Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking
Welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking in the United States. This podcast features Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International, sharing stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
In 2025, "Invading the Darkness" will introduce a video element to its podcast, featuring hosts Yvonne and Kim, who are survivors of sex trafficking and advocates for the