It Didn't Look Like Human Trafficking: Teresa's Story of Survival and Purpose

It Didn't Look Like Human Trafficking: Teresa's Story of Survival and Purpose

What if human trafficking often looks very different than you've imagined? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Teresa Merriweather, a survivor, educator, and nationally recognized advocate who challenges the stereotypes that keep trafficking hidden in plain sight.  Teresa shares how she was groomed by someone she trusted deeply, a respected leader in her church, and how emotional manipulation, betrayal, and coercion slowly led to her exploitation. Her story is a sobering reminder that trafficking does not always begin with force, and that victims come from every background, profession, age, and walk of life. She also shares how she now trains law enforcement, healthcare professionals, foster parents, schools, and communities to recognize the warning signs that so often go unnoticed. Resources: Free confidential help is always available at victimconnect.org [http://victimconnect.org]   If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to share your story, please contact us at media@victimsofcrime.org [media@victimsofcrime.org]  — This podcast discusses real crimes and may include sensitive topics that could be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The information shared in this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

Faith, Betrayal, and Survival: Joseph Cleveland's Story

For nearly twenty years, Joseph Cleveland carried a secret he had never fully understood himself. What began as a trusted mentorship during a difficult season of his childhood eventually revealed itself to be years of grooming and sexual abuse at the hands of a respected church leader. Joseph shares his story in his own words, taking us through the loneliness and vulnerability that made him a target, the manipulation that kept him silent, and the moment everything finally came into focus decades later. He speaks candidly about the realities many survivors face after coming forward, including self-doubt, shame, broken trust, and the painful responses from institutions that were supposed to protect children. This episode provides a powerful look at what survival, advocacy, and reclaiming your voice can truly mean. If you or someone you love has been impacted by abuse, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. Thank you for listening, for supporting survivor stories, and for helping us create space for these difficult but necessary conversations. Resources: Free confidential help is always available at victimconnect.org [http://victimconnect.org]   If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to share your story, please contact us at media@victimsofcrime.org [media@victimsofcrime.org]  — This podcast discusses real crimes and may include sensitive topics that could be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The information shared in this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

Julie Murray - The Sister Left Searching

Some losses never end, and for the families of missing loved ones, the absence becomes something they carry every single day. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Julie Murray, sister of Maura Murray, whose disappearance in 2004 became one of the most discussed missing persons cases in America. But beyond the headlines, theories, and online speculation is a family that has spent more than two decades navigating uncertainty, grief, hope, and the impossible reality of not knowing what happened to someone they love. Julie shares who Maura was before she became a case file, the lasting impact of ambiguous loss, and what people often misunderstand about families living through unresolved tragedies. We discuss the rise of true crime culture, the responsibility that comes with telling these stories, and why empathy must remain at the center of every conversation. This episode is a deeply personal look at resilience, remembrance, and what it means to keep searching for answers while refusing to let a loved one's story be reduced to a mystery. Resources: Support Julie's campaign #engagewithempathy Find Julie on Instagram: @mysistermauramurray [https://www.instagram.com/mysistermauramurray/]  Connect with Julie: https://www.mauramurraymissing.org/ [https://www.mauramurraymissing.org/] Free confidential help is always available at victimconnect.org [http://victimconnect.org]   If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to share your story, please contact us at media@victimsofcrime.org [media@victimsofcrime.org]  — This podcast discusses real crimes and may include sensitive topics that could be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The information shared in this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

A Sister's Story: The Rocori HS Shooting Aftermath with Whitney Bartell

In this episode, a sister's grief becomes a powerful reminder of what is left behind long after the headlines fade. Whitney Bartell, whose brother Seth was killed following the 2003 Rocori High School shooting in Minnesota, shares about who Seth was beyond the tragedy, the dreams he never had the chance to pursue, and the lasting impact his loss has had on Whitney, her family, and an entire community. Whitney shares what it was like to grow up in the shadow of such a public tragedy, why siblings of victims are often overlooked in conversations about grief, and how trauma continues to resurface decades later in unexpected ways. Whitney speaks candidly about losing not only her brother, but also the childhood and future she imagined, while reflecting on the resilience, healing, and purpose she has found in becoming a voice for Seth. Resources: Free confidential help is always available at victimconnect.org [http://victimconnect.org]   If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to share your story, please contact us at media@victimsofcrime.org [media@victimsofcrime.org]  — This podcast discusses real crimes and may include sensitive topics that could be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The information shared in this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

Facing Drew Peterson with Norma Peterson

In this episode of I Want You To Know, we step into one of the most haunting and complex cases in recent memory, exploring the intertwined stories of Kathleen Savio and Stacey Peterson and the man at the center of it all. From a suspicious death initially ruled an accident to a disappearance that still has no answers, we unpack how control, manipulation, and public perception shaped the narrative and the investigation. We also examine the legal twists that made this case so significant, including the rare use of hearsay evidence and how it ultimately led to a conviction without ever finding one of the victims. But this episode goes far beyond headlines and courtroom drama. We sit down with Norma Peterson, who offers a deeply personal and rarely heard perspective as a member of the accused’s family. She shares what it was like to live in the shadow of suspicion, navigate the media frenzy, and grapple with the reality of what happened to the women she knew and loved. Through her story, we explore the lasting impact of domestic violence, the power of intuition, and the responsibility we all carry as consumers of true crime. This conversation challenges what we think we know and asks us to look closer at the human cost behind every case. You can help amplify the voices that deserve to be heard by continuing the conversation, supporting advocacy efforts, and staying informed. Be sure to follow I Want You To Know, leave a review, and join us in the next episode as we continue uncovering the stories that matter most. Resources: More information on Norma and Document the Abuse is available on their site: https://documenttheabuse.org/ [https://documenttheabuse.org/]  Free, confidential help is available to individuals impacted by crime at http://victimconnect.org [http://victimconnect.org] For more information about the National Center for Victims of Crime, visit our home page.    If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to share your story, please contact us at media@victimsofcrime.org [media@victimsofcrime.org]  — This podcast discusses real crimes and may include sensitive topics that could be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The information shared in this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.