What does it truly take to be a survivor leader? In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we explore the raw truth behind leadership after trauma, featuring a powerful solo reflection from a survivor turned advocate and mentor.

From the early days of toxic jobs and missed opportunities to hard-earned wisdom about accountability, grace, and healing—this episode is a blueprint for nonprofits, leaders, and anyone who wants to build safe spaces where survivors don’t just heal—they lead.

This is for the dreamers, the overcomers, and the ones still figuring it out. If you've ever asked, "How can I help survivors lead?" — start here.

🔗 Learn more or support the mission: https://www.usiaht.org
❤️ Become an Abolitionist: https://usiaht.org/donate/

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Leadership starts with vulnerability and healing
00:29 – Welcome to the podcast: today’s topic hits close to home
01:25 – What is a survivor leader, really? What do they need to thrive?
02:17 – You don’t need a degree to lead—you need lived experience
03:20 – Becoming a servant leader starts with how you care for yourself
04:53 – The honesty of growing up while still carrying trauma
06:00 – When grace meets accountability: how employers helped me grow
07:15 – A probation officer’s simple act that changed everything
08:52 – The Denny’s job that gave me dignity and basic life skills
10:24 – Learning what healthy structure and family really looked like
12:00 – How lying to those who loved me led to consequences—and growth
13:46 – What every survivor needs more than a paycheck: mentorship
15:04 – Why healing must come before service work
16:36 – You don’t have to lead like anyone else—just be faithful to your process
17:50 – SWOT yourself: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
18:24 – Integrity, consistency, therapy, and the lifelong work of growth
19:46 – Final encouragement: Finish well. Pass the baton. You got this.

🙌 Key Takeaways:

• Being a survivor leader isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence
• Healthy leadership is rooted in therapy, boundaries, mentorship, and truth
• Nonprofits should build systems that empower—not just employ—survivors
• Your healing journey is not a job description. It’s a foundation.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Equip. Whether you’re a survivor, an ally, or a nonprofit leader, this conversation is a mirror and a map.

Subscribe, share, and support to help us build a Trafficking Free America—together.
#TraffickingFreeAmerica #SurvivorLeadership #HumanTrafficking #AntiTrafficking #HealingJourney #LeadershipAfterTrauma #USIAHT #Podcast

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, Morgan —a dedicated school counselor and former foster care social worker—shares her unique frontline perspective on identifying and supporting children vulnerable to human trafficking with Executive Director, Oree Freeman

Morgan pulls back the curtain on what educators are seeing in schools every day, the systemic limitations they face, and how prevention curriculum and relationships with students can become life-saving tools. This episode is a must-watch for teachers, counselors, social workers, and anyone who wants to understand how trafficking can hide in plain sight.

🔗 Learn more at: https://www.usiaht.org

👇 Timestamps
00:00 – A story of hidden trafficking in plain sight
00:28 – Meet Morgan Hicks, school counselor and former social worker
01:42 – Social work vs. counseling: Two sides of the same fight
04:08 – How schools often see signs before social services do
05:15 – Florida’s prevention gaps and mandated reporting challenges
06:06 – Safer, Smarter Kids: A prevention curriculum that works
08:54 – What happens after a student makes a disclosure?
11:01 – The frustrating disconnect between schools and CPS
14:02 – How school transfers can isolate vulnerable kids
16:05 – Vulnerability at home: where trafficking risks begin
18:34 – Signs to look for—even when there’s no physical abuse
22:15 – How new students with trauma are (or aren’t) identified
28:48 – The power of trusted adults and triangle relationships
33:08 – Personal story: A mom’s advocacy for her own child
38:25 – Advice for counselors: Be present, be persistent, be relational

🧡 If you work in schools, social work, child welfare, or simply care about protecting kids—this one’s for you.

📢 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to spread awareness.

#HumanTrafficking #MorganHicks #SchoolCounselor #TraffickingFreeAmerica #USIAHT #Prevention #ChildProtection #EducationMatters

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, co-host Jeremy Hicks sits down with Oree  Freeman, the new Executive Director of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking. A survivor-turned-national-advocate, Audrey opens up about her journey from trauma to healing—and her bold vision for transforming the anti-trafficking movement.

