Content Warning: rape, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Marlee Liss is a survivor,award-winning speaker, victim advocate, somatic educator, and author from Toronto, Canada. She grew up in the arts, but pivoted to social work when she began her college career. It was in Marlee’s junior year when her life changed forever; she became the victim of a sexual assault and entered an arduous journey in the criminal justice system as a result. However, three years into that battle for justice, Marlee found an additional path: restorative justice. According to Walden University, quote “Punitive justice is the idea of punishing criminals for their crimes against society or the legal system itself, and is the traditional method of handling crime in the United States. Restorative justice seeks to bring victims of crimes into the justice process. Criminals are asked to take accountability for their wrongdoing by facing those they have wronged... The theory is that criminals owe more than a debt to society—they owe a debt to specific people,” end quote. The two processes are not always mutually exclusive. It’s important to note that criminal justice can occur tandemly with restorative justice practices. The Broken Cycle Media team is so very grateful for Marlee's powerful perspective advocacy and time and energy in sharing in this episode.

Resources:

Survivors for Justice Reform:

https://www.survivors4justicereform.com/

Dr. Alissa Ackerman:

https://www.alissaackerman.com/

Marlee's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marleeliss/

Marlee's TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@marleeliss

Survivors for Justice Reform on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/survivors4justicereform/

National Association of Community and Restorative Justice:

https://www.nacrj.org/

NACRJ Restorative Justice Map:

https://members.nacrj.org/rj-map/FindStartsWith?term=%23%21

Sources:

Statistics: The Criminal Justice System - Rainn, rainn.org/facts-statistics-the-scope-of-the-problem/statistics-the-criminal-justice-system/

“What Is Restorative Justice?” Walden University, www.waldenu.edu/programs/criminal-justice/resource/what-Is-restorative-justice.

Thank you again to Scamfluencers and Lola Blankets for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget, listen to Scamfluencers now, wherever you get your podcasts. And for a limited time, our listeners are getting a huge 40% off their entire order lolablankets.com by using the code WCN at checkout. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them What Came Next sent you.

Content Warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, multiple perpetrator sexual assault, rape, gang violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, abduction, murder.

Bevin Llanes is a mother, survivor, and victim advocate from New York. Bevin joins us today to share about her daughter Meghan’s journey, as well as to bring awareness to domestic violence. In these two episodes, Bevin candidly shares about the immense trauma Meghan was forced to face in her youth, and the harmful path she was launched down as a result. Devastatingly, Meghan’s young life was stolen on October 23rd, 2021, after experiencing years of violence. In the wake of her loss, Bevin has made it her mission to advocate for victims of intimate partner violence, by amplifying what she calls, “Meggie’s Voice.” The Broken Cycle Media team is eternally appreciative of Bevin’s honesty, advocacy, and desire to change the future for those who experience violence at the hands of a loved one. This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Meghan Kiefer.

Meggie's Voice - In Memory of Meghan - on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Meggies-Voice-In-Memory-of-Meghan-a-victim-of-domestic-violence-100082584594717/

Meggie's Voice on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@meggiesvoice

The Petito Foundation:

https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/

Conference on Crimes Against Women:

https://conferencecaw.org/

Long Island Against Domestic Violence:

https://www.lawhelpny.org/organization/li-against-domestic-violence

ECLI-Vibes:

https://eclivibes.org/

The Retreat:

https://allagainstabuse.org/

For domestic violence resources, please visit https://www.thehotline.org/

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

And thank you again to Scamfluencers for sponsoring this episode.  Listen to Scamfluencers now wherever you get your podcasts. 

Content Warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, multiple perpetrator sexual assault, rape, gang violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, abduction, murder. 

Bevin Llanes is a mother, survivor, and victim advocate from New York. Bevin joins us today to share about her daughter Meghan’s journey, as well as to bring awareness to domestic violence. In these two episodes, Bevin candidly shares about the immense trauma Meghan was forced to face in her youth, and the harmful path she was launched down as a result. Devastatingly, Meghan’s young life was stolen on October 23rd, 2021, after experiencing years of violence. In the wake of her loss, Bevin has made it her mission to advocate for victims of intimate partner violence, by amplifying what she calls, “Meggie’s Voice.” The Broken Cycle Media team is eternally appreciative of Bevin’s honesty, advocacy, and desire to change the future for those who experience violence at the hands of a loved one. This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Meghan Kiefer. 

