Wake Up with Patti Katter

This episode breaks down the reality of human trafficking in a way most people have never heard before.

No dramatics. No vague warnings. Just a clear, step-by-step look at how grooming actually happens, how traffickers gain control, and why so many cases are missed in plain sight.

If you think this couldn’t happen in your community or to someone you know, this episode will challenge that.

What We Cover

Human trafficking does not start with abduction. It starts with access, trust, and manipulation.

In this episode, Patti walks through the full progression:

• How traffickers identify and target individuals
• Why grooming often begins with attention and validation
• The role of emotional dependency and isolation
• How substances are used to lower inhibitions and create control
• The shift from connection to coercion and leverage
• What exploitation actually looks like in real life
• Why victims often don’t or can’t just leave 

Florida Focus: Why This Matters Now

Florida continues to rank among the top states in the U.S. for human trafficking cases.

Recent data indicates:

• An estimated 700,000+ individuals impacted in a single year
• Approximately 200,000 in sex trafficking
• Roughly half of those victims are minors

These numbers reflect reported and estimated cases. The true scope is likely higher due to underreporting.

Factors contributing to Florida’s vulnerability include:

• High tourism traffic
• Major transportation hubs including airports, ports, and highways
• Large, mobile populations
• Demand across multiple industries

Trafficking is not isolated. It operates within everyday systems people interact with.

The Role of Substances in Trafficking

This episode also addresses a critical but often overlooked factor.

Substances are frequently used as tools of control.

• They may be introduced gradually to build trust
• They lower resistance and decision-making ability
• They create dependency that traffickers exploit

This is not always immediate or obvious. It is strategic.

Shifting the Narrative

This episode challenges common assumptions.

When someone is labeled as:

• “Just an addict”
• “Making bad choices”
• “Putting themselves in that situation”

We need to ask better questions:

• Where did the substances come from?
• Who introduced them?
• Who benefits from that dependency?

In many cases, addiction is not the origin. It is part of the control mechanism.

Warning Signs to Pay Attention To

Grooming is subtle. That’s why it works.

Key indicators include:

• Rapid emotional connection or attachment
• Attempts to isolate from friends or family
• Introduction of substances tied to bonding or trust
• Language that creates obligation such as “you owe me”
• Sudden behavioral or lifestyle shifts

These signs often appear gradually, not all at once.

Why Awareness Matters

Human trafficking often operates in plain sight.

Victims may still:

• Attend school
• Show up to work
• Remain active on social media

Understanding grooming is the difference between recognizing it early or missing it entirely.

Final Thought

This issue is not slowing down.

With increased access, technology, and mobility, trafficking continues to evolve.

Awareness is no longer optional. It is necessary.

Get Involved

If this episode moved you, don’t just listen and move on.

Take action.

Support the mission, stay informed, and be part of the solution through

The Black Feather Foundation

Visit: www.theblackfeatherfoundation.org

Whether it’s volunteering, collaborating, or helping amplify awareness, every action matters.

Matthew Hurtt's day at a polling station in Arlington, Virginia, unexpectedly transformed into a scene mirroring the tense and divided state of American politics. A recorded confrontation with an irate voter, now viral, spotlights the fiery atmosphere surrounding our electoral process.

Hurtt, known for his robust role at the Leadership Institute and a seasoned poll worker, faced a voter's wrath head-on. The footage shows an intense encounter: an "I Voted" sticker-wearing individual, accusing Hurtt and his party of attempting to suppress and manipulate the vote. "You try to steal my vote next year, I’m going to f—ing remember you personally," he threatened, capturing Hurtt's image as a lasting reminder of their confrontation.

This incident, while isolated, resonates deeply with the current climate of American politics. It reflects a nation grappling with stark ideological divides, where even the act of voting can become a flashpoint of contention.

Matthew Hurtt isn't just another bystander in these political skirmishes. His resume speaks volumes about his commitment to conservative causes and effective political activism. As the Director of Professional Services at the Leadership Institute, Hurrt has been instrumental in shaping the future of conservative leadership, guiding and mentoring the next generation of activists.