They discuss Kevin Malone’s transition to a federal role, the evolution of public understanding around trafficking, and what’s next for the organization and this podcast. Oree lays out a roadmap for survivor leadership, trauma-informed training, and how YOU can get involved.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the mission of creating a Trafficking Free America.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – “You think I want to feel weak?” — Audrey gets real about the weight of reliving trauma
00:28 – Meet Oree Freeman: New Executive Director of USIAHT
01:44 – How Kevin & Marilyn Malone helped Oree go from survivor to servant leader
03:22 – Real relationships = real impact
05:06 – Building a championship team to end human trafficking
07:08 – The shift: from seeing trafficking as "too big" to something everyone can fight
08:26 – Kevin Malone joins HHS under RFK Jr. to advise on national trafficking strategy
10:36 – Oree's new vision: boots-on-the-ground + survivor-led leadership
16:21 – Why education must come before action
21:22 – 15 years ago: No language for "trafficking"—only "prostitution"
29:06 – Why we don’t “rescue” survivors—we walk with them through restoration
50:16 – What is an “Abolitionist Supporter”? And how you can become one today

📣 Join the Movement:

✅ Become an Abolitionist Supporter: usiaht.org/abolitionists
✅ Subscribe for more survivor-led conversations and trainings
✅ Share this video to raise awareness and recruit others into the fight

#HumanTrafficking #SurvivorLeadership #OreeFreeman #USIAHT #TraffickingFreeAmerica #AntiTrafficking #RestorationNotRescue #KevinMalone #RFKJr #AbolitionistMovement #EndHumanTrafficking #FaithAndFreedom #TraumaInformedCare #ChildProtection #PodcastHighlights #SurvivorVoices #FreedomFighters

In this powerful episode of the Trafficking Free America podcast, we dive deep into the controversial topic of "John School"—a court-mandated educational program for men caught purchasing sex. Our panel discusses why the traditional approach falls short and introduces an innovative alternative: John University, a trauma-informed, addiction recovery-based solution designed to address the root causes of sex buying.  We explore the science of sex addiction, brain scans of porn addicts, and the stories of recovery that show true change is possible. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about ending sexual exploitation and finding real solutions for human trafficking prevention.  

🔗 Learn more and become an abolitionist: https://usiaht.org/abolitionists

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: What is John School?
01:07 - Understanding “Demand” and Its Role in Human Trafficking
02:00 - Why Addressing Sexual Addiction Is Crucial
03:15 - What Actually Happens in John School
05:25 - Introducing John University: A Trauma-Informed Solution
07:20 - Hearing from Survivors: Why Shame Doesn’t Work
09:00 - Brain Scans: The Impact of Porn Addiction on Decision-Making
11:21 - Most Sex Buyers Are Addicts—Here’s the Data
13:07 - Why Education Alone Isn’t Enough
15:27 - How John University Works and Why It Matters
18:22 - Challenges Getting Court Recognition and Funding
25:11 - How Lawyers, Judges & Citizens Can Help Advocate for Change

In part two of our powerful conversation with Francis Chan and Kevin Malone, we explore one of the most critical questions facing the modern church: Will we rise to fight the evil of human trafficking?

Francis and Kevin unpack what Scripture says about justice, why the church must care for the most vulnerable, and how every believer—regardless of title or role—can take meaningful action. With stories of transformation, honest frustration, and bold hope, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

🙏 Even prayer is action. Let this conversation be your invitation to begin.
📍 Join the movement at: https://usiaht.org/abolitionists

00:00 – Intro: Can the Church Actually Make a Difference?
02:19 – Francis on the Long-Term Impact of Church Advocacy
03:54 – Real Lives Changed: From Sermons to Action
05:50 – God Will Bless Churches That Care for the Vulnerable
07:08 – Are Today’s Trafficked Kids Our Modern-Day Orphans?
09:10 – The Pressure on Pastors—and a Better Way Forward
10:22 – Why “Advocate” Empowers Ordinary Church Members
11:44 – Reaching the Next Generation Through Youth Ministry
12:55 – The Most Powerful Weapon: Prayer
14:14 – Out of Sight, Out of Mind: A Biblical Warning
16:26 – Building God’s Kingdom Instead of Our Own
19:11 – Final Reflections: Why Long-Term Commitment Matters

In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Trafficking Free America welcomes pastor and author Francis Chan alongside USIAHT founder Kevin Malone to discuss their deeply personal journeys into the fight against human trafficking.

