Episodes
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Prosecuting Darkness - Jeanine Sorrentino & Lisa Andrus
Join us for a compelling episode featuring Jeanine Sorrentino and Lisa Andrus, seasoned prosecutors from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Delve into their journeys of prosecuting sex crimes, particularly those against children, and learn about the mental toll of their work.
Discover the evolution of support systems in their office and the complexities of seeking justice for victims. Listen to personal stories that shaped their careers, hear about pivotal cases, including a compelling courtroom story involving a self-representing defendant, and gain insights into the challenges they face daily within this demanding field.
This episode offers an authentic look at the pursuit of justice in a tough legal landscape.
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What About the Victims? - Jim Cole
A Journey of Dedication and Innovation
In this powerful episode of 'Harmless, The Podcast,' host Eric Oldenburg engages in an illuminating discussion with Jim Cole, a key figure in child exploitation investigations. They explore Jim's groundbreaking approach of shifting investigations from focusing on offenders to prioritizing victim identification.
This innovation has dramatically improved how cases are handled, leading to the identification and rescue of many victims globally. The episode also delves into the development of Project Vic and the transformative impact these initiatives have had on law enforcement practices and the recovery of victims.
Additionally, the episode reflects on the deep emotional commitment of the community of investigators dedicated to protecting children, with heartfelt gratitude expressed towards mentors and colleagues who have made significant contributions to this critical work.
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Missing episodes?
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Send Backup with Dr. Paul Conway:
In this eye-opening episode of 'Harmless the Podcast,' host Eric Oldenburg speaks with Dr. Paul Conway, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton.
They delve into Dr. Conway's groundbreaking study on the mental health impacts, particularly moral injury, experienced by UK police officers and staff investigating child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The discussion touches on how different factors such as workplace culture, support systems, and coping mechanisms significantly affect the mental well-being of these professionals.
The episode sheds light on surprising findings like the relatively minor role of direct exposure to the material and the critical importance of organizational support, while also discussing potential solutions for better mental health outcomes in this challenging line of work.
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A Global Mission - Jon Rouse
In this episode, Eric sits down with Jon Rouse a distinguished figure in child exploitation investigations, who recounts his 39-year career beginning with the Queensland Police in 1984. Influenced by his family's military background, Jon discusses his early law enforcement assignments, a critical encounter with violence, and his shift to the Child Abuse Unit.
Jon highlights his pioneering role in Task Force Argos, which revolutionized child exploitation investigations with a victim-centered approach and influential legislation. The episode also explores the psychological toll of this type of work, the evolution of online predatory behavior, and the importance of post-service support for officers.
Jon advocates for the correct terminology, stressing ‘Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)’ over ‘child pornography’. The discussion underscores the emotional dedication of the officers and the significant human cost of their essential work.
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Healing and Hope - David's Journey Through Trauma and Recovery
In this compelling episode of 'Harmless the Podcast,' host Eric Oldenburg interviews David four years after his initial interview and delves into David's powerful story of overcoming trauma during his career with the Phoenix Police Department.
David candidly shares the emotional and psychological toll of his work, especially in investigating Internet Crimes Against Children, and outlines his ongoing journey towards healing. Emphasizing the importance of mental health support, professional therapy, and robust support systems, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining mental well-being in high-stress professions.
A must-listen for first responders, mental health advocates, and anyone interested in the themes of resilience and recovery.
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Casual Urgency - David Frattare : ICAC Leadership on Mental Wellness in Law Enforcement
In this episode, Eric Oldenburg interviews a law enforcement veteran and current ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Commander. David recounts his journey into law enforcement, which began with an internship at the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. He describes his pivot to general crimes, and his eventual specialization in undercover work targeting child predators. David also discusses the challenges and mental toll of his work, leading to his eventual move to commanding Ohio's ICAC Task Force. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, David shares how he implemented a mental wellness policy for his unit and later collaborated with the Innocent Justice Foundation as a part-time SHIFT instructor. The conversation highlights the need for mental health awareness in law enforcement, particularly for those dealing with traumatic material on a daily basis.
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A Helping Heart: Inside the Heart of ICAC Investigators with Jay Houston
In this compelling episode of 'Harmless', host Eric Oldenburg engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Houston, the director of training for the Child Rescue Coalition and a retired ICAC commander from Mississippi. They delve into the unspoken mental health challenges faced by ICAC investigators who tackle child exploitation cases. Jay shares poignant personal stories, including a near-suicide prevented at a training session, and stresses the importance of mental health support and a resilient, supportive environment within law enforcement.
