In this episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor-leader Oree Freeman and host Jeremy Hicks have an honest, vulnerable conversation about mental health—not as a reaction to trauma, but as a form of prevention.

Drawing from lived experience, parenting, leadership, and survivor advocacy, this episode explores why mental health care must start early, how trauma impacts the nervous system long before adulthood, and why healing looks different for every person. Oree shares openly about her current season of life, therapy, boundaries, parenting, medication, faith, and learning how to listen to her body—offering a rare and grounding perspective for survivors, caregivers, and leaders alike.

Together, Jeremy and Oree challenge common misconceptions around mental health in the Church and society, unpack the difference between diagnosis and care, and explain why patience, community, and prevention matter more than performance or perfection.

This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America: equipping everyday people, churches, and communities with survivor-informed understanding that leads to healthier responses, safer environments, and long-term restoration.

🎧 Subscribe for more survivor-led conversations, practical tools, and faith-centered discussions on prevention and healing.

0:00 – Mental health as prevention, not reaction
1:18 – Why this conversation matters right now
2:45 – Survivor honesty: therapy, readiness & timing
4:13 – Tools planted early still matter later in life
5:27 – Leadership, exhaustion & learning to slow down
6:57 – Boundaries, peace & finding joy in hard seasons
9:00 – Stress, anxiety & listening to your body
11:29 – Mental health vs. diagnosis: shifting the narrative
13:14 – Why survivors weren’t taught self-care
15:36 – Community, accountability & healthy relationships
17:22 – Medication, therapy & removing stigma
21:30 – Final encouragement: prevention starts with understanding

#TraffickingFreeAmerica #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaInformedCare #HumanTraffickingPrevention #SurvivorVoices #FaithAndHealing #ChurchLeadership #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PreventionOverReaction #Advocacy #HopeAndHealing

In this episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor-leader Oree Freeman sits down with Jeremy Hicks to break down one of the most practical and accessible ways communities can prevent human trafficking: Trafficking Free Zones.

This conversation clarifies what Trafficking Free Zones are (and what they are not), why you don’t need to be an expert or rescuer to make a difference, and how education, awareness, and readiness can create safer environments in businesses, churches, schools, and neighborhoods.

Drawing from lived experience and real-world implementation, Oree and Jeremy explore how prevention often begins long before trafficking occurs, why consistency matters more than heroics, and how small, informed actions can change outcomes for vulnerable people.

This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America—equipping everyday people with practical tools to respond to trafficking in a thoughtful, survivor-informed, and Christ-centered way.

🔗 Learn more about Trafficking Free Zones: https://USIAHT.org/TraffickingFreeZone
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionist
🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for survivor-led conversations and practical ways to make a difference.

0:00 – Introduction: why Trafficking Free Zones matter
1:06 – You don’t have to be an expert to help
2:04 – Moving from rescue myths to readiness
3:46 – Why “see something, say something” isn’t enough
5:16 – What Trafficking Free Zones actually are
7:05 – How businesses, churches, and schools can participate
9:14 – Survivor story: why consistency changes everything
11:23 – Showing up without having all the answers
13:15 – How to respond safely when you notice something
15:52 – Prevention starts before trafficking happens
18:30 – Community awareness as protection
21:12 – Everyone has a role—stop trying to do everything
24:24 – Final encouragement: readiness over heroics

In this bonus deep-dive episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we continue unpacking Episode 5 of the Advocate Series—this time with Kevin Malone, now the former CEO and President of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) and Kids Not For Sale. This conversation was recorded when Kevin was still serving as CEO and President, offering a powerful window into his leadership, calling, and urgency for the Church to take its God-given role in ending trafficking.

Kevin shares how he went from MLB General Manager to one of America’s leading anti-trafficking voices, what still keeps people from taking action, how the Church can protect its own children, and why he believes the body of Christ—not government systems—is the key to ending modern-day slavery.

This bonus episode expands on the 5-part Advocate Series—a Bible study featuring Francis Chan—created to help churches understand trafficking from a biblical, practical, and Christ-centered perspective.

🔗 Watch the Advocate Series for free: https://AdvocateSeries.com
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionists
🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives, survivor conversations, and Church-focused action steps.