Meggie's Voice - In Memory of Meghan - on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Meggies-Voice-In-Memory-of-Meghan-a-victim-of-domestic-violence-100082584594717/

For domestic violence resources, please visit https://www.thehotline.org/

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

If you’ve ever thought about writing your story - whether that's for personal catharsis or for connection to your community - today’s episode is for you. Our goal with this episode is to empower survivors! In it we’re sharing some lesser-known literary world tips and tricks that help you organize, plan, write, and even publish your non-fiction works. For example, did you know you don’t even need to write your non-fiction book in order to pitch it to a publisher or an agent? You just have to write a non-fiction manuscript proposal, which is a fabulous tool for writers, whether your goal is to share your story with others or not.  If you have a loved one who's interested in penning their personal story, this is the episode for them! 

Resources: 

Nonfiction Authors Association Book Proposal Template:

https://nonfictionauthorsassociation.com/book-proposal-template-3/

Writing a Non-Fiction Query Letter:

https://blog.reedsy.com/non-fiction-query-letter/

Publishers Marketplace:

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

445 Agents Seeking Nonfiction Submissions in 2025:

https://blog.reedsy.com/literary-agents/nonfiction/

Alpha & Beta Readers: What Are They & Why Bother?

https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/alpha-and-beta-readers-what-are-they-and-why-bother

JJ Comerford on What Came Next:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-came-next/id1674051643?i=1000728525469

Working for Justice: One Family’s Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and Healing

https://amzn.to/4qu4eR4

Amy B. Chesler on Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/amybchesler

For a list of survivor resources and non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Thank you again to Cash App for sponsoring this app. Download Cash App Today: [https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5] #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at

https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Content Warning: neglect, miscarriage, gang violence, assault, physical violence, substance use disorder, and suicidal ideation.

Cesar Cardona is a survivor, public speaker, and mindfulness educator living in Los Angeles, California. Cesar’s tumultuous youth first set him on a path of self-destruction. But after he faced a brutal, life-altering attack, Cesar found Buddhism and meditation as a means of coping and healing. Now he is on a mission, both within his speaking career and on his podcast “Beauty in the Break,” to bring light and hope to others’ lives. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Cesar’s grace, advocacy, and soulful sentiments within this episode.

Cesar’s Website: http://www.cesarcardona.com

Cesar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cesarcardona

Beauty in the Break: https://cesarcardona.com/podcast

Beauty in the Break YT: https://www.youtube.com/@BeautyintheBreak

Beauty in the Break on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beautyinthebreakpod/

Thank you again to Lola Blankets for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets for a limited time. Our listeners are getting a huge 35% off their entire order lolablankets.com by using the code [WCN] at checkout. Just head to lolablankets.com and use the code WCN for 35% off. After you purchase, remember they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them we sent you!

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Content Warning: pedophilia, religious abuse, physical abuse, rape, childhood sexual abuse, childhood sexual assault, child abuse, substance use disorder, professional abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide.

JJ Comerford is an author, professional, former servicemember, and survivor from Australia. In these two episodes, J.J. rawly shares about the physical and sexual abuse he experienced as a student in the private Catholic school system in the 1970’s. After decades of suffering in silence, J.J. was eventually encouraged to share about his abuse at-large. Since he began his mission of awareness, his media efforts and book have offered much solace to his supporters. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply honored that J.J. was willing to so rawly share his story, strength, and resilience with our audience. 

Sources: 

“Abused schoolboy John Comerford took gun to school to kill his rapist teacher.” The Daily Telegraph, 16 July 2017, www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/john-comerford-was-raped-at-11-he-returned-to-the-school-at-18-with-a-loaded-shotgun-to-kill-his-rapist-but-he-was-told-he-was-already-dead/news-story/5d61f68d4bbc7d4c17d25c7d118be1cb

Resources:

Survivors & Mates Support Network: https://www.samsn.org.au/

JJ’s Website: https://jjcomerford.com/

JJ's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.comerford.779/

JJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jjcomerford_/

JJ's Books: https://jjcomerford.com/books

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Content Warning: pedophilia, religious abuse, physical abuse, rape, childhood sexual abuse, childhood sexual assault, child abuse, substance use disorder, professional abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide.

