The Exodus Cry Podcast

In this episode, our VP Helen Taylor sits down with Rep. Laurie Schlegel, the Louisiana lawmaker who led the charge in passing the nation's first age verification law to protect children from online pornography. We dive into her journey of getting this landmark legislation passed, the challenges she faced, and how it has influenced similar efforts across the country. As a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, Rep. Schlegel also shares her insights on the intersection of mental health, addiction, and online safety. Tune in for a compelling conversation on legislative action, protecting children, and the future of digital accountability. LINKS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7h6K1rU... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Watch our films: www.exoduscry.com/watch Give & fuel the fight: www.exoduscry.com/donate Get involved: www.exoduscry.com/getinvolved Website: www.exoduscry.com Podcast: www.exoduscry.com/podcast Articles: www.exoduscry.com/articles SOCIALS: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/exoduscry Instagram: www.instagram.com/exoduscry TikTok: www.tiktok.com/exoduscry Twitter: www.twitter.com/exoduscry Facebook: www.facebook.com/exoduscry Exodus Cry is a leading global anti-trafficking nonprofit organization focused on ending widespread sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, exposing this injustice for millions worldwide, and helping its victims to rebuild their lives.

Benjamin Nolot, founder of an anti-trafficking nonprofit, and Helen Taylor, its VP, dive into the dark reality of sex trafficking. They discuss their documentary, 'Buying Her', revealing the motivations of men who purchase sex. The conversation highlights the critical need to tackle demand, share survivors’ complex traumas, and emphasize the importance of empathy. They also spotlight the impactful work of Abolition Partners in combating exploitation, urging listeners to act against the cultural norms that fuel trafficking.

Victoria Sinis, a 26-year-old from Melbourne, shares her eye-opening journey from recruiting for OnlyFans to advocating against its harmful effects. She discusses the ethical challenges of the adult content industry and the psychological impact on creators. The conversation delves into issues like exploitation, mental health, and the pressures of hypersexualization faced by young women today. Benjamin Nolot emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in discussions around such complex topics, urging a shift towards transformative advocacy.

Danny Silk, President of Loving on Purpose, and Benji Nolot, founder of Exodus Cry, highlight the crucial role of healthy relationships in the fight against trafficking. Silk emphasizes the transformative power of love, emotional connection, and personal responsibility. They discuss the significance of self-empowerment, boundary-setting, and nurturing connections for trauma survivors. The conversation also touches on the importance of compassion over punishment in advocacy and the need for strong, supportive family dynamics to combat societal issues.

Vanessa Russell, founder of Love Never Fails, and Benjamin Nolot, founder of Exodus Cry, delve into the harsh realities of human trafficking. They discuss the link between the foster care system and trafficking vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for trauma-informed support. The duo emphasizes the impact of grassroots activism and simple acts of kindness in driving change. They also explore the complexities of choices within sex work and the emotional journey of those transitioning from homelessness. Together, they advocate for systemic changes to ensure safety and healing for the most vulnerable.

Join Benjamin Nolot, the founder of Exodus Cry, and Chris McKenna, a digital safety advocate and founder of Protect Young Eyes, as they tackle the urgent issue of protecting children from online pornography. Chris shares his journey from personal struggles to leading initiatives that educate families on digital safety. They discuss key legislation like the Child Device Protection Bill and the necessity for active communication between parents and children about online dangers. Their insights aim to empower families and enhance digital safety for minors in today's tech-driven world.

Benjamin Nolot, founder of Exodus Cry, and Helen Taylor, Vice President of Impact at the organization, discuss the Abolition Model of law, promoting the criminalization of sex purchases while decriminalizing sellers. They critique the normalization of prostitution and the ineffective legalization efforts in various countries. The conversation dives into the dangers of underage access to violent pornography, the exploitation inherent in the sex trade, and the urgent need for legislative reform to protect vulnerable individuals and combat human trafficking.

Joe Madison, founder of Demand Disruption, shares his transformative journey from corporate life to anti-trafficking advocacy. Alongside Benjamin Nolot, they dive into the chilling confessions of sex buyers and explore how pornography fuels demand for exploitation. The duo discusses the need for empathy and education in addressing these issues, highlighting the psychological impact of early exposure to porn. They challenge societal misconceptions about sex work and advocate for accountability and support to reduce the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof discusses combating human trafficking, trauma therapy for survivors, uncovering exploitation on a major porn site, fighting injustices in the tech industry, and embracing hope amid global challenges in a critical discussion on human rights.

Rebecca Cary, a survivor of domestic trafficking, shares insights on survivor-led organizations and services for trafficking victims. Topics include survivor empowerment, challenges faced by survivors in the US, funding struggles in anti-trafficking efforts, and the importance of comprehensive support services for survivors.