Podcast Summary: "Totally Booked with Zibby" – Episode Featuring Kate Price’s This Happened to Me: A Reckoning
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Kate Price
Episode Release Date: August 11, 2025
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
1. Introduction to Kate Price and Her Accomplishments
Zibby Owens welcomes Kate Price, an esteemed Associate Research Scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women and a distinguished author of the memoir This Happened to Me: A Reckoning. Kate is not only an internationally recognized expert on child sex trafficking but also a recipient of numerous awards, including the My Life, My Choice Beacon of Light Award and the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize Medal.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "Research has been a huge part of my healing... That's what I do and that's what I continue to do."
[27:54]
2. Overview of This Happened to Me: A Reckoning
Kate Price delves into her memoir, revealing the harrowing experiences of being sexually abused by her father from a young age until he left when she was 12. During this period, he also exploited her by selling her for sex to truckers along Route 80 in northern Appalachia. The book chronicles her journey towards healing and grappling with her traumatic memories.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "The book really is about me grappling one, surviving that, and then two, grappling with my memory and ultimately healing."
[05:39]
3. The Healing Process and Therapeutic Journey
Kate discusses her therapeutic journey, highlighting the pivotal role of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. Their long-term therapist-patient relationship, utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), was crucial in her healing process. She emphasizes the importance of specialized therapy for treating OCD and PTSD.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "He's been my therapist for over, you know, for about 30 years now. He helped save my life."
[06:26]
4. The Role of Literature in Survival and Recovery
A significant portion of the conversation centers on how literature, particularly the works of Judy Blume and J.D. Salinger, provided Kate with solace and a sense of connection during her traumatic years. These books were instrumental in helping her navigate complex emotions surrounding sex, intimacy, and depression.
Notable Quotes:
Zibby Owens: "Her courageous characters made me feel less alone."
[11:32]
Kate Price: "Judy Blume was really my first safe adult, truly. And to have her voice in books just meant the absolute world to me."
[12:31]
5. Advocacy and Professional Work Against Child Trafficking
Kate elaborates on her role as an advocate and researcher combating familial commercial sexual exploitation. She is leading a national study on the subject, aiming to translate scientific research into actionable policy and practice. Her work includes collaborating with various stakeholders to map and understand the complexities of child trafficking.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "Our work is about creating scientific knowledge that then does get published in journals, but then can translate to policy and practice."
[28:00]
6. Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors
Reflecting on her personal growth, Kate shares the profound relief she felt upon completing her memoir. She also reveals her plans to open Mill Girl Books, a bookstore aimed at providing accessible literature to children in her hometown—a gesture to give back and support young readers who, like her, found solace in books during tough times.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "To provide books for kids who want them, who can't afford them, that is another way that I see that I can do direct service in my hometown."
[30:56]
7. Advice for Survivors and Those Facing Trauma
In closing, Kate offers heartfelt advice to listeners enduring trauma. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and assures them that they are not alone, even if they feel isolated. Her message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging survivors to trust in their capacity to heal over time.
Notable Quote:
Kate Price: "Just know you'll get through it. You might not have the answer right now... But it's there and it will reveal itself to you when things are safe."
[31:57]
Conclusion
Zibby Owens concludes the episode by applauding Kate Price’s courage and dedication both in sharing her personal story and in her professional fight against child trafficking. Listeners are encouraged to purchase Kate’s book to support her mission and gain deeper insights into her remarkable journey.
Notable Quote:
Zibby Owens: "This Happened to Me: A Memoir. Oh my gosh. Congratulations. Bravo. And thank you."
[32:53]
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an intimate and powerful exploration of Kate Price’s life, her struggle with profound trauma, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy and change. Through candid conversation and poignant storytelling, Kate not only shares her painful past but also illuminates a path toward healing and empowerment for others facing similar battles.
For more information about Kate Price and her work, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.