Episodes

  • On our season finale, Cheryl sits down with the one and only Jenna Mckaye! Jenna is a survivor of human trafficking with an incredible life story she now shares through advocacy groups throughout the US. Jenna's extraordinary journey offers hope that inspires others through education and training. She continues to train hospital staff, law enforcement, and other professionals how to identify victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking and respond with victim-centered care. Her personable keynote speaking engagements leave a notable impression among a variety of audience demographics including the United Nations. In 2016, Jenna started the Jenna McKaye Foundation to engage in a broader advocacy training model. Visit jennamckaye.com for upcoming news/events and details on her soon-to-be-published book.

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast. Thank you for your listenership! 

  • On this week’s episode, Cheryl sits down with the incredible and heroic, Brandy Jenkins! Brandy is passionate about her advocacy work alongside Coco's Angels! You can learn more about Coco's Angels at cocosangels.org or on Instagram at cocosangelsnonprofit!

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast. Don’t forget to catch our season finale next Friday!

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  • Susan Patterson is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and author of the book “How You Can Fight Human Trafficking, Over 100 Ways to Make a Difference” which has been acclaimed by anti-human trafficking advocates nationwide to be one of the best resources out there because it is practical. Her community YouTube channel “Winning the Fight Against Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation” features videos of people and churches that are making a difference in the fight against human trafficking.  In addition, she created a platform where churches can teach other churches what works to prevent human trafficking and serve survivors through the National Faith Coalitions meetings that she hosts with her team. Susan has spoken to over 100,000 people about the dynamics behind human trafficking in such a way that the path becomes clear as to where one can use one’s gifts and talents to join the fight.

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes dropping every Friday!

  • This week Cheryl listens to a story that is filled with heroism and determination, a story like no other! Alisha is a woman who sought revenge on the pimp who beat and tortured her for 17 years. After Alisha was trafficked, she obtained her high school diploma then attended college where she studied to become a paralegal! Listen to her full story now.

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for our next episode dropping on December 3rd!

  • This week Cheryl sits down with the first North American Jain female-monk, a US Army Iraq veteran, international speaker, author, documentarian, and activist for social justice. Driven by her deep-seated devotion to humanity, she uses her talents and skills to raise awareness about violence in the world and ways to change it. Not only is she passionate about social movements that focus on non-violence, human rights, gender equality, trafficking, and the youth but her latest work, STOPPING TRAFFIC is a life-changing documentary piece about trafficking. Be sure to keep an eye out for her next documentary film, Stopping Traffic 2.

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes dropping every Friday!

  • Cheryl sits down with the courageous and inspiring trafficking survivor, Jean. This is the very first time that Jean has shared her story and we couldn't be more honored. 

    CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: Pedophilia, child sex trafficking, child torture/abuse, sexual acts involving a minor, child murder/sacrifice, sodomy, animal cruelty, and suicide.

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes dropping every Friday!

  • In our first episode back, Cheryl and trafficking survivor and dear friend, Lauren Fox discuss their reactions to the new A24 film titled, Zola. Lauren and Cheryl discuss the nuances of trafficking in film and how it’s portrayed to the masses. We also hear about Lauren's survival story and how it is very similar to the one portrayed in the film. You can also learn more about Lauren and her work on Instagram @strangemagickhealing or strangemagickhealing.com.

    CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: SEX TRAFFICKING, RAPE, DRUG ADDICTION, SEXUAL ACTS, STATUTORY RAPE, AND SUICIDE

    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series and on Twitter at TheTrafficked. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes dropping every Friday!

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of child trafficking and child pornography. Listener discretion is advised.
    In this episode of Trafficked, we tell the story of Mitzi Perdue, founder of the non-profit Win This Fight, (@winthisfight4good)  Join in as we learn about Mitzi’s campaign to "Give Till it Hurts" and then hear about her  #RosieTheLiberator campaign. The point is to take a photo of yourself dressed as the iconic  #RosieTheRiveter from #WWII, and post to social media along with the hashtag  #RosieTheLiberator, AND donate $5 to the Anti-Human Trafficking organization of your choice. A favorite organization of mine, if you don’t already have one, is @ourrescue from Superhero @timballard89
    Show your support today with a Rosie the Liberator picture and a $5 donation to the anti-trafficking organization of your choice.
    From my heart to yours♥️ Cheryl Hunter
    To keep up with all of our latest work, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Trafficked Series. Please be sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe to our podcast, and listen and stay tuned for season 2 of Trafficked coming later this year in 2021!