With nearly 13 years of experience in ICAC and a transition to a full-time role fighting child exploitation, Jay provides an inside look into his work as an instructor, his efforts to improve forensic tools, and his vision for the future. This episode sheds light on the critical need for psychological resilience, peer support, and ongoing training in this demanding field.
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Unseen Wounds: The Emotional Toll of Child Abuse Work
This episode of 'Harmless' features a deep dive into the emotional and psychological toll experienced by professionals who work in child abuse prevention and treatment. The host, Eric Oldenburg, interviews Dr. Kathy Coffman, a forensic pediatrician with over 30 years of experience in examining and supporting child abuse victims. Dr. Coffman shares insights into the challenges of determining the age of children in abusive imagery, the stress of potentially misjudging cases, and the importance of finding coping mechanisms to handle the anger and trauma encountered in this line of work. The conversation also highlights the necessity of a support system for those in the field, the human side of abusers, and the resilience of parents dealing with the aftermath of their child being abused. Dr. Coffman emphasizes the neurodevelopmental impacts of trauma on children and advises those entering this field to find beauty amidst the darkness to sustain their work long-term.
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🎙 Now Available - ONLY - on Harmless the Podcast:
Hidden Battles: Navigating the Depths of Child Exploitation Investigations
Long time friends, Eric Oldenburg and retired Detective Phillis Walker discuss the intense and often unseen struggles faced by law enforcement officers working in the alleyways of digital child exploitation and abuse investigations.
A detective who shifted from physical crime scenes to the virtual realm to escape the direct emotional impact, only to discover new challenges in the digital domain, to Phyllis, a computer forensics expert who found herself isolated amidst troubling investigations.
This conversation explores the profound psychological toll these roles exact on those involved. It delves into the essential yet distressing work of probing into the darkest facets of human behavior online, emphasizing the urgent need for specialized training, support, and coping mechanisms for investigators to manage the severe mental health repercussions of their duties.
Highlighting personal experiences, this conversation paints a vivid picture of the strenuous journey and the resilience of those combating child exploitation in the digital age.
Presented in Partnership with The Innocent Justice Foundation
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In this episode of 'Harmless,' host Eric Oldenburg interviews Kevin Laws, a retired Homeland Security Investigations special agent and author of 'Hunter of the Damned: A Walk Through Hell.'
Kevin shares his harrowing experiences working undercover in child exploitation investigations and the emotional toll it took on him, including wrestling with suicide following the death of his wife. The episode sheds light on the psychological impact of such work, Kevin's journey through loss and healing, and the vital need for support among law enforcement officials. Additionally, Kevin offers advice to those currently in the field and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and maintaining connections outside of work to manage the emotional challenges of the job.
You can purchase Kevin's book on his website, www.knsteaching.com.
If you or someone you know is stuggling with sucidal thoughts, please dial or text 988. Thr new national resource for suicide prevention.
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In an emotionally profound and extensive discussion, Eric Oldenburg explores the career and experiences of Josh Findley, a retired HSI Special Agent and pioneering figure in Victim Identification efforts within the ICAC community.From his small-town roots in rural Oregon, to his impactful career in the military police and subsequent roles in various federal agencies, Josh shares a detailed account of his journey. The conversation delves into the ethical, emotional, and professional challenges faced when dealing with child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases, emphasizing empathy, healing, and the necessity for law enforcement to engage deeply and humanely with both victims and offenders. It also touches on personal anecdotes and the need for mental health awareness and support among law enforcement officers. This comprehensive dialogue sheds light on the evolution of victim identification, the significance of inter-agency cooperation, and the personal toll such work takes on those who commit their lives to this complex and critical field.
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In this episode, your host, Eric Oldenburg, has a very frank and thought provoking conversation with Debbie Garner, a retired ICAC Commander from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. She served for 8 years, from 2013 until her retirement in 2021. Debbie discusses the importance of mental wellness in law enforcement.
Debbie, shares her experience in successfully implementing a budget-friendly mental wellness program within her unit, prioritizing the well-being of her team despite the overwhelming caseload.
She emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive culture and recounts harrowing personal stories that highlight the positive impact of her initiatives.
