Tim Ballard

In this discussion, actor Jim Caviezel, known for his portrayal of Jesus in 'The Passion of the Christ,' teams up with Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad, to tackle the harsh realities of child trafficking. They unveil the intense psychological factors behind pedophilia, sharing stark statistics and personal stories. The conversation touches on maintaining faith amidst darkness and the duality of good and evil. They also emphasize the urgent need for awareness and action to combat child exploitation worldwide.

In this critical conversation, Tony sits down with his dear friend Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing victims of child sex trafficking, and Jordan Harmon, co-founder of faith-inspired production company Angel Studios. The three delve deep into their powerful new film “Sound of Freedom” (opening this July 4th). This extraordinary film – on which Tony is one of the Executive Producers – depicts the true story of Tim Ballard (played by actor Jim Caviezel), a Federal Agent who quits job with the Department of Homeland Security to start his own independent team of child rescuers. Listen as Tim shares firsthand accounts of the harrowing experiences faced by victims of human trafficking and the relentless dedication of those fighting to dismantle these dark criminal networks, which continue to enslave millions of children globally each year. Tony, Tim and Jordan discuss the crucial role “Sound of Freedom” will play in raising awareness about this global epidemic, and how YOU can join this fight to end child trafficking. “Sound of Freedom” is out in theaters on July 4th! To get your tickets, visit: Angel.com/freedom About the Film: “Sound of Freedom” is an action thriller starring Jim Caviezel and Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, the film tells the incredible true story of Tim Ballard, a US federal agent who, after rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death. The film is produced by Angel Studios, a production company that creates faith-based and faith-inspired films and streaming TV shows, such as The Chosen.  Watch the discussion here. EPISODE NOTES: [00:00] Show Intro [01:35] Sound of Freedom Trailer [04:24] Tim on his experiences leading to the film [06:48] Why Jim Caviezel was cast [08:54] Jim’s personal connection to the story [10:25] Tim’s reaction to the script [11:31] Filmmakers’ mission [12:40] Angel Studios’ process in choosing a project [13:23] How Mira Sorvino got involved [14:49] What makes the film crucial today [17:11] Tony on raising money for trafficked children [18:24] Belief is a poor substitute for an experience [18:47] An emotional experience in Haiti [22:46] The film as a tool to liberate children [24:36] Why a July 4th release date [26:25] Build an audience through crowdfunding [29:51] The Goal: Fill 2 million seats [32:59] Get loud! How to end this epidemic [34:48] Healing trafficked children [36:00] Tim’s adopted children [40:55] Survivors now saving lives [43:32] A mission in Ukraine led to a major takedown [45:29] The heartbreaking story of a young boy in Iraq [47:20] Jordan’s important message [48:50] Empowering every organization [50:55] Sign off

Tim Ballard, Founder of Operation Underground Railroad and former CIA agent, dives deep into the dark world of child sex trafficking. He reveals shocking statistics about the 30 million slaves globally, with 10 million being children. Tim shares the harrowing realities and urgent need for action against this fastest-growing criminal enterprise. He discusses transformative legal changes, undercover operations, and emotional personal experiences in the fight for justice. Listeners learn how they can engage in this vital cause to protect and rescue vulnerable children.

Tim Ballard, a former DHS agent and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, shares insights from his relentless fight against child trafficking. He reveals the chilling role the U.S. plays in global human trafficking and recounts intense undercover operations, including rescuing children. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aftercare for survivors and highlights innovative tactics traffickers use to evade detection. Ballard also inspires listeners to engage in service, showcasing how personal empowerment can stem from fighting modern slavery together.

Tim Ballard, a former undercover CIA operative and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, passionately discusses the grim reality of child sex slavery, now the fastest-growing criminal enterprise worldwide. He shares harrowing insights from his rescue missions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating this crisis. The conversation covers the urgent need for awareness, details disturbing statistics, and highlights innovative approaches to support rescued children. Listeners are challenged to engage actively in the fight against child exploitation.