Podcast
Team Protectors
Hosted by Safe House Project · EN
Human trafficking isn’t just a grim headline in someone else’s neighborhood, it’s a seriouscrisis in our own communities. The Team Protectors podcast is the latest initiative from Safe House Project, spotlighting the leaders, survivors, faith communities, politicians, and everyday heroes determined to eradicate human trafficking by 2030.
In each episode, co-hosts Kristi Wells and Brittany Dunn share candid conversations about practical solutions that bring freedom within reach. From firsthand survivor stories to expert takes on justice, technology, and social impact, Team Protectors breaks down how we can collectively stand guard against this evil that hides in plain site all around us.. You’ll also discover Simply Report—a user-friendly app that empowers everyday citizens to safely and quickly report suspicious activity and connect victims to the support they deserve.
By uniting voices from all walks of life, Team Protectors amplifies the message that human trafficking can end when we all work together. If you believe freedom is an inalienable rite given to each of us by our Creator, then join us and find your place in this nationwide effort. Each listen brings us one step closer to making freedom a reality for all.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Dangerous Truth About “Sex Work”, Trauma, and Human Trafficking
3d ago00:44:14Tap to summarizeHuman trafficking survivor and Treasures founder Harmony Dust joins the Team Protectors Podcast for one of the most honest and important conversations we’ve had about trauma, healing, exploitation, and the dangerous myths surrounding the commercial sex industry.For more than 27 years, Harmony has worked directly with women impacted by trafficking and exploitation. In this episode, she shares how survivor stories can unintentionally become re-exploitative when the focus stays on trauma instead of healing, resilience, and restoration.Together, Brittany Dunn, Kristi Wells, and Harmony unpack the reality behind “choice” in the commercial sex industry, the connection between pornography and trafficking, the dangers of OnlyFans culture, online grooming, legalization efforts, trauma bonds, and why survivors need long-term support long after the moment of “rescue.”This conversation is thoughtful, deeply personal, and absolutely essential for parents, leaders, advocates, and anyone wanting to better understand the realities of exploitation in America today.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why survivor stories must be shared ethicallyThe difference between trauma and testimonyHow traffickers strip victims of identityWhy many survivors return to exploitative situationsThe reality behind “choice” in the commercial sex industryThe connection between pornography, trafficking, and exploitationWhy legalization increases trafficking demandHow technology and OnlyFans are reshaping exploitationWhat parents need to know about online groomingHow communities can step in to support survivorsKey moments:00:00 Harmony Dust on storytelling and survivor dignity01:58 Why trauma should not define survivor identity04:00 Ethical storytelling and trauma-informed interviews08:00 Rebuilding identity after exploitation10:00 Why “rescue” is often misunderstood14:00 How Treasures began with handwritten postcards18:00 The reality behind “choice” in the sex industry20:00 Harmony explains why legalization increases trafficking21:00 The TEDx talk that was banned26:00 The need for holistic survivor services28:00 How technology and OnlyFans changed trafficking33:00 What parents need to know about online grooming36:00 Practical ways anyone can help40:00 Why pornography is not victimless41:00 Harmony’s message to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the issueAbout Harmony Dust:Harmony Dust is the founder and executive director of Treasures, a survivor-led outreach and support organization serving women impacted by trafficking and exploitation. For over two decades, Treasures has equipped organizations worldwide to provide trauma-informed support and outreach in strip clubs and related venues.About Safe House Project:Safe House Project exists to end child trafficking and restore hope for survivors through prevention, survivor care, and strategic partnerships.Learn more:https://safehouseproject.orgTake Action Today:Download the Simply Report app to help identify suspected trafficking in your communityLearn how to support local survivor-led organizationsShare this episode to help educate parents, leaders, and communitiesBecome part of the movement to eradicate human trafficking#HumanTrafficking #TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #HarmonyDust #TraumaInformed #SurvivorLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #OnlineSafety #Exploitation #ChildSafety #Parenting #TraumaHealing #EthicalStorytelling #EndTrafficking #SurvivorSupport #AntiTrafficking #TraumaRecovery #ProtectChildrenSupport the show
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From Homelessness to Purpose: Stephen Scoggins on Identity, Business, and Human Trafficking
2w ago00:43:19Tap to summarizeWhat happens when business success no longer fills the void?In this powerful episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells sit down with entrepreneur and speaker Stephen Scoggins for a raw conversation about trauma, identity, leadership, faith, and purpose.Stephen shares his journey from homelessness, childhood instability, and deep personal pain to building businesses that scaled beyond $100 million. But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship.Together, they unpack the hidden wounds that shape people, the identity crisis affecting society, why leaders struggle to engage with hard issues like human trafficking, and how healing begins with presence, trust, and purpose.This episode is honest, deeply personal, and full of practical wisdom for leaders, parents, survivors, and anyone trying to build a life that truly matters.What you’ll learn in this episode:How childhood trauma impacts leadership and identityWhy so many leaders struggle with purpose despite successThe connection between vulnerability and exploitationHow faith and presence helped Stephen survive homelessness and despairWhy “you cannot scale dysfunction”The role business leaders should play in solving major social issuesHow distraction and social media are fueling an identity crisisWhy trust is the opposite of fearThe importance of serving “the one” instead of chasing scaleKey moments: 00:00 Stephen Scoggins on business, purpose, and impact 01:48 Growing up in poverty and instability 04:00 Stephen shares a deeply personal experience publicly for the first time 07:00 The power of surrogate parents and “Mama Wama” 11:00 Why presence changes lives 15:00 Identity, self-worth, and social media 18:00 “Be still and know that I am God” as a state of being 21:00 Created worth and serving the person you used to be 24:00 Why leaders sabotage themselves 26:00 Why businesses must make the world better 27:00 The shocking gap between resources and impact 30:00 Why intimidation only exists in isolation 33:00 “Do not despise small beginnings” 38:00 Trust is the opposite of fear 40:00 “You cannot scale dysfunction”About Stephen Scoggins:Stephen Scoggins is an entrepreneur, speaker, and business strategist who built and scaled companies beyond $100 million after starting from homelessness and extreme adversity. Today, he mentors leaders on identity, stewardship, presence, and building businesses that create meaningful impact.About Safe House Project:Safe House Project exists to end child trafficking and restore hope for survivors through prevention, survivor care, and strategic partnerships.Learn more:https://safehouseproject.org#HumanTrafficking #SafeHouseProject #TeamProtectors #StephenScoggins #Leadership #FaithAndBusiness #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Identity #TraumaHealing #BusinessLeadership #NonprofitLeadership #ChristianLeadership #MentalHealth #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorSupport #Purpose #Trust #Faith #LeadershipDevelopmentSupport the show
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The Dark Truth About Human Trafficking | Sonny Von Cleveland
May 500:44:42Tap to summarizeMost people think human trafficking looks like a kidnapping. It doesn’t.In this episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells sit down with survivor and advocate Sonny Von Cleveland to break down the reality of trafficking in America and why so many people are getting it wrong.Sonny shares his story of abuse, prison, and ultimately transformation, revealing how trauma shaped his life and how one moment changed everything. He explains why trafficking is not about strangers in vans, but about trust, proximity, and access, often involving people victims already know.This conversation dives into the overlooked victims, especially young boys, and the cultural silence that keeps them from being identified or speaking out. It also explores how technology has become one of the biggest tools predators use today, and why parents need to be paying closer attention.The discussion goes beyond awareness and into responsibility. From failures in funding to the role of everyday people in identifying trafficking, this episode makes one thing clear: doing nothing is not neutral.If you’ve ever thought “this doesn’t happen in my community,” this episode will challenge that belief.What You’ll Learn:Why the biggest trafficking myth is putting people at riskHow predators actually target victims todayWhy boys and men are often overlooked in trafficking conversationsThe role technology plays in modern exploitationWhat real freedom looks like after traffickingWhy awareness alone is not enoughDownload the Simply Report app and be part of the solution. You don’t have to be certain—just concerned.Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help bring this issue into the light.#TeamProtectors #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndHumanTrafficking #SafeHouseProject #StopTrafficking #BeTheChange #ProtectChildren #AwarenessToAction #SimplyReport #TraffickingPreventionSupport the show
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How Truckers, Bus Drivers, and Everyday People Are Stopping Human Trafficking
Apr 2100:42:53Tap to summarizeWhat if the person who saves a trafficking victim isn’t law enforcement, but a truck driver, a bus driver, or you?In this episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells are joined by Annie Sovcik of Truckers Against Trafficking to explore how the transportation industry plays a critical role in identifying and disrupting human trafficking.They break down the realities of trafficking across trucking, bus systems, and public transit, and how traffickers rely on mobility to avoid detection. Annie shares how training everyday professionals to recognize the signs of trafficking has led to real rescues, including a case that helped recover 20 survivors from a multi-state trafficking ring.The conversation highlights the power of awareness, the importance of shifting perceptions around prostitution and exploitation, and how small actions like asking “Do you need help?” can change someone’s life. They also discuss how school bus drivers, energy workers, and community members are uniquely positioned to identify vulnerable individuals and intervene early.This episode is a powerful reminder that trafficking is happening in plain sight and that everyone has a role to play in bringing it to light.Key Insights:💛 