSAT-S, CST-S sits down with us to discuss the effects of shame and disassociation, as well as how the division of intimacy and sex hurts both men and women. 

To connect with Dr Alex Katehakis, check out her Books Available: Sexual Reflections | Mirror of Intimacy | Erotic Intelligence | Sex Addiction As Affect Dysregulation 

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Kevin Ross is a World Champion Muay Thai Kickboxing Fighter. 

Kevin first revealed his history of sexual trauma and abuse on episode #1417 of the Joe Rogan Podcast. Today, we’re here to focus on how Kevin is integrating his past with his present as he looks towards and builds his future.  

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Susie Carder is a top profit coach, business strategist, and best-selling author as well as an inspirational/transformational speaker!

In this episode, Susie connects us with her own personal history of childhood violence, relationship abuse and undeniable life successes - proving that nothing in this world can hold you back if you have the right mindset!

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Valiant Richey OSCE Special Representative joins us in this episode to share with us information on International Obligations as well as clear any confusion, assumptions or misunderstandings surrounding the hashtag #endthedemand.

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Kaytlin Bailey is an Internationally touring stand-up comic, sex worker rights advocate and writer.

In episode 2, Rayanne tosses the questions out, and the two get down, get dirty and get passionate - sharing their innermost thoughts on sex work, sex trafficking, and healing as a culture!

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

In 1998 Rayanne Irving was just sixteen years old, entrenched in "The Life". Making a living (for her traffickers) as a Sex Trafficked Child in Vancouver, Canada. Pete Fahey was a young Street Youth Outreach Worker when Rayanne's name landed on his desk under Missing Children.

Pete took the time to earn Rayanne's respect, but it wasn't long before she disappeared again entrenched in the world of prostitution. Enduring a kidnapping and two violent abductions by warring pimps, it wasn't until after an explosive home invasion, that Rayanne realized she wanted out, and would need help to get away from her traffickers safely.

Rayanne reached out to Pete Fahey. On the night of her daring escape, with Peter's help, Rayanne stuck to her life-altering decision to leave her gang family behind - but not before one last epic showdown between Peter and the Gang. Episode One is so incredibly special - an event 20+ years in the making. After no verbal or physical contact since her escape, Rayanne and Peter Reconnect. The two reminisce about the last contact they had with one another, then dive into unforgettable memories and moments from Peter's 20 years of youth outreach work. This episode is chalked full of valuable information for anybody interested in boots to the ground, grassroots, humanitarian, social projects, and outreach services!

For some, this episode might be triggering. If you are struggling right now with your mental health, we applaud your strength and encourage you to skip this episode.

Disclaimer. Focus Forward Podcast episodes and discussions are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the host, producer, sponsors or other guests. The content and conversations are not intended to substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any psychologically based or healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or your health care provider promptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency or are experiencing suicidal ideations, call your doctor or 911 immediately. 

If you know someone who needs help or wants to report a tip, contact the CONFIDENTIAL, TOLL-FREE, Â 24/7 CAD HT Hotline 1-833-900-1010 OR the US National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "BE FREE" OR 233733.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages, and you will speak to a trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. You can also email for help at [email protected]. Visit Polaris Project at Polarisproject.org or Humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways to help.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

1-833-456-4566

To reach the Trans Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in Canada, dial 1-877-330- 6366. 

If you wish to support the show, please leave a rating and review for us at Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps to distinguish us from the millions of other awesome podcasts out in the world right now!  

If you have already left us a review and rating on Apple podcasts but are still looking for ways to support us, one way you could do is to sponsor an episode of Focus Forward! When you sponsor an episode, you not only affect the lives of our listeners by helping to keep this show running, but you also enable your host, Rayanne, to provide clarity calls and financial relief to our community of survivors around the world!

This show is produced by Andrew Gavin. Want to know more about the music? Check out https://www.fellowhollow.com

Welcome and Thank You for joining us! Please hit the subscribe button and buckle in because we launch October 19th 2020!