The Dangerous Truth About “Sex Work”, Trauma, and Human Trafficking

The Dangerous Truth About “Sex Work”, Trauma, and Human Trafficking

Human trafficking survivor and Treasures founder Harmony Dust joins the Team Protectors Podcast for one of the most honest and important conversations we’ve had about trauma, healing, exploitation, and the dangerous myths surrounding the commercial sex industry. For more than 27 years, Harmony has worked directly with women impacted by trafficking and exploitation. In this episode, she shares how survivor stories can unintentionally become re-exploitative when the focus stays on trauma instead of healing, resilience, and restoration. Together, Brittany Dunn, Kristi Wells, and Harmony unpack the reality behind “choice” in the commercial sex industry, the connection between pornography and trafficking, the dangers of OnlyFans culture, online grooming, legalization efforts, trauma bonds, and why survivors need long-term support long after the moment of “rescue.” This conversation is thoughtful, deeply personal, and absolutely essential for parents, leaders, advocates, and anyone wanting to better understand the realities of exploitation in America today. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why survivor stories must be shared ethically The difference between trauma and testimony How traffickers strip victims of identity Why many survivors return to exploitative situations The reality behind “choice” in the commercial sex industry The connection between pornography, trafficking, and exploitation Why legalization increases trafficking demand How technology and OnlyFans are reshaping exploitation What parents need to know about online grooming How communities can step in to support survivors Key moments: 00:00 Harmony Dust on storytelling and survivor dignity 01:58 Why trauma should not define survivor identity 04:00 Ethical storytelling and trauma-informed interviews 08:00 Rebuilding identity after exploitation 10:00 Why “rescue” is often misunderstood 14:00 How Treasures began with handwritten postcards 18:00 The reality behind “choice” in the sex industry 20:00 Harmony explains why legalization increases trafficking 21:00 The TEDx talk that was banned 26:00 The need for holistic survivor services 28:00 How technology and OnlyFans changed trafficking 33:00 What parents need to know about online grooming 36:00 Practical ways anyone can help 40:00 Why pornography is not victimless 41:00 Harmony’s message to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the issue About Harmony Dust: Harmony Dust is the founder and executive director of Treasures, a survivor-led outreach and support organization serving women impacted by trafficking and exploitation. For over two decades, Treasures has equipped organizations worldwide to provide trauma-informed support and outreach in strip clubs and related venues. About Safe House Project: Safe House Project exists to end child trafficking and restore hope for survivors through prevention, survivor care, and strategic partnerships. Learn more: https://safehouseproject.org Take Action Today: Download the Simply Report app to help identify suspected trafficking in your community Learn how to support local survivor-led organizations Share this episode to help educate parents, leaders, and communities Become part of the movement to eradicate human trafficking #HumanTrafficking #TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #HarmonyDust #TraumaInformed #SurvivorLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #OnlineSafety #Exploitation #ChildSafety #Parenting #TraumaHealing #EthicalStorytelling #EndTrafficking #SurvivorSupport #AntiTrafficking #TraumaRecovery #ProtectChildren Support the show [https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/#donate]

From Homelessness to Purpose: Stephen Scoggins on Identity, Business, and Human Trafficking

What happens when business success no longer fills the void? In this powerful episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells sit down with entrepreneur and speaker Stephen Scoggins for a raw conversation about trauma, identity, leadership, faith, and purpose. Stephen shares his journey from homelessness, childhood instability, and deep personal pain to building businesses that scaled beyond $100 million. But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack the hidden wounds that shape people, the identity crisis affecting society, why leaders struggle to engage with hard issues like human trafficking, and how healing begins with presence, trust, and purpose. This episode is honest, deeply personal, and full of practical wisdom for leaders, parents, survivors, and anyone trying to build a life that truly matters. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How childhood trauma impacts leadership and identity * Why so many leaders struggle with purpose despite success * The connection between vulnerability and exploitation * How faith and presence helped Stephen survive homelessness and despair * Why “you cannot scale dysfunction” * The role business leaders should play in solving major social issues * How distraction and social media are fueling an identity crisis * Why trust is the opposite of fear * The importance of serving “the one” instead of chasing scale Key moments:  00:00 Stephen Scoggins on business, purpose, and impact  01:48 Growing up in poverty and instability  04:00 Stephen shares a deeply personal experience publicly for the first time  07:00 The power of surrogate parents and “Mama Wama”  11:00 Why presence changes lives  15:00 Identity, self-worth, and social media  18:00 “Be still and know that I am God” as a state of being  21:00 Created worth and serving the person you used to be  24:00 Why leaders sabotage themselves  26:00 Why businesses must make the world better  27:00 The shocking gap between resources and impact  30:00 Why intimidation only exists in isolation  33:00 “Do not despise small beginnings”  38:00 Trust is the opposite of fear  40:00 “You cannot scale dysfunction” About Stephen Scoggins: Stephen Scoggins is an entrepreneur, speaker, and business strategist who built and scaled companies beyond $100 million after starting from homelessness and extreme adversity. Today, he mentors leaders on identity, stewardship, presence, and building businesses that create meaningful impact. About Safe House Project: Safe House Project exists to end child trafficking and restore hope for survivors through prevention, survivor care, and strategic partnerships. Learn more: https://safehouseproject.org [https://safehouseproject.org] #HumanTrafficking #SafeHouseProject #TeamProtectors #StephenScoggins #Leadership #FaithAndBusiness #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Identity #TraumaHealing #BusinessLeadership #NonprofitLeadership #ChristianLeadership #MentalHealth #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorSupport #Purpose #Trust #Faith #LeadershipDevelopment Support the show [https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/#donate]

