Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong – S24 Ep4: "This Could've Been You"

Introduction

In the heart-wrenching fourth episode of Season 24, titled "This Could've Been You," Broken Cycle Media's award-winning docuseries "Something Was Wrong" delves deep into the harrowing experiences of Leanne, a young survivor of the troubled teen industry. Released on July 31, 2025, this episode sheds light on the dark realities of wilderness therapy programs and their profound impact on young lives.

Leanne's Background and Family Dynamics

Leanne begins by sharing the tumultuous environment of her early childhood. Raised by a mother battling addiction, who paradoxically held a master's degree in child psychology and family therapy, Leanne's life was a battleground of manipulation and misdiagnosis. Her mother fabricated narratives to mask her addiction, falsely diagnosing Leanne with conditions like bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder from a tender age, leading to a barrage of psychiatric medications that left her feeling "cloudy" and emotionally numb.

Notable Quote:
Leanne describes her mother's dual nature: “There would be a side of that picture that is so beautiful and so warm and so loving and funny and kind. And then there is a side that is vicious and one that's angry.” ([08:06])

Experiences at Trails Carolina

At the age of 12, Leanne was sent to Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program. Her journey began abruptly, marked by a traumatic strip search that shattered her sense of safety. The program, marketed as therapeutic, instead subjected her to rigorous military-like routines, minimalistic living conditions, and punitive measures for minor infractions. Leanne recounts the relentless schedule of timeframes, silent hikes, and inadequate hygiene facilities that led to health issues like UTIs and pinworm infestations.

Notable Quote:
Reflecting on her arrival, Leanne states, “They kind of run through all these rules and I'm being explained how time frames work, how we do food, what phase work is.” ([18:24])

Transition to New Leaf Academy

After barely a month with her father, Leanne was moved to New Leaf Academy in Oregon. Unlike Trails Carolina, New Leaf appeared less physically demanding but introduced its own set of emotional challenges. Strict rules governed every aspect of life, from limited personal freedoms to invasive searches. Group therapy sessions aimed to break down the students, fostering an environment where Leanne felt her struggles were dismissed and internalized blame for her family's dysfunction.

Notable Quote:
Leanne shares a turning point at New Leaf: “I told her that one day they're going to make documentaries about places like this and that he's going to owe me one hell of an apology.” ([65:01])

Transition to Pacific Quest

Leanne's ordeal continued as she was transferred to Pacific Quest Wilderness in Hawaii, often referred to as "Princess Quest." While this program ostensibly met basic needs, it still enforced strict control and invasive procedures, including regular strip searches and limited communication privileges. The transition was another blow to her fragile sense of autonomy, further entrenching her trauma.

Notable Quote:
Describing Pacific Quest, Leanne remarks, “There's something called search of student that happened three times a day. You'd have to line up silently and they'd kind of shake through all your belongings.” ([73:29])

Impact of Tragedy and Program Closure

The closure of Trails Carolina in 2024, following the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy, marked a significant moment for Leanne and other survivors. Learning about the prior death of a 17-year-old in 2014 only intensified her anger and heartbreak, reinforcing the systemic failures of these programs.

Notable Quote:
Upon discovering the death at Trails Carolina, Leanne expresses, “It was devastating. We have a group chat and that's how I found out that this had happened. ... a lot of anger that this was allowed to happen.” ([79:40])

Relationship with Parents and Siblings

Leanne's relationship with her parents is fraught with complexity. While her father eventually became supportive, acknowledging past mistakes and advocating for her well-being, her mother remains a source of estrangement due to her ongoing struggles with addiction. The familial bonds with her siblings are both a source of love and tension, shaped by the differing environments they each navigated.

Notable Quote:
Leanne reflects on her father's support: “He actually has been so supportive of everything that I've done when talking about the things that I've gone through and has been able to, like, have super transparent and honest conversations with me.” ([77:14])

Healing and Moving Forward

Today, Leanne is on a path of healing, actively working on a memoir to chronicle her experiences. She emphasizes the importance of unlearning the harmful narratives imposed on her and regaining a sense of autonomy and safety. Through small acts of self-care and challenging lingering fears, Leanne is reconstructing her life beyond the confines of oppressive programs.

Notable Quote:
Describing her healing process, Leanne shares, “I'm learning how to regulate my nervous system, learning that I am safe and I am okay... it's a good physical reminder of my safety.” ([82:19])

Conclusion

"This Could've Been You" serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in the troubled teen industry. Leanne's story is not just a personal narrative but a call to action for greater oversight and reform in therapeutic programs. Her resilience and pursuit of healing offer hope and underscore the imperative that no other child should endure similar trauma.

Final Note:
Leanne poignantly concludes, “This could have been you. ... I grew up in institutions, and I grew up in something called the troubled teen industry.” ([80:42])

Key Takeaways

• Systemic Failures: Wilderness therapy programs like Trails Carolina, New Leaf Academy, and Pacific Quest often fail to provide genuine therapeutic benefits, instead perpetuating trauma through punitive measures and lack of oversight.

• Emotional Manipulation: Leanne’s experiences highlight the manipulative tactics used by some programs to control and silence young individuals, undermining their autonomy and self-worth.

• Need for Reform: The episode underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the troubled teen industry to protect vulnerable children and ensure accountability.

• Resilience and Healing: Despite enduring immense hardships, survivors like Leanne demonstrate remarkable resilience, paving their own paths to healing and advocating for change.

Relevant Quotes with Timestamps

• “[08:06]” – Leanne describes her mother's dual nature.

• “[18:24]” – Leanne recounts her first day with Trails Carolina.

• “[65:01]” – Leanne discusses a pivotal moment at New Leaf Academy.

• “[73:29]” – Leanne details the invasive procedures at Pacific Quest.

• “[79:40]” – Leanne reflects on the impact of the Trails Carolina tragedy.

• “[77:14]” – Leanne speaks about her improved relationship with her father.

• “[82:19]” – Leanne explains her healing journey.

• “[80:42]” – Leanne emphasizes the personal impact of her experiences.

Conclusion

Leanne's testimony in "This Could've Been You" is a powerful exposé of the hidden horrors within the troubled teen industry. It serves as both a memoir of personal struggle and a warning to society about the potential dangers lurking in ostensibly therapeutic environments. By sharing her story, Leanne not only seeks healing for herself but also aims to prevent other children from falling through the cracks of such flawed systems.