From gut-wrenching moments of discovery to inspiring stories of restoration, this episode is an intimate and honest conversation about calling, heartbreak, hope, and how every follower of Christ can respond to injustice.

🚨 This is more than awareness—it's a call to action.
📍 Learn how to take the next step: https://usiaht.org/abolitionists

Join the movement. Become an abolitionist. Make a difference.

00:00 - Intro: A Special Episode with Francis Chan & Kevin Malone
01:15 - Francis Chan Learns About Human Trafficking for the First Time
02:51 - The Night That Changed Everything
04:21 - Kevin’s Revelation: Boys Are Being Trafficked Too
06:10 - Why Most People Don’t Let It Sink In
07:28 - Kevin’s Plea for Encouragement to Stay in the Fight
09:17 - Francis Chan on What Pleases God in This Battle
12:10 - How Kevin & Francis First Connected Through Church and Missions
13:19 - The Trained Elephant and the Untrained Souls
14:46 - Finding Joy in Serving and Transforming Lives
20:21 - The Spiritual Warfare Behind Trafficking
24:25 - What Happens When God's Spirit Lives in You

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, Kevin Malone — former MLB General Manager and former president and co-founder of Kids Not For Sale and The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) — exposes one of the most overlooked realities in the fight against human trafficking: the sexual exploitation of boys. Kevin challenges longstanding misconceptions, unveils harsh statistics, and recounts heartbreaking stories that illuminate how deeply this issue is hidden in plain sight. He calls America to wake up, take action, and fight for every vulnerable child—regardless of gender.  

🔔 Subscribe for more voices fighting for freedom and justice.  

📌 Learn more: https://usiaht.org | https://kidsnotforsale.org  

👇 Timestamps 

00:00 - Introduction: Kevin Malone’s mission to end trafficking
01:20 - The hidden crisis: Male victims of trafficking
02:44 - Legal definitions and misconceptions about trafficking
04:36 - Who are the buyers? Surprising demographics
06:21 - Demand and supply countries: The U.S. as a top consumer
08:15 - Key trafficking venues across the U.S.
10:35 - Limitations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act
12:24 - Victim profiles: There is no “typical” trafficking victim
18:01 - Real cases of boys trafficked in the U.S.
23:03 - Cultural bias: Why boys often go unidentified
30:04 - Trafficking tactics: Grooming, sextortion, and recruitment methods
37:05 - Health outcomes and the need for systemic reform
44:12 - Final call: Recognize boys as victims and act now  

🎙️ Let’s change the narrative. Let’s end human trafficking—for everyone.  

#HumanTrafficking #KevinMalone #BoysInTrafficking #USIAHT #KidsNotForSale #TraffickingFreeAmerica #Podcast #EndSexTrafficking #ChildProtection

🎙️ RE-RUN: Oree Freeman’s Story – From Trafficking Victim to National Leader | Trafficking Free America Podcast (final episode of 3-part story)

📢 Welcome back to Season 1 of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, brought to you by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT). We're re-airing this unforgettable episode to honor the journey and impact of Oree Freeman, who now serves as the Director of Operations at USIAHT.

In this gripping and emotional episode, Oree courageously recounts her experiences as a survivor of child sex trafficking—exploited as young as 11 years old—and her remarkable path to healing, advocacy, and leadership. Her story reveals the painful reality of trafficking, the gaps in our systems, and the deep importance of trust, restoration, and real community.

💬 Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a professional serving vulnerable youth, or someone seeking hope, Oree’s voice will challenge, inspire, and transform your understanding of what survivors truly need to heal.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Oree’s introduction to trafficking at age 11
01:15 – Exposure to abuse by people in positions of power
03:19 – Why demand fuels sex trafficking
04:26 – Helping survivors without being the “hero”
05:10 – Arrest, juvenile hall, and becoming a ward of the court
07:39 – Two months of trafficking and its lifelong impact
08:11 – Mother’s rejection in court
10:28 – Group homes and the start of healing
11:45 – The hard truth: restoration isn’t linear
14:39 – The physical toll of life in “the game”
20:07 – Transformation through creative expression and leadership
24:11 – Where was God? Oree’s reflection on faith through trauma

🔗 Learn more & get involved:
Become a part of the fight. Take our free certification to make your community a Trafficking Free Zone:
👉 https://usiaht.org/traffickingfreezone

📣 Subscribe and share this episode to raise awareness and bring hope to others. Let’s build a world where no child is bought or sold.

