Colleen Stan, a survivor of extreme sexual violence and captivity, shares her harrowing experiences in this podcast. The most interesting topics discussed include Colleen's mysterious phone call to her family after three years, her determination to survive captivity, the establishment of a new routine, the presentation of a slave contract, and the uncovering of a sinister underground world.
Colleen Stan endured horrific abuse and captivity, including physical torture, sexual violence, and psychological manipulation.
Despite her prolonged captivity and suffering, Colleen Stan clung to her faith and hope for survival.
Colleen Stan's captors exerted complete control over her, enforcing strict rules and subjecting her to brutal physical and sexual torture.
Deep dives
Colleen's Abduction and Captivity
Colleen Stan, a young woman from Oregon, was abducted while hitchhiking and held captive by a sadistic couple. She was subjected to horrific abuse, including physical torture, sexual violence, and psychological manipulation. Colleen was restrained, blindfolded, and kept in a small, dark box most of the time. Her captors forced her to perform tasks for their profit, while also subjecting her to daily torture sessions. Colleen endured months of isolation, fear, and dehumanizing treatment, but she found solace in praying and maintaining hope for survival. She discovered that her captors believed in the existence of a secret underground slave trade, in which young women were bought and sold as property. Colleen was coerced into signing a slave contract, but she resisted signing away her soul. Despite the constant physical and mental torture, she desperately clung to her will to live.
The Emotional Toll and Hope for Escape
As the months passed, Colleen suffered immensely both physically and emotionally. She was deprived of contact with the outside world, confined to a small box, and subjected to dehumanizing treatment. However, she found strength in her faith, praying for connection and solace. Colleen's mind formed a deep bond with her family, imagining conversations and seeking comfort in visions of her deceased grandfather. She was tormented by the uncertainty of her situation and questioned whether her captors, particularly Jan, were also victims in this twisted environment. Colleen's hope for escape flickered, but her fear of the unknown and the severe punishments threatened by her captors kept her from attempting to flee.
The Power Dynamics and Psychological Control
Colleen's captors exerted complete control over her, manipulating her both physically and psychologically. They imposed strict rules: she had to address her captor as 'Master,' maintain constant subordination, and present herself in ways that pleased him. Colleen endured forced sexual encounters, physical restraints, and sensory deprivation. Her captors instilled fear and isolation to ensure compliance, even subjecting her to a chilling ordeal where she was compelled to shell walnuts for hours on end. The abusers calculated their actions to create a sense of unpredictability, making Colleen's existence a constant struggle for survival. In the midst of these oppressive circumstances, Colleen's resolve to resist and maintain her humanity remained.
Colleen's Harrowing Captivity
Colleen was subjected to brutal physical and sexual torture in her captors' basement. She endured whippings, choking, confinement in a wooden box, and rape. The abuse was relentless, and she was kept naked and restrained for long periods. Colleen's captors took sadistic pleasure in her suffering, often photographing the sessions. Despite being allowed occasional breaks and small acts of kindness, Colleen lived in constant fear and endured months of isolation, physical degradation, and psychological torment.
The Introduction of Company and Slavery Concept
After months in captivity, Colleen's captor, Michael, revealed the existence of a secret organization called the company that enslaved, trained, transported, and sold women. Michael claimed to be a member of the company and explained that for a fee, the company provided him with home security and ensured Colleen's obedience. He warned Colleen of the dire consequences if she tried to escape, asserting that the company would go to great lengths to find her and harm her family. Colleen's new slave identity, Kay, was enforced, and she was given a permanent, unbreakable contract of servitude.
*** Content warning: Extreme sexual violence, captivity *** [Part 1 of 2] When Colleen Stan’s family received an unexpected phone call from Colleen in June 1980, they were stunned. No one had seen or spoken to Colleen since she hitched a ride to California from her home in Oregon three years earlier. Colleen assured her family that all was well, but they could tell something wasn’t right. What exactly was Colleen Stan trying to hide?
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Narration – Anonymous Host
Research & writing – Milly Raso
Research – Jessica Forsayeth
Creative direction – Milly Raso
Production and music – Mike Migas
Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn