Talk Trafficking

Heather Estus - The Worthy Ranch

In this inspiring episode, Heather Estes introduces the Worthiness Formula, a transformative approach to rediscovering self-worth through awareness, belief, and community. Heather shares her personal journey to self-empowerment and how it inspired her to create this impactful formula. Heather also unveils her vision for the Worthy Ranch, a sanctuary designed to support survivors of human trafficking and women in need. Combining equine therapy, self-worth coaching, and career development, the ranch's 90-day program aims to heal and empower survivors as they rebuild their lives. Heather discusses the ranch's collaboration with organizations like the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force and YWCA, its innovative alumni retreats, and the ongoing search for resources to bring this dream to life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community, and the power of worthiness. To learn more about The Worthy Ranch, please visit its website HERE [https://www.theworthyranch.com/].  To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE [https://yhttf.org/]. Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend Heather Estus Bio Heather is the founder and author of The Worthiness Formula, Worthy YOUniversity, and The Worthy Ranch. She is a mother of five and the oldest of eleven children on a mission to cure the "unworthiness" disease by providing all with a dose of "good enough." She shares her proven method to help people tap into the innate worth we all possess. She helps people identify their core values to become confident decision-makers and teaches them to create a supportive community for their journey. Her audience includes professionals, organizations, and individuals.  Heather resides in Montana where she is using her 25+ years of nonprofit management and development experience to pursue her dream of building The Worthy Ranch, an equine facility for survivors of human trafficking and abuse.

Dallas Knight - Skull Games

In this episode, Penny sits down with Dallas Knight from Skull Games to uncover the vital work her organization is doing to combat human trafficking. Dallas shares her inspiring journey from military service to civilian life and how it led her to join the fight against trafficking. Together, they explore the complex connection between escort ads and trafficking, highlighting the critical role Skull Games plays in providing law enforcement with actionable leads. Dallas sheds light on how technology and community awareness can help disrupt trafficking networks while empowering survivors. This episode explores the signs of human trafficking in everyday life, the importance of education, and the reporting of suspicious activity. It’s an eye-opening conversation about taking action and creating a safer world for everyone. To learn more about Skull Games, please visit their website HERE [https://skullgames.io/].  For the resources referenced by Dallas, please visit: Missingkids.org [https://www.missingkids.org/home]  Unboundnow.org [https://unboundnow.org/] To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE [https://yhttf.org/]. Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend   Dallas Knight Bio Dallas was an Army combat veteran before the age of 20. She eventually transitioned to the civilian realm to start her career as an Intelligence Analyst for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with an appointed assignment to the Nevada High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) under the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). She spent just short of a decade combating complex narcotic investigations resulting in the disruption and dismantling of numerous criminal organizations.  After the transition into corporate America, supporting law enforcement from a technological standpoint, Dallas’s professional network bloomed. Through these partnerships, Dallas began to support the nonprofit, Skull Games. Joining with other volunteer veteran analysts, Dallas works to identify victims and hunt down human traffickers while developing intelligence reports to be passed to respective law enforcement jurisdictions.  Dallas has also had the extreme privilege of mentoring victims who have come full circle to hunt as analysts, sharing their invaluable insight.

Jan Edwards - Paving The Way Foundation

In this eye-opening episode, Jan Edwards, founder of the Paving the Way Foundation, delves into the critical issue of child trafficking and online exploitation. Jan sheds light on the alarming prevalence of these crimes, from rural communities to urban centers, and highlights the role of Big Tech platforms in enabling predators. Through education and awareness programs, Jan outlines how we can disrupt the cycle of exploitation and offers actionable steps to protect children from online grooming and abuse. Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned adult, this conversation equips you with essential tools to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world. Tune in to learn how we can all play a part in creating a safer future for our youth. To learn more about the Paving the Way Foundation, please visit their website HERE [https://www.pavingthewayfoundation.org/].To learn more about or to contact the Teen Line, please visit their website HERE [https://www.teenline.org/]. The phone number for the Teen Line is 800-852-8336. To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE [https://yhttf.org/]. Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend   Jan Edwards Bio Jan Edwards is the founder and president of Paving the Way Foundation. She spent 25 years as an executive in sales and marketing working with organizations like Time Warner, Bright House, the United Nations, and other international groups, before taking on the worldwide initiative to prevent children from being exploited. She is a Co-Chair for the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and sits on the UCF College of Criminal Justice Advisory Board.  Jan works collaboratively with organizations throughout Central Florida and the nation to fight against child trafficking and exploitation. Since 2017, Paving the Way has educated over 30,000 youth and adults, empowering kids to make smart choices online. Their work has been featured in Huffington Post, Marie Claire UK, and local news stations.  Jan has been named one of Orlando Magazine’s Women of The Year, Women on the Rise Community Impact Leader, NGO Leader of the Year, and the 2023 Victory Cup winner. She is the writer and co-director of the Award-Winning Film, Trapped in the Trade, which was featured on CNN.