🕒 Episode Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: Deep-diving Episode 5 of the Advocate Series
0:42 – Kevin Malone’s calling into the fight against trafficking
3:02 – Why awareness still matters: the Church’s role
5:48 – What keeps people from taking action?
7:06 – The spiritual warfare behind apathy
8:28 – Why Kevin believes the Church—not government—will end trafficking
10:23 – The problem of legalized prostitution & cultural blindness
12:33 – Kids Not For Sale: focusing efforts on Nevada
15:46 – Three action steps: Awareness, Volunteering, Fundraising
18:40 – Why this fight demands long-term patience
21:06 – How churches can protect their own children
24:34 – Kevin’s challenge to pastors, leaders & believers
28:01 – Final encouragement & prayer for the Church

In this bonus deep-dive episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we expand on Episode 4 of the Advocate Series with survivor, advocate, and legal expert Bekah Charleston. Bekah spent nearly ten years being trafficked through the brothels of Nevada, and today she leads the Charleston Law Center, providing pro-bono legal services to survivors. Her insights into prostitution, coercion, legalized brothels, and survivor healing offer one of the clearest explanations of what exploitation really looks like beneath the surface.

EP4 BEKAH v3_4458038186_FINAL

This conversation continues the mission of the Advocate Series—a 5-part Bible study featuring Francis Chan, designed to equip the Church to confront human trafficking with truth, compassion, and Christ-centered action.

Bekah shares powerful truths about:

• Why legalized prostitution still fuels trafficking
• How “empowerment” is being distorted in culture
• Why victims often don’t call themselves victims
• The role of the Church in prevention, healing, and justice
• What true empowerment, safety, and restoration look like

🔗 Watch the Advocate Series for free: https://AdvocateSeries.com
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionists
🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives featuring survivors, experts & leaders.

In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we dive deeper into Episode 3 of the Advocate Series with Savannah, a survivor of familial trafficking whose story of faith and perseverance has inspired countless others. Savannah opens up about her journey from abuse and secrecy to healing, restoration, and leadership—and how consistent love and faith changed her life.

Through Savannah’s story, host Jeremy Hicks explores how the Church can become a safe, consistent presence for survivors, what it means to love like Christ, and how advocacy starts with relationship and compassion—not perfection.

This conversation builds on the Advocate Series—a 5-part video Bible study led by Francis Chan and produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, equipping the Church to confront human trafficking with courage and Christ-centered action.

🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionists
🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for more deep dives and survivor-led discussions.

0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Advocate Series Episode 3
0:35 – Meet Savannah: survivor and advocate from Florida
6:15 – Discovering her story of familial trafficking
8:49 – Why hearing other survivors’ stories brings healing
10:08 – Breaking silence: the lifelong effects of abuse
11:28 – Understanding loyalty and protection in abusive families
13:55 – The power of awareness and survivor storytelling
17:05 – Building trust and safety for children in crisis
18:40 – How consistency changes everything
21:06 – Finding healing through counseling and relationships
22:15 – Why advocacy takes patience, not quick results
24:03 – What survivors truly need: time, safety, and grace
26:11 – The role of the Church in showing unconditional love
30:19 – Why consistency matters more than programs
33:41 – How the Church can love without expectation
36:27 – Overcoming judgment and seeing people through Christ’s eyes
38:46 – Savannah’s life now: from survivor to state advocate
40:01 – Finding faith and freedom in Christ
43:07 – The Church’s missing role in ending trafficking
44:44 – Closing encouragement for leaders and advocates

In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we take a deeper look into Episode 2 of the Advocate Series, joined by survivor and abolitionist Oree Freeman. Oree shares her powerful story of redemption, healing, and faith—and challenges the Church to move beyond awareness into real relationship, compassion, and action.

This conversation expands on the Advocate Series—a 5-part Bible study led by Francis Chan—produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking to help believers confront trafficking with a Christ-centered mindset and heart posture.

💡 Hear how one survivor went from exploitation to advocacy, what “tough love” really looks like in healing, and why the Church must learn to love without expectation.

🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionist
🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for more Advocate deep dives and survivor-led conversations.

