Forrest Lang — a Navy veteran, tattoo artist, and author of Angel Blue: A Song of Redemption. Forrest opens up about his painful childhood filled with abuse, neglect, and foster care trauma, and the years of alcoholism and self-destruction that followed.

Forrest reveals how a tragic turning point forced him to face his demons and rebuild his life. From the depths of addiction to finding faith, purpose, and peace, his story is one of extraordinary resilience, redemption, and the courage to heal.

If you’ve ever struggled with your past, this episode reminds you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

In this new episode of Free Like Me, Honey shares her powerful story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, family instability, and emotional neglect—and how she found the strength to confront her abuser and reclaim her voice.

Honey opens up about the long-term effects of trauma on her relationships, mental health, and body image, including her struggle with anorexia and the journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Through therapy, faith, and motherhood, she discovered what it truly means to love herself after years of pain.

Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and hope—reminding survivors everywhere that while trauma shapes us, it doesn’t have to define us.

Abuse, Addiction & Recovery

In this week's episode of Free Like Me, host Clark Fredericks sits down with author and speaker Paul Steele, who shares his inspiring path from surviving childhood sexual abuse to battling addiction, chronic pain, and near-death experiences—and ultimately finding healing through faith, therapy, and service.

Paul opens up about the car crash that nearly took his life, his introduction to opioids, and the long road of physical and emotional recovery that followed. Breaking down how AA, honest conversations with family, and his spiritual practices helped him reclaim his life and purpose.

Whether you're struggling with trauma, addiction, or searching for meaning—recovery is possible and your past doesn’t define your future.

In this week's episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks speaks with Michele, who opens up about her painful childhood shaped by narcissistic parents and years of sexual abuse by a trusted family friend. From early neglect and trauma to addiction, toxic relationships, and time in a psych ward, Michele shares her story of recovery and self‑discovery. Through therapy and faith, she finds self‑love, forgiveness, and healing after years of silence.

This episode sheds light on the hidden scars of childhood abuse, the psychological effects of narcissistic parenting, and the power of therapy in reclaiming your life. Michele’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible — even after the darkest beginnings.

Live book signing event in Stillwater, NJ, Clark Fredericks shares his personal journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Dennis Pegg, a once-trusted community figure. Joined by fellow survivors and supporters, Clark opens up about his years of trauma, addiction, and the breaking point that led to a life-altering act of justice. Through honest conversation and vulnerability, this event highlights the urgent need to break the silence around abuse, confront the past, and embrace the path toward healing and transformation. This video stands as a beacon of strength and hope for others who may still be suffering in silence.

In this week's episode, Clark sits down with his high school friend Jim opens up about the early traumas he kept hidden, the pain of silence, and the dangerous road it led him down — including substance abuse, emotional breakdowns, and eventually, a murder conviction.

Jim reflects on his time in prison, the brutal realities of the Texas prison system, and the slow climb toward healing through therapy, faith, and facing his past head-on. This episode is a reminder of how unspoken pain can shape a life — and how telling your truth can set you free.

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you or someone you know, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a comment. You're not alone.

In this unforgettable episode of Free Like Me, Michael Gonzalez shares his deeply personal story of surviving childhood sexual abuse by a trusted teacher in Leonia, New Jersey. As he revisits the dark memories of grooming, manipulation, and betrayal that began in the 1960s, Michael reveals how the trauma shaped his youth, his time in the military, and ultimately led him to confront his abuser decades later.

In this week's episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, 31‑year‑old Nick Palmer shares how alcohol took over his life from his teenage years through his twenties — and the moment that changed everything. Nick opens up about early family life, rebellious teenage drinking, multiple stints in rehab, relapse cycles, and the turning point at his 30th birthday that led to real recovery. This inspiring episode shines a light on the realities of addiction, the importance of support, and how sobriety can transform a life. Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement or understanding about addiction and recovery.

He Was Only 13 When They Shackled Him. What Came Next Was Even Worse.
In this jaw-dropping episode of Free Like Me, Chris Cook takes us inside the nightmare he lived as a young teen abused by the very system meant to protect him. From being shackled like a criminal at 13 to being groomed and betrayed by a high-ranking sheriff, Chris’s life spiraled into alcoholism, despair, and multiple suicide attempts.

But this is also a story of unimaginable strength. Now sober and using his voice to advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse, Chris reveals how he finally broke free from shame, addiction, and silence. If you've ever felt broken, trapped, or voiceless—this episode will hit home.

💬 “The system failed me. But I fought back—and survived.”

Scarred: A Memoir of a Childhood Stolen and a Life Reclaimed
https://a.co/d/jiVW408

In this new episode, The Free Like Me Podcast welcomes Selena, a survivor of sex trafficking and addiction, who now serves as the Program Director at Hope Rising Arizona. From growing up surrounded by dysfunction in Mesa, Arizona, to entering the adult film industry and facing the horrors of international trafficking, Selena's story is one of unimaginable pain—and powerful recovery.

Selena opens up about her early exposure to trauma, her battles with substance abuse, her forced involvement in sex work, and the pivotal moment that sparked her transformation. Now nearly a decade sober, Selena is helping others walk the same path to healing and redemption.

🎧 If you've ever doubted the human capacity to overcome, this episode is for you.