The Dark Truth About Human Trafficking | Sonny Von Cleveland

Most people think human trafficking looks like a kidnapping. It doesn’t. In this episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells sit down with survivor and advocate Sonny Von Cleveland to break down the reality of trafficking in America and why so many people are getting it wrong. Sonny shares his story of abuse, prison, and ultimately transformation, revealing how trauma shaped his life and how one moment changed everything. He explains why trafficking is not about strangers in vans, but about trust, proximity, and access, often involving people victims already know. This conversation dives into the overlooked victims, especially young boys, and the cultural silence that keeps them from being identified or speaking out. It also explores how technology has become one of the biggest tools predators use today, and why parents need to be paying closer attention. The discussion goes beyond awareness and into responsibility. From failures in funding to the role of everyday people in identifying trafficking, this episode makes one thing clear: doing nothing is not neutral. If you’ve ever thought “this doesn’t happen in my community,” this episode will challenge that belief. What You’ll Learn: * Why the biggest trafficking myth is putting people at risk * How predators actually target victims today * Why boys and men are often overlooked in trafficking conversations * The role technology plays in modern exploitation * What real freedom looks like after trafficking * Why awareness alone is not enough Download the Simply Report app and be part of the solution. You don’t have to be certain—just concerned. Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help bring this issue into the light. #TeamProtectors #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndHumanTrafficking #SafeHouseProject #StopTrafficking #BeTheChange #ProtectChildren #AwarenessToAction #SimplyReport #TraffickingPrevention Support the show [https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/#donate]

How Truckers, Bus Drivers, and Everyday People Are Stopping Human Trafficking

What if the person who saves a trafficking victim isn’t law enforcement, but a truck driver, a bus driver, or you? In this episode of the Team Protectors Podcast, Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells are joined by Annie Sovcik of Truckers Against Trafficking to explore how the transportation industry plays a critical role in identifying and disrupting human trafficking. They break down the realities of trafficking across trucking, bus systems, and public transit, and how traffickers rely on mobility to avoid detection. Annie shares how training everyday professionals to recognize the signs of trafficking has led to real rescues, including a case that helped recover 20 survivors from a multi-state trafficking ring. The conversation highlights the power of awareness, the importance of shifting perceptions around prostitution and exploitation, and how small actions like asking “Do you need help?” can change someone’s life. They also discuss how school bus drivers, energy workers, and community members are uniquely positioned to identify vulnerable individuals and intervene early. This episode is a powerful reminder that trafficking is happening in plain sight and that everyone has a role to play in bringing it to light. Key Insights: 💛 Traffickers rely on transportation systems to move victims and avoid detection 💛 Truck drivers, bus drivers, and transit workers are uniquely positioned to identify trafficking 💛 Training and awareness can turn everyday people into powerful disruptors of trafficking 💛 One report can be the missing piece that leads to major investigations and rescues 💛 Trafficking is often misidentified as prostitution, which allows it to persist 💛 Shifting language and perception is key to recognizing victims with dignity and humanity 💛 School bus drivers may be the only consistent, safe adult in a vulnerable child’s life 💛 Reporting tools like Simply Report help people act even when they are unsure 💛 Survivor-informed messaging and compassion are critical in prevention and intervention 💛 Every interaction matters and can be a step toward someone’s freedom Get educated, stay aware, and take action. Download Simply Report to help identify and report suspected trafficking. Your awareness and willingness to act could be the key to someone’s escape. Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help bring trafficking out of the shadows. #TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StopTrafficking #TruckersAgainstTrafficking #SeeSomethingSaySomething #ProtectTheVulnerable #CommunityAwareness #SimplyReport Support the show [https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/#donate]

Business Leaders Against Trafficking: Clay Vaughan on Urgency, Impact, and Simply Report

Human trafficking is not a future problem. It is happening right now, and you can do something today. Clay Vaughan, CEO and founder of Good Agency, joins Safe House Project’s Brittany Dunn and Kristi Wells to share why his company committed to fighting human trafficking and why corporate leadership matters in ending exploitation. They unpack the scale of trafficking in the U.S., the urgency of faster action, and how Simply Report helps everyday people recognize and report suspected trafficking. The conversation also highlights what true partnership looks like, including funding survivor care, mobilizing teams around purpose-driven work, and taking tangible steps that help people escape and begin healing. Key Insights: - Clay’s commitment began through personal family experiences and time spent overseas, witnessing exploitation firsthand - Real impact requires action, not awareness alone, and measurable outcomes matter when choosing where to invest - A purpose-driven company culture can increase buy-in, excellence, and retention when teams rally around a mission - The scale of trafficking can cause compassion fatigue, so focusing on one person at a time helps people engage - Safe House Project emphasizes high allocation to survivor care and scalable systems that help people escape - Simply Report equips community members to report concerns and helps close gaps left by failing systems - Business leaders in every industry can help through giving, training, transportation support, and sharing awareness - Survivors’ courage, trust, and healing stories show that hope and freedom are possible, even after deep trauma Do something today. Download Simply Report, share it, and help bring trafficking into the light. If you can give, consider becoming a monthly donor. $40 a month supports pathways to freedom, and $1,015 can help provide a direct route into safe care. Like, subscribe, and leave a five-star review to help more people find this mission. https://safehouseproject.org https://safehouseproject.org/get-involved https://safehouseproject.org/resources #TeamProtectors #SafeHouseProject #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StopTrafficking #ProtectChildren #BusinessForGood #SimplyReport #SurvivorCare #FreedomForAll Support the show [https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/#donate]