0:00 – Welcome back to the Advocate Series deep dive
0:35 – Introducing Oree Freeman and her advocacy work
2:20 – From surviving to thriving: Oree’s journey to healing
4:00 – Facing PTSD and learning to rest in God
6:00 – Discovering God as Father, Comforter, and King
8:15 – The importance of restoration and rest for survivors
10:10 – How gratitude and faith shape Oree’s healing process
13:00 – Planting seeds: how small acts of kindness change lives
16:00 – Why “noticing” is sacred—seeing the unseen
18:00 – How to respond when you sense something is wrong
21:30 – What trafficking looks like in everyday life
25:00 – Planting seeds vs. rescuing: what the Church can do
29:00 – Stories of love that changed Oree’s life
33:00 – The Church’s role in building consistent, patient relationships
38:00 – Showing up with the right heart: love without expectation
43:00 – Tough love vs. enabling: what real support looks like
52:00 – Serving with discernment and compassion
1:02:00 – Staying committed even when the story isn’t “finished”
1:07:00 – Oree’s final message: love people without expectation

About this Episode:
In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we take a deeper dive into Episode 1 of the Advocate Series with Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge in Atlanta. Bruce shares powerful stories from his 25+ years of ministry serving people in crisis and explains why the Church must confront human trafficking with courage, compassion, and biblical conviction.

This bonus conversation expands on the Advocate Series—a new 5-part Bible study led by Francis Chan—created by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking to equip the Church to respond to trafficking in a Christ-centered way.

💡 Learn how one pastor turned a single act of compassion into a movement serving hundreds of survivors—and how your church can take practical steps to join the fight.

🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionist
🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for future Advocate deep dives and new conversations on ending trafficking through faith and action.

0:00 – Welcome to the Trafficking Free America Podcast
0:33 – Introducing Bruce Deel & City of Refuge
2:22 – The moment that changed everything: helping a woman escape trafficking
3:36 – Why the Church must confront trafficking, not avoid it
5:44 – How fear and ignorance keep churches from engaging
7:13 – Why the Advocate Series matters for pastors and believers
9:06 – The difference between faith-based advocacy and secular training
11:53 – Behind the scenes: Bruce’s first impression of the Advocate Series
13:48 – Why confrontation in the Church is necessary for change
16:23 – Advice for viewers new to the issue of human trafficking
18:03 – Confrontation, conviction, and the call to act
20:19 – What the average Christian can do right now
22:52 – Transforming your heart before taking action
25:57 – How to respond to buyers, traffickers, and victims with grace and truth
28:31 – Guiding group discussions around difficult conversations
30:05 – Handling disclosures or confessions safely in church settings
32:48 – How this series can transform individuals and strengthen the Church
35:18 – Bruce’s closing prayer for the Church and survivors
37:01 – How to watch, download, and get involved

About this Episode:
We’ve faced the weight of the problem—now it’s time to act. In the final episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan, survivors, and advocates challenge the Church to step into its God-given role: preventing trafficking, serving victims, and disrupting the demand. Hope is not lost—together, we can push back the darkness. Watch full series here. 

Full Description:
Episode 5 concludes the Advocate Series with a call to action. The fight against human trafficking isn’t just about awareness—it’s about movement. Survivors and leaders share practical steps for prevention, victim care, and ending demand, while pastor Francis Chan reminds us that Christ has empowered His Church to confront evil with courage and compassion.

You’ll also learn about the Abolitionist Project, a national effort to equip and mobilize believers into real action in their communities. This final episode is both a challenge and an invitation: to let our hearts break with God’s heart, to love boldly, and to step forward together as the Body of Christ.

🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join the mission to advocate hope for the hopeless.

0:00 – Opening reflection: the weight of the journey so far
1:20 – The despair of hopelessness vs. the hope of Christ
1:54 – The evil of trafficking: abuse of power and silence
2:29 – What history teaches us: slavery wasn’t abolished overnight
3:04 – Why the Church—not systems alone—must lead the way
3:59 – Aligning our hearts with the heart of Jesus
5:24 – The uncomfortable reality: facing what’s really happening
6:21 – Practical steps: recognizing signs, calling hotlines, reporting
7:22 – Public accountability: laws, penalties, and awareness
7:48 – Trafficking is everywhere—and so are churches
8:33 – The Church’s call: love them where they are, consistently
9:22 – Three strategies: prevent, disrupt demand, serve the vulnerable
10:34 – What prevention looks like: foster care, youth, education
11:03 – Disrupting demand: awareness and accountability
11:35 – Serving the impoverished with tangible resources
12:27 – The Abolitionist Project: how to join the movement
13:42 – Building an army of abolitionists across the nation
14:23 – Final encouragement: God is already at work
14:57 – Closing prayer and call to action