#HumanTraffickingAwareness #OreeFreeman #SurvivorLeader #USIAHT #TraffickingFreeAmerica #EndHumanTrafficking #PodcastReRun #FaithAndHealing

This is a re-run episode from Season 1 of the Trafficking Free America podcast, produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT). Today, Oree Freeman is the Director of Operations at USIAHT—but her journey here is one marked by unimaginable pain, survival, and ultimately, redemption.

In this episode, Oree continues to bravely share her story of being trafficked as a child. Her words offer insight into the deeply manipulative and hidden nature of trafficking in the United States—often occurring in plain sight. Her honesty challenges common misconceptions, confronts societal silence, and gives voice to victims who have yet to be heard.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive content involving child abuse, sexual trauma, and trafficking.

🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Oree’s childhood misconceptions of prostitution vs. trafficking
01:25 – Podcast intro & parental advisory
02:38 – Oree’s first encounter with her trafficker’s world
04:17 – Trauma bonding: sharing her story with a stranger
07:00 – The trafficker’s manipulation: promises of safety & belonging
09:13 – Normalizing abuse: when sexual trauma becomes “routine”
11:05 – Introduction to “the game” by another trafficked girl
13:16 – Oree begins to feel wanted and protected—but at a price
15:25 – Emotional breakdown during recording: searching for love
17:06 – First time being trafficked—rules, cars, and grooming
20:51 – How trafficking looks different across places and races
22:17 – Why traffickers often use other victims to recruit
23:41 – What the Trafficking Free Zone is & how to get involved
27:08 – Physical violence and manipulation to maintain control
31:53 – Oree’s realization: sex equated with love and survival
34:46 – Closing: how Oree’s story shifts in future episodes

💡 Become a Certified Trafficking Free Zone Member:
Take our free online course and join the movement:
👉 https://www.usiaht.org/trafficking-free-zone

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission to end human trafficking.

📢 Connect with USIAHT:
Website: https://www.usiaht.org
Social Media: @usiaht (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)

🎧 How an 11 year-old girl was trafficked: The Story of Oree Freeman, PART 1 | Trafficking Free America Podcast (2023)  Welcome to this Season 1 re-run of the Trafficking Free America podcast, brought to you by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT). In this gripping episode, we share the courageous story of Oree Freeman, a survivor, educator, and now the Director of Operations for USIAHT, the very organization behind this podcast series.  Oree’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and full of resilience. From growing up in a vulnerable environment, to experiencing repeated abuse and trafficking, to becoming a national voice in the fight to end human trafficking—her story is a must-hear for anyone who wants to understand what trafficking really looks like in America.  

🕒 Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and USIAHT’s mission
01:31 – Meet Oree Freeman: survivor, advocate, abolitionist
02:23 – Breaking trafficking myths: It’s not just kidnappings and basements
04:00 – Oree’s sheltered childhood and early family dynamics
07:02 – First memory of sexual abuse at age five
08:24 – Identity crisis, bullying, and emotional neglect
11:09 – Molestation by a family friend becomes normalized
13:26 – Rape at summer camp and first thoughts of running away
17:21 – Trauma triggers resurface in adulthood after childbirth
19:03 – Discovering she was adopted and losing her sense of identity
27:13 – Arrest, probation, and entering alternative education programs
32:37 – Running away and being taken to a trafficker’s house  

💡 Become a Certified Trafficking Free Zone Member:  Take our free online course and join the movement:  👉 https://www.usiaht.org/trafficking-free-zone  

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission to end human trafficking.  

📢 Connect with USIAHT and become an Abolitionist!  Website: https://www.usiaht.org/abolitionists  

Social Media: @usiaht (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)  

#TraffickingFreeAmerica #OreeFreeman #HumanTraffickingAwareness #USIAHT #SurvivorStory #EndHumanTrafficking #Podcast #TraffickingFreeZone #SocialJustice #SurvivorVoices