What happens to memory when your brain is in survival mode? And what does that mean for how we listen to survivors of abuse — including the victims of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking ring?

Key takeaways:

• Why trauma disrupts memory and makes recall fragmented, delayed, or out of order.
• How cultural myths about “perfect memory” fuel doubt toward Epstein survivors and other victims of abuse.
• Concrete shifts you can make to respond in a more survivor‑centered, trauma‑informed way — in your conversations, online, and in your own community.

In this trauma‑informed episode of Built to Grow, Valdet Selimaj breaks down how trauma changes the way memories are formed, stored, and recalled — and why “messy,” fragmented, or delayed memories are not proof that nothing happened. Using the Epstein case as a central example, we explore what it’s actually like for survivors to come forward in a hostile culture that expects perfect courtroom‑style recall.

You’ll learn how the brain and body respond to overwhelming events, why timelines and details can shift over time, and how our collective misunderstanding of trauma too often turns into victim‑blaming. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical ways to respond to survivors with empathy, not interrogation.

Content note: This episode references sexual abuse, exploitation, and the Jeffrey Epstein trafficking ring. There are no graphic details, but please listen in whatever way feels safest for you.