About this Episode:
Is prostitution a choice—or another form of trafficking? In this episode of the Advocate Series, survivors share raw stories of addiction, exploitation, and rejection, while Francis Chan reveals how Christ calls us to respond with love, patience, and forgiveness—even when change takes time. Watch full series here

Full Description:
Episode 4 of the Advocate Series confronts one of the most debated questions: Is there a difference between prostitution and trafficking? Through emotional testimonies and biblical teaching, this episode uncovers how coercion, manipulation, and broken identity blur the lines society tries to draw.

You’ll hear from survivors who once believed they “deserved” their pain, only to discover freedom through Christ and the patient, unrelenting love of His people. Pastor Francis Chan draws from Luke 7 to show how Jesus treated the most rejected with dignity, forgiveness, and restoration—and how the Church can do the same today.

🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join us in defending hope for the hopeless

0:00 – Opening reflection: anger, justice, and God’s call to help others
1:47 – First steps in rescue and restoration
3:06 – Survivors experiencing real love for the first time
4:21 – The challenge of trust and patience in recovery
5:25 – When help is rejected: what do we do?
6:54 – A young man’s struggle: “I can earn more in one night on the streets”
7:47 – Identity shattered: seeing yourself as an object
8:27 – Survivor story: loneliness, depression, and the lure of prostitution
10:00 – “I thought I was just a prostitute, not trafficked”
11:35 – Stigma, rejection, and believing lies about worth
12:40 – Hopelessness, drugs, and praying for a way out
13:54 – Prostitution vs. trafficking: is there really a difference?
15:28 – Luke 7: Jesus and the woman labeled a sinner
16:40 – Seeing people as children of God, not objects
18:22 – Survivor testimony: meeting a mentor who wouldn’t stop loving
20:46 – How survivors teach us about God’s grace
21:36 – Gratitude and freedom: “God picked me up out of a dark place”
22:35 – Patience and perseverance in restoration ministry
23:39 – Jesus’ parable: forgiveness, debt, and deeper love
24:51 – Why the rejected often love God most deeply
25:26 – The Church’s opportunity: patience, sacrifice, and redemption

About this Episode:
What gives a person their worth? In this episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan and survivors reveal how traffickers exploit broken identities—and how the truth that we are made in God’s image can restore hope, value, and freedom. Watch full series here.

Full Description:
Episode 3 of the Advocate Series exposes one of the trafficker’s most powerful weapons: distorted worth and counterfeit love. Survivors share raw testimonies of being dehumanized and coerced, while pastor Francis Chan reminds us that true value comes from being made in the image of God.

Through stories of pain, resilience, and redemption, this episode explores how unconditional, patient, and consistent love—rooted in Christ—can break exploitation and restore lives. It’s a call for the Church to not just recognize trafficking but to live out real, sacrificial love in homes, communities, and congregations.

🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join us in defending hope for the hopeless.

0:00 – Introduction
0:48 – Humanity made in God’s image
2:01 – The lies of worldly worth vs. God’s truth
2:58 – Love as Jesus commanded: turning away loneliness and evil
3:45 – How traffickers exploit identity and worth
4:26 – Victims who don’t see themselves as victims
5:09 – Why boys are often left out of the conversation
5:53 – Predators target the vulnerable and traumatized
6:42 – Recognizing the signs of trafficking in everyday life
7:44 – The Church’s responsibility: proactive, not reactive
8:47 – Trafficking myths vs. reality (not like Taken)
9:53 – Survivor story: a mother’s betrayal and cycles of abuse
12:10 – Discovering the truth: “It wasn’t my fault”
15:33 – The chase for love traffickers prey upon
17:24 – Families and communities showing consistent, unconditional love
18:40 – Group home story: consistent love that changed a life
22:15 – Choosing survivor identity over victimhood
23:12 – Oree's redemption story and the rarity of breakthrough
25:16 – Equipping the Church: showing true love in families and communities
26:22 – Valuing others—and yourself—as made in God’s image