His journey in the political arena is characterized by a string of notable roles. With Americans for Prosperity & AFP Foundation, Hurtt was at the forefront, mobilizing activists nationwide around policies fostering opportunity and prosperity. His presence at the Grassroots Leadership Academy as its public face put him at the heart of conservative strategy and action.

Matthew is involved in national Republican politics, serving as an at-large delegate to both the 2012 and 2016 Republican National Conventions. Since 2013, Hurtt has served as special assistant to Virginia's Republican National Committeeman, Morton Blackwell, at regular meetings of the Republican National Committee.  

Hurtt has been published in numerous outlets and has appeared on local, national, and international television and radio as a pro-liberty activist. He resides in Arlington, Virginia.

In this episode, we uncover his perspective on grassroots activism, tackle the complexities of engaging politically in a divided nation, and hear directly from him about his intense encounter on Election Day that caught the nation's attention.

Join Patti Katter with Michael Stein as they talk about not letting circumstances hinder his way to success. Michael is the founder and CEO of Abadak Inc. and the host of the Long Shot Leaders podcast. He tells his story of building his business and looking back to the needy. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this episode:

• Health issues, comedy, the entertainment industry, and success

• How Michael’s childhood molded and impacted his life

• The hardest trial in life that Michael faced

• What the Long Shot Leaders podcast is all about

• Michael’s relationships with his grandmother and father

• And so much more!

~

About Michael Stein:

Michael Stein was diagnosed with a “learning disability” when he was a child. He is now the founder and CEO of Abadak Inc. Michael started the company while he was broke and nearly homeless. Since then, the company has made over 100 million dollars.

He has been and writer, director, producer, actor, comedian, worked with academy award winners and some of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry.

He continues to build his company Abadak, the leading tarps supplier in the USA and has donated over one hundred thousand tarps to the homeless. Michael is the host of the podcast Long Shot Leaders. The podcast features the stories of high achievers that have overcome high odds and reached success.

~

You can find Michael Stein on . . .

Website: https://longshotleaders.com/

~

Connect with Patti!

Website: https://pattikatter.com/

Online Shop: https://thepatrioticmermaid.com/

Instagram:  

 / pattikatter  

Facebook:  

 / pattikatter  

Don’t forget to join The Wake Up with Patti Katter's private Facebook group:

Listen to Wake Up With Patti Katter on all major podcast platforms.

Interested in Podcast Editing Services or Interested in starting your own Podcast? Ask Patti for a Consult!

Podblade: https://app.podblade.com/r/5KQLLY

"Think about the idea of not being able to live without them."

Guest: Michael Julian

Take the online course:

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Become a Certified ALIVE Instructor:

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Active Shooter Survival Is Not A Joke, And In The World We Live In Must Be Taken Very Seriously. We Are Here To Serve You And Give You The Tools & Knowledge You Need To Survive If The Unthinkable Happens, But You Must Take Survival Into Your Own Hands.

If You Don't Think You're Prepared To Do That, Call Us Immediately.

We Are Here For You:

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In this episode of "Wake Up with Patti Katter," host Patti Katter sits down with Glen Williams, an author, speaker, and communication coach, to explore the journey of overcoming trauma and finding healing.

Glen shares his personal story of resilience and transformation, highlighting how he turned his own traumatic experiences into a catalyst for change. As they delve into the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, Glen provides insights into his work assisting public safety workers and trauma survivors in processing their experiences.

From confronting PTSD to advocating for support systems within police departments and public agencies, Glen's mission is to prevent divorce and suicide among officers and staff. With transparency and empathy, he discusses the importance of open dialogue and support networks in healing from trauma.

Join Patti Katter and Glen Williams in this insightful conversation as they shed light on the journey from trauma to triumph.

Wake up and start your day with Patti Katter as she sits down with Maverick Willett, the Emotional Support Viking of The Revenge Body Podcast. In this episode, Maverick shares his journey as the owner of Maverick Online Coaching, a women's nutrition coaching company, and how he helps women escape dieting culture and find balance in their lives. Listen as Maverick discusses the importance of self-care and positivity, emphasizing the need to focus on making consistent, small changes to achieve your goals. He also talks about the unhealed wounds that people carry around with them, which lead to toxicity in social interactions. Tune in as Maverick advocates for therapy, particularly for men, as a form of performance enhancement to increase one's quality of life. 