JJ Comerford is an author, professional, former servicemember, and survivor from Australia. In these two episodes, J.J. rawly shares about the physical and sexual abuse he experienced as a student in the private Catholic school system in the 1970’s. After decades of suffering in silence, J.J. was eventually encouraged to share about his abuse at-large. Since he began his mission of awareness, his media efforts and book have offered much solace to his supporters. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply honored that J.J. was willing to so rawly share his story, strength, and resilience with our audience. 

Sources: 

“Abused schoolboy John Comerford took gun to school to kill his rapist teacher.” The Daily Telegraph, 16 July 2017, www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/john-comerford-was-raped-at-11-he-returned-to-the-school-at-18-with-a-loaded-shotgun-to-kill-his-rapist-but-he-was-told-he-was-already-dead/news-story/5d61f68d4bbc7d4c17d25c7d118be1cb

Resources:

JJ’s Website: https://jjcomerford.com/

JJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jjcomerford_/

JJ's Books: https://jjcomerford.com/books

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

And thank you again to Quince for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget that you can keep it classic and cozy this fall with long lasting staples from Quince. Just go to quince.com/wcn for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!

Content Warning: substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, rape, stalking, human trafficking, sex trafficking, gun violence, and murder.

Ti is an incredibly resilient multi-crime survivor from Madagascar. She first joined a dating app in her mid-20’s with the hope of finding the love of her life. She wasn’t expecting to be swept off her feet and away to America, but life had other plans for her. However, when she arrived in Michigan by way of Chicago, she was shocked to quickly learn the highly abusive nature of her new husband’s actions. Ti soon found herself escaping a marriage with a man who not only worked to systematically crush her spirit, but also allegedly sex trafficked her. The heartache did not end there though; after freeing herself and fleeing to another state, she watched from afar as her ex-husband’s violence reached an insurmountable point. The Broken Cycle Media team is in deep awe of Ti’s resilience and has immense gratitude for her vulnerability amidst these episodes.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

https://www.thehotline.org/

[John-Michael Lander] An Athlete's Silence:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-michael-lander-an-athletes-silence/id1674051643?i=1000619765637

For a list of resources and additional non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

And don't forget to follow Truer Crime wherever you get your podcasts... Catch new episodes every week, then go back and dive into the back catalog to bring even more unforgettable stories. 

Content Warning: substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, child abuse, chilhood sexual abuse, rape, statutory rape, stalking, human trafficking, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and murder.

Ti is an incredibly resilient multi-crime survivor from Madagascar. She first joined a dating app in her mid-20’s with the hope of finding the love of her life. She wasn’t expecting to be swept off her feet and away to America, but life had other plans for her. However, when she arrived in Michigan by way of Chicago, she was shocked to quickly learn the highly abusive nature of her new husband’s actions. Ti soon found herself escaping a marriage with a man who not only emotionally and physically worked to crush her spirit, but also forced her into sex trafficking. The heartache did not end there though; after freeing herself and fleeing to another state, she watched from afar as her ex-husband’s violence reached an insurmountable point. The Broken Cycle Media team is in deep awe of Ti’s resilience and has immense gratitude for her vulnerability amidst these episodes.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

https://www.thehotline.org/

For a list of resources and additional non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

And  thank you again to Green Chef for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50WCN and use code 50WCN to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping!

Content Warning: robbery, rape, domestic violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, missing persons, and suspected murder. 

Alison Duiker is an educator, author, mother, and survivor from Ohio. Her life was upended days before her fifth birthday when her mom, Lonene, went missing. Over the last forty-four years, Alison has worked diligently to bring awareness to her mother’s cold case, as well as to make change for other families with missing loved ones. The Broken Cycle Media team is honored she was willing to share her and her mother’s journey with us, and we deeply encourage our audience members to help enact Lonnie’s Law by signing Alison’s petition linked in the episode notes.

A Daughter's Journey: ...and Story of Resilience:

https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Journey-Story-Resilience/dp/B09RLY9L9M

Erie Silent Club: https://www.facebook.com/ESC3044

Justice for Lonene FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/285829136570490/

Petition: Grant Families of Missing Persons access to Police files after a period of 20 years: https://www.change.org/p/grant-families-of-missing-persons-access-to-police-files-after-a-period-of-20-years

Thank you again to CashApp for sponsoring this episode. Don’t forget to Download Cash App Today: [https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5]. As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.