Rebekah Hope - Survivor Advocate

In this deeply moving episode, Rebekah Hope shares her journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse, gang activity, and human trafficking. From her early years in Billings, Montana, to her harrowing experiences in Atlanta, Georgia, Rebekah’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Returning to Montana, she began her healing journey, confronting the physical and psychological challenges that many survivors face. Rebekah and Penny discuss the critical role of survivor stories in combating human trafficking, shaping legislation, and inspiring others. They also delve into the importance of victim-centered, long-term care services and the nuanced path of rebuilding trust and finding spiritual healing—emphasizing that these choices must always remain in the hands of the survivor. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of recovery, advocacy, and the transformative power of sharing one’s truth. To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE [https://yhttf.org/]. Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend   Rebekah Hope Bio Rebekah, a courageous survivor, has faced unimaginable challenges in her life. Her story sheds light on the horrors of sex trafficking and the resilience of those who survive it.  Rebekah’s story highlights the complexities of sex trafficking. It’s important to Rebekah for people to understand that victims come from diverse backgrounds, including both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens. Victims are coerced through violence, threats, and deception. Some are lured with false promises, while others are forced into prostitution by their family members. Rebekah's resilience is a shining example of the strength of survivors despite the darkness endured. Her journey underscores the urgent need to combat human trafficking. As a survivor of sex trafficking, she understands the powerful impact that sharing her story and advocating for change can have.  Rebekah holds an undergraduate degree she earned with honors and is currently working toward her master’s degree. She is dedicated to counseling young women and ultimately earning her PhD to provide even greater support to survivors in need.

Rosemary Smith - Getting Better Foundation

In this enlightening episode, Penny Ronning welcomes Rosemary Smith from the Getting Better Foundation to explore how media literacy and critical thinking can combat human trafficking and strengthen democracy. Rosemary recounts the shocking story of Edgar Welch and Pizzagate, demonstrating the dangers of misinformation and the critical need for education to discern fact from fiction. Together, Penny and Rosemary delve into practical tools for evaluating information, the value of diverse perspectives, and storytelling's transformative power to foster empathy and understanding. Rosemary also shares insights from the Foundation's award-winning documentary, Trust Me, a hopeful and empowering film that showcases how media literacy can create a brighter, more connected future. Join us for a conversation filled with hope, inspiration, and actionable steps to make a difference—one informed decision at a time. 🎧 Tune in to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to share the message of Trust Me with your community! To learn more about the Getting Better Foundation, please visit their website HERE [https://gettingbetterfoundation.org/].  To learn more about the Trust Me Documentary, please visit its website HERE [https://www.trustmedocumentary.com/].  To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE [https://yhttf.org/]. Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend   Rosemary Smith Bio Rosemary Smith has accumulated considerable international experience in the media over the last three decades. She began her career in the media as a co-owner of FCC-licensed radio stations throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Rosemary is a media literacy expert, Montana’s state lead for Media Literacy Now, and envoy to the U.S. State Department’s American Film Showcase. She manages the Montana-based Getting Better Foundation and spearheads its global distribution of the award-winning Trust Me Documentary and the film’s educational curriculum in partnership with the News Literacy Project.  Rosemary has authored many blogs and is working on her first children’s book about media literacy. She’s delivered presentations and contributed to publications on media and citizenship-related issues in dozens of countries. Rosemary remains interested by the challenges posed by emerging media forms and issues relating to media literacy, mental health, peace, and democracy.