Here's a breakdown of what to expect in this episode: 

Maverick's inspiration for working with women and helping them escape dieting culture. 

Coaching program for women to regain confidence and transform their bodies with simple steps. 

Importance of self-care and positivity in achieving goals. 

Maverick Willett is an online fitness and lifestyle coach certified by The International Sports Sciences Association. He has spent his entire personal training career working exclusively with women, inspired by his mother's success in breaking gender stereotypes as a competitive bodybuilder. Maverick's coaching program aims to help women escape dieting culture and find balance in their lives through personalized nutrition plans, accountability, and consistent feedback. He also emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindset, and establishing daily habits to progress and achieve short/long-term goals. As an Army Ranger combat veteran with extensive sales and management experience, Maverick advocates for therapy, particularly for men, as a form of performance enhancement to increase one's quality of life. 

Contact Maverick Willett:

Website: https://maverickonlinecoaching.net/re...

Connect with Patti Katter:

Website: https://pattikatter.com/  

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pattikatter?l...

Join Patti Katter with Vic Blends as they talk about his passion for the craft of being a barber. Vic is a 22-year-old barber who went famous for his videos on TikTok. He shares how he discovered his purpose of giving haircuts and how he uses it to inspire others with the help of social media. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this episode:

· A side hustle for college turned passion and purpose in life

· Learn through the process: Vic’s first time to give a haircut

· A hurdle in life to jump over

· Relationship with parents given Vic’s large following on social media

· Words of encouragement to find the direction of where to go

· And so much more!

~

About Vic Blends:

Victor Fontanez is a 22-year-old barber and entrepreneur from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who has grown his side hustle from cutting hair in his mom’s garage to becoming one of the most renowned celebrity barbers and business moguls. Although Vic’s passion for the craft is second to none, this online curriculum has been put together to give back to the industry, with the keys to succeeding in the new generation of barbering.

~

You can find Andrew Lees on . . .

Website: https://vicblends.com/

TikTok:  

 / vicblends  

Instagram:  

 / vicblends  

YouTube:   

 / ayeantonio  

~

Connect with Patti!

Website: https://pattikatter.com/

Online Shop: https://thepatrioticmermaid.com/

Instagram:  

 / pattikatter  

Facebook:  

 / pattikatter  

Don’t forget to join The Wake Up with Patti Katter's private Facebook group (https://m.facebook.com/groups/wakeupw...) .

Listen to Wake Up With Patti Katter on all major podcast platforms.

Eric Oberembt: From Roofs to Recovery 

The road to recovery is always an uphill challenge, and oftentimes, people are reluctant because it is never easy to face yourself. In this episode of WAKE UP with Patti Katter, Patti is joined by Eric Oberembt, CEO of D&M Roofing and Siding as well as the host of "Be Authentic or GTFO" as they talk about Eric's journey to recovery, and the realization about being true to yourself in order to help others.  

About Eric Oberembt: 

Eric is the CEO of D&M Roofing and Siding in Omaha, NE. He is the co-founder of the non profit "Roofers in Recovery" sending people in addiction to treatment centers to get the help they need. He is the author of two books about residential and commercial roofing. He is a coach at the "Commercial Roofing Academy'' and Co-founder of the National Vendor Network "Advanced Roofing Technologies". Lastly, the Podcast host of "Be Authentic or GTFO and Keynote Speaker. Eric has spoken at D2DCon, SRC Summit, and as a Mainstage Keynote at Roofcon. Eric is passionate about finding ways to help others make sure they have the opportunity to become the person they were supposed to be. 

Connect with Eric Oberembt 

Instagram:  

 /    

Facebook:  

 /    

Podcast Website: https://www.beauthenticorgtfo.com/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3C968qG...

Yotube:   

 / @beauthenticorgtfo   

Connect with Patti Katter! 

Website: https://pattikatter.com/  

Instagram:  

 /    

 Facebook:  

 / pkatter   

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pattikatter?l...