Traffickers rely on transportation systems to move victims and avoid detection💛 Truck drivers, bus drivers, and transit workers are uniquely positioned to identify trafficking💛 Training and awareness can turn everyday people into powerful disruptors of trafficking💛 One report can be the missing piece that leads to major investigations and rescues💛 Trafficking is often misidentified as prostitution, which allows it to persist💛 Shifting language and perception is key to recognizing victims with dignity and humanity💛 School bus drivers may be the only consistent, safe adult in a vulnerable child’s life💛 Reporting tools like Simply Report help people act even when they are unsure💛 Survivor-informed messaging and compassion are critical in prevention and intervention💛 Every interaction matters and can be a step toward someone’s freedomGet educated, stay aware, and take action. Download Simply Report to help identify and report suspected trafficking. Your awareness and willingness to act could be the key to someone’s escape. Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help bring trafficking out of the shadows.#TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StopTrafficking #TruckersAgainstTrafficking #SeeSomethingSaySomething #ProtectTheVulnerable #CommunityAwareness #SimplyReportSupport the show
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Business Leaders Against Trafficking: Clay Vaughan on Urgency, Impact, and Simply Report
Mar 300:53:10Tap to summarizeHuman trafficking is not a future problem. It is happening right now, and you can do something today.Clay Vaughan, CEO and founder of Good Agency, joins Safe House Project’s Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells to share why his company committed to fighting human trafficking and why corporate leadership matters in ending exploitation. They unpack the scale of trafficking in the U.S., the urgency of faster action, and how Simply Report helps everyday people recognize and report suspected trafficking. The conversation also highlights what true partnership looks like, including funding survivor care, mobilizing teams around purpose-driven work, and taking tangible steps that help people escape and begin healing.Key Insights:- Clay’s commitment began through personal family experiences and time spent overseas, witnessing exploitation firsthand- Real impact requires action, not awareness alone, and measurable outcomes matter when choosing where to invest- A purpose-driven company culture can increase buy-in, excellence, and retention when teams rally around a mission- The scale of trafficking can cause compassion fatigue, so focusing on one person at a time helps people engage- Safe House Project emphasizes high allocation to survivor care and scalable systems that help people escape- Simply Report equips community members to report concerns and helps close gaps left by failing systems- Business leaders in every industry can help through giving, training, transportation support, and sharing awareness- Survivors’ courage, trust, and healing stories show that hope and freedom are possible, even after deep traumaDo something today. Download Simply Report, share it, and help bring trafficking into the light. If you can give, consider becoming a monthly donor. $40 a month supports pathways to freedom, and $1,015 can help provide a direct route into safe care. Like, subscribe, and leave a five-star review to help more people find this mission.https://safehouseproject.orghttps://safehouseproject.org/get-involvedhttps://safehouseproject.org/resources#TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StopTrafficking #ProtectChildren #BusinessForGood #SimplyReport #SurvivorCare #FreedomForAllSupport the show
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Human Trafficking in the Digital Age: Why Technology Is Outpacing the Law
Feb 300:48:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Safe House Project co-founders Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells sit down with retired New Jersey State Police investigator and former ICAC commander John Pizzuro to unpack what human trafficking and child exploitation actually look like today. John breaks down why the “Taken” narrative misses the mark, how technology (and now AI) has accelerated exploitation and sextortion, and why law enforcement is drowning in tips without the resources or standardized data needed to act. The conversation also dives into legislative realities, including how bills stall, how tech lobbying shapes outcomes, and why perfect can’t be the enemy of good, plus practical ways everyday community members can protect their families and push change.Key Insights:- The “Taken” myth is misleading: trafficking and exploitation isn’t one coordinated super-network. It’s often fragmented, opportunistic, and increasingly tech-enabled.- Exploitation has shifted from sexual gratification to financial gratification at scale, fueled by sextortion and online monetization.- Tech platforms provide inconsistent reporting data, forcing law enforcement to react across countless formats with no uniform standard.- The volume gap is staggering: millions of tips, limited capacity, and only a small percentage resulting in arrests due to constraints and incomplete data.- AI escalates risk: bots can automate grooming, and deepfake-style image generation can produce exploitative content that appears real.- Legislation lags reality: policymakers often address “Part A” (like age verification) without building “Parts B through D” (like VPN and encryption implications).I- ncremental wins matter: don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Progress often comes through pragmatic steps.- Community advocacy moves the needle: lawmakers respond to reelection pressure. Constituent voices can unstick stalled action.- Protect your home, educate yourself and your family, and use your voice: contact your representatives and tell them you want stronger protections for children and communities. If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, leave a five-star review, and download the Simply Report app to help report suspected trafficking.https://safehouseproject.orghttps://safehouseproject.org/resourceshttps://safehouseproject.org/get-involved#TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #EndHumanTrafficking #ChildSafety #OnlineSafety #ICAC #ProtectKidsOnline #StopHumanTrafficking #SextortionAwareness #AIandSafetySupport the show