This episode highlights a touching story where Debbie's mental heath support system allowed an investigator to save his own life.
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In Part 2 of this compelling and candid interview with a sitting Arizona State Superior Court Judge Brad Astrowsky, host Eric Oldenburg and Judge Astrowsky passionately discuss the traumatic impact of dealing with cases related to the sexual exploitation of minors in the legal domain, specifically on investigators, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, and even jury members.
They note the lasting harm such cases can inflict upon these professionals' mental health without appropriate support. They also empathize with the victims of these heinous crimes and stress an initiative for society to confront this issue more openly. They further discuss how technology and the internet have amplified the occurrence and awareness about child exploitation, debating on its implications, how it affects everyone involved, and the need for more substantial mental health resources.
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In this insightful interview, the host talks with his longtime friend Brad Astrowsky - a former prosecutor turned judge. Brad shares his journey from law school to specializing in sex crimes prosecution, notably the sexual exploitation of minors. He discusses various memorable cases, highlighting the complexities, challenges, and ethical considerations involved in these sensitive matters. Brad also touches on the huge psychological impact that viewing exploitative images can have on investigators and prosecutors. The conversation candidly explores the realities of the legal process, offering a unique and impactful perspective on the topic.
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Harmless the Podcast: Understanding Important Terminologies
In this episode, Eric Oldenburg explains important terminologies and definitions that listeners may come across throughout the podcast. He elaborates on the function and structure of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the difference between investigations and computer forensic examinations pertaining to internet crimes against children, and the role of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). He also discusses the SHIFT Wellness program that provides support for ICAC investigators, and the technology of 'hashing', used in digital forensic investigation.
Listeners are encouraged to reach out with any queries for further clarification
00:00 Intro01:13 ICAC Task Force02:13 Investigations vs. Comptuer Forensic Examinations04:37 NCMEC05:35 CyberTips06:24 SHIFT07:14 Hashing Technology08:20 More Questions?
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Eric Oldenburg and Jim Cole discuss Jim's experience working in Child Exploitation Investigations.. They discuss the mental and emotional toll the work takes on investigators, highlighting the vivid and harsh images and experiences they face. The conversation further delves into the ways investigators cope with the trauma, discussing the implementation of the ARMOR program, a specialized peer support program, and how it has supported investigators. Jim touches on personal experiences with survivors, colleagues, case stories, and the importance of seeking professional mental health support.
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In this episode, host Eric Oldenburg interviews Beth Medina, the leader of The Innocent Justice Foundation(TIJF).
TIJF was established to support the work of Internet crimes against children task force teams across the country.
Initially, their work focused on providing equipment and resources for investigations. Over time, however, they realized the immense mental health impact the exposure to distressing materials had on their members.
Hence, they designed and implemented the SHIFT program(Supporting Heroes in Foundational mental health Training), which focuses on mental health and resilience for all those involved in these traumatic investigations.
Eric and Beth emphasize the importance of being aware and accepting of the emotional trauma attached to their work.
They touch on the effectiveness of this program in creating awareness, the challenges faced, their personal experiences and motivations, and the potential improvements in the future.
They conclude with the affirmation about the importance of the resilience program for helping the law enforcement officers handle the traumatic aspects of their job.
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Part 3, The Hope is the final part of this conversation that is focused on discussing the psychological impacts of dealing with highly traumatic and stressful situations specifically in policing child crimes investigations, with a focus placed on exploring, sharing, and understanding experiences with PTSD.
Eric and David discuss changes that could be made in law enforcement and investigation departments to better support members facing this kind of trauma.
Discussion topics include the importance of psychological support, changes needed in workflow to reduce exposure, and the crucial aspect of family involvement and understanding.
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In Part two of this conversation, The Toll, Eric and David, discuss the mental and emotional toll of their work as investigators in cases involving child exploitation material. They talk about the impact it has had on their personal lives, the strain it put on their relationships, the lack of support from their employers, and the need for greater mental health resources for individuals working in this field.
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In part one of this conversation, , The Truth, Eric and David discuss the challenging and traumatic experiences they faced while working in Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigations. David shares his experiences as an investigator and computer forensic examiner, while Eric asks questions and seeks to understand the impact of the job on David's mental health.
This podcast highlights the disturbing nature of the content they had to review, the toll it took on their well-being, and the importance of their work in protecting vulnerable children.
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