In this powerful episode of "Wake Up with Patti Katter," host Patti Katter is joined by special guest Yehuda Remer, also known as The Pew Pew Jew. They explore the profound history of Yehuda's family, where 60 members tragically perished in the Holocaust. Yehuda shares incredible stories of his grandfathers—one enduring a concentration camp, the other hiding in an underground hole for 19 months. As a Proud Orthodox Jew, Yehuda's mission is to preserve the Second Amendment while educating and empowering others. Tune in for a deep understanding of resilience, heritage, and the importance of individual rights. Don't miss this thought-provoking and inspiring episode as Patti and Yehuda Remer shed light on resilience, honoring the past, and defending our defining rights. 

The Pew Pew Jew began as a fun moniker that was given to Yehuda Remer, an orthodox Jew, by some of his non-Jewish friends in the gun industry as he was chronicling his journey into the business. Beginning with his book "Safety On: An introduction to the world of firearms for children, Yehuda was thrust headfirst into the gun world quickly becoming a voice in Second Amendment Advocacy. 

Website: thepewpewjew.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepewpewje...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepewpewjew?lang...

Connect with Patti Katter! 

Website: https://pattikatter.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pattikatter?l...

In Loving Memory of Boone Cutler

Join Patti Katter and her guests, Boone Cutler and Geoffrey Dardia, as they talk about the book called FPL, which stands for Functional Personal Lifestyle. Boone and Geoff wrote the book FPL for military veterans to help them understand the different wounds and treatments available for those who have been wounded in war. Don’t miss out on this episode! You’ll surely be touched by how courageous our military veterans are and that they deserve all the support they should receive after surviving the hardships in war.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Boone and Geoff’s amazing partnership and how they both inspired each other.

• They wrote the book FPL to empower warfighters to take ownership of their health.

• A fantastic book for warfighters by warfighters, trying to help people stop suffering.

• If you don’t take ownership of your health, you’re never going to get better. The second you do take your health in your own hands, that’s when things change.

• Getting rid of the mentality that military veterans are disabled people.

• The people working in the Task Force Dagger Foundation Health Initiative Program are incredible and they have a very inspiring mission.

• And much more!

About Boone Cutler:

Boone Cutler is an author, columnist, music video director, and Warfighter Rights leader. He holds the distinguished honor of being the first nationally recognized radio talk show personality who is also a combat veteran. Boone began writing his Iraq War-inspired autobiographical account of what he experienced, Voodoo in Sadr City, during his combat tour in Iraq, and completed it during his two-year recovery from wartime injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, during the Neglect Scandal of 2007. America currently loses at least 23 Warfighters (22 veterans + 1 active duty) to suicide every single day.

About Geoff Dardia and Task Force Dagger:

The Task Force Dagger Foundation Health Initiative Program started with Geoff Dardia, a SOF community member, in 2013.

His story started like many others: he was “banged up” physically, mentally, and emotionally. Facing divorce, medical retirement, deep depression, and suicidal ideation, he refused to accept standard of care and refused to believe a large portion of his symptoms were “all in [his] head.” About the SOF Health Program.

Geoff sought care outside the conventional medical system. He started a transformational health experience that he later continued with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, the flagship clinical care and research facility for the Institute of Functional Medicine. This experience not only showed Geoff what was driving his conditions and causing his symptoms, but it also empowered him to address these root causes and protect himself from exposures inherent to the Military Operational Environment.

Ever since his healing experience in 2013 — in true force multiplier fashion — Geoff has been recruiting diverse professionals and advocates who share his Mission, Purpose & Focus. Their work through the Health Initiatives Program continues to empower others in the community and build the case for taking a Person-Oriented Medical Approach to caring for our soldiers and special operators.

You can find Boone Cutler and Geoff Dardia on…

FPL: https://www.amazon.com/FPL

Boone Cutler’s Website: https://boonecutler.com/who-is-boone-...

Geoff Dardia’s LinkedIn:  

 / geoffrey-dardia  

Task Force Dagger Foundation: https://www.taskforcedagger.org/

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Connect with Patti Katter!

Website: http://pattikatter.com/#podcast

Instagram: @thepatrioticmermaid

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Don’t forget to join The Wake Up with Patti Katter private Facebook group.

Listen to Wake Up With Patti Katter on all major podcast platforms.

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