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Behind the Rescue Stories You Have Never Heard
Jan 600:46:00Tap to summarizeWhat really happens when a trafficking victim is rescued?What really happens when a trafficking survivor escapes? In this gripping episode, Lindsey Gray takes us behind the scenes of real rescue operations, from the high-stakes coordination to the emotional aftermath.She shares what the process looks like, what survivors face in those critical moments, and why aftercare is just as important as rescue itself. This episode brings a raw and human view of a process too often sensationalized in the media.Get a rare, honest look at what it takes to support survivors from crisis to stability.Key Insights:- Step by step look at rescue missions- The emotional toll on responders and survivors- How coordinated efforts save livesLike if you believe every rescue matters, share your reaction, and subscribe for more behind the scenes hero stories.Safe House Project: https://safehouseproject.org #Shorts #RescueStories #HumanTrafficking #EndSlavery #HeroesAmongUs #LawEnforcement2025 #CrisisResponse #SurvivorSupportSupport the show
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The Mom Army Taking On Human Trafficking
Dec 200:47:20Tap to summarizeWhat happens when moms unite to protect every child?What happens when moms rise up against trafficking? Kimberley Fletcher, founder of Moms for America, shares how mothers are taking grassroots action to protect their children and communities from exploitation.In this episode, she discusses how women are becoming advocates, organizing local efforts, and pushing for change at the national level. From awareness campaigns to legislative efforts, this “mom army” is showing that no voice is too small to make a difference.Whether you're a parent, community member, or just someone who cares, this episode will inspire you to get involved right where you are.Key Insights:The unique role of mothers in preventionHow grassroots movements make national impactWays to get involved locallyLike if you believe in the power of moms, share how you would take action, and subscribe for more grassroots hero stories.Safe House Project: https://safehouseproject.org#Shorts #MomsForChange #Parenting #EndTrafficking #CommunityAction #MomLife2025 #FamilySafety #GrassrootsMovementSupport the show
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From Logistics to Lifelines: How Survivor Support Transforms Lives
Nov 400:46:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, meet Lora Trent, leader of Safe House Project’s survivor support team. She shares her unexpected journey into anti-trafficking work, how she uses her detail-oriented logistics background to help survivors transition safely into healing programs, and what it means to serve with compassion and patience. From navigating complex placements across states to learning trauma-informed care alongside survivor leaders, Lora shows how listening and persistence can change lives. You’ll also hear powerful survivor stories, challenges in mental health and addiction support, and why Safe House Project’s survivor-centered approach is different from anything else. Key Insights:- Why listening is the first step to survivor trust- How Safe House Project supports survivors across the U.S. - The role of trauma-informed, survivor-led practices- Why every American has a skill that can help end trafficking Like to share your thoughts, and subscribe for more prevention focused content.Safe House Project: https://safehouseproject.orgTake the training at IamOnWatch.org and download Simply Report to be part of the solution.#HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorSupport #SafeHouseProject #TraumaInformedCare #EndHumanTrafficking #TeamProtectorsSupport the show
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The Shocking Truth About Trafficking in America
Oct 700:45:32Tap to summarizeThink human trafficking only happens overseas? Think again.Think human trafficking is just a foreign problem? Think again. In this powerful episode, Susan Young uncovers the uncomfortable truth: trafficking is thriving in our own neighborhoods, schools, and communities.Susan shares compelling statistics, firsthand insights, and survivor stories that dismantle the common myths surrounding trafficking in the U.S. From misidentification to gaps in reporting, this episode outlines how trafficking hides in plain sight and what needs to change to stop it.You’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of how the issue impacts everyday people and why education is the first step in dismantling these hidden networks.Key Insights:How trafficking hides in plain sightSurvivor stories that challenge common mythsThe role of community awareness in preventionLike if you believe knowledge is power, comment what surprised you most, and subscribe for more truth telling interviews.Safe House Project: https://safehouseproject.org#Shorts #HumanTrafficking #Awareness #SurvivorStories #StopTheDemand #SocialJustice2025 #CrimePrevention #CommunityActionSupport the show
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