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of child rape, murder, gang rape, sex work, racism, kidnapping, drug addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
    Jes Richardson is an author, activist, wife, mother, and former sex trafficking victim.  On this episode of Trafficked with Cheryl Hunter hear firsthand her harrowing tale and learn how Jes is working to educate and heal our society.
    Connect with Jes:
    https://twitter.com/sasyjes
    https://www.facebook.com/sasyjesrichardson
    https://www.instagram.com/sasyjes/
    https://www.burntconsulting.com/everything-i-know-i-learned-from-my-pimp

    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of child pornography and child trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.
    Renée Brinkerhoff is the founder of Valkyrie Racing / Valkyrie Gives. She is racing a 1956 Porsche on every continent of the world to raise awareness and donate funds to combat human trafficking. Mother of four children and late to the game, as she started racing at the age of 56, Renée embodies the power of reinvention. Now, with 6 continents completed in her World Rally Tour, Renee is charging toward the final continent Antarctica with a goal to raise $1M to aid in prevention, rescue, and restoration to victims of trafficking.
    Connect with Renee:
    https://www.instagram.com/valkyrie_racing/
    https://www.facebook.com/valkyrieracing
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, addiction, overdose, molestation, child pornography, and physical child abuse including asphyxiation, bondage, and malnutrition. Listener discretion is advised.
    Jerome Elam is a CEO Trafficking in America Task Force/Child Sex Trafficking Survivor/Marine Corps Veteran/CDN
    Columnist/Speaker/Special Advisor to the Utah Attorney General
    Connect with Jerome:
    https://www.facebook.com/jerome.elam
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromeelamauthor/
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of child trafficking, prostitution, labor trafficking, trauma bonding, and molestation. Listener discretion is advised.Holly Austin Gibbs is the Director of CommonSpirit Health’s Violence and Human Trafficking Response Program. In this role, Holly oversees efforts to implement policies, procedures, and education that will assist physicians and staff in a) identifying patients who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or violence, including human trafficking, and b) offering victim assistance to patients in a trauma-informed manner. In 2014, Holly published an academic book titled Walking Prey: How America's Youth are Vulnerable to Sex Slavery; and in 2019, she received the Sister Concilia Moran Award from the Catholic Health Association. As a survivor of child sex trafficking, Holly has testified before Congress and consulted for numerous organizations, including the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the AMBER Alert program.Connect with Holly:www.instagram.com/holly_a_smithResources:Trafficking Task Force:https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, child abuse, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, pedophilia, and rape. Listener discretion is advised.
    Jose is a Human Trafficking Survivor, Public Speaker, Author, Advocate, and Activist. He has worked with several anti-human trafficking organizations around the globe, to spread awareness on trafficking, specifically within the LGBTQ+ Community. He is currently working on a memoir depicting his own personal experience with trafficking. He has been featured in several publications and has worked with law enforcement, DHS, and the DOJ to name a few. His work includes public speaking and giving lectures, sharing his story and statistics of trafficking.
    Connect with Jose:
    https://www.instagram.com/joselewisalfaro/
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of murder, kidnapping, violence, addiction, and branding. Listener discretion is advised.
    Amber Rose is a survivor of human trafficking within the United States. She is from a small town in Florida and originally attended school to study psychology in order to understand her abductor when she realized she never could, and was guided toward a different path. She decided to use her voice to help those who have been silenced. She intends to use her platform to speak on your behalf and inspire you to find your voice within our community.
    Connect with Amber
    Instagram: amberosebud_
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of sexual grooming, molestation, and child trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.
    Spending the past decade as a life-fulfillment junkie, aka Fulfillionaire, a familial trafficking survivor who’s on a mission to encourage victims to reclaim their power with an upcoming foundation called “Free Her Forever.” 
    Connect with Vita
    www.instagram.com/vita_galore
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of violence in the home, domestic violence, child abuse, forced sex work, branding, suicide, and complex compound trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
    Rebecca Bender is the founder and CEO of the Rebecca Bender Initiative (RBI). She is an award-winning, nationally recognized expert on human trafficking. After escaping nearly six years of modern-day slavery, she wrote her first book, Roadmap to Redemption, followed by her recent curriculum Elevate. RBI’s advanced training has equipped the FBI, Homeland Security, local law enforcement, medical professionals, service providers, and faith communities across America. Rebecca serves as an advisor to both the Oregon D.O.J. Human Trafficking Council and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. She is also the recipient of the Female Overcomer Award, Unlikely Hero Award, Hero to our Generation Award, and multiple FBI and Congressional recognitions.
    Connect with Rebecca
    https://www.instagram.com/imrebeccabender/
    https://www.facebook.com/ImRebeccaBender
    www.rebeccabender.org
    Resources:
    Trafficking Task Force:
    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/
    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/
    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/

  • Please note this episode contains descriptions of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, physical abuse, and torture. Listener discretion is advised. 

    Cheryl Hunter shares details here in Episode 1 of Trafficked that she typically doesn’t include in her story. She paints a raw, vulnerable picture of the human side of human trafficking and sets up the entire Trafficked series to come. A huge thanks to fellow survivor, Jessie Torres who interviewed Cheryl. ⁣

    **This is a Conveyor Media production. Host and Creator, Cheryl Hunter, executive producers, Colin Whelan & Rebecca Sirmons, head producer, writer, and editor, Celene Beth Calderon, music by Mickey O'Brien.

    Connect with Cheryl:

    https://www.instagram.com/traffickedseries/

    https://www.instagram.com/huntercheryl/

     https://www.facebook.com/TraffickedSeries/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARD4O_8qCO19r9Lt5Z5gYB89sXXPLwGALf84nomY8hDE8kFmsS9rlnzE01cRe1cFG8YtzpuFzSD3ST1O

    https://www.facebook.com/cherylhunter/

    Resources:

    Trafficking Task Force:

    https://traffickinginamericataskforce.org/

    Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)

    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.ncmectx.org/

    Cyber Tip Line: https://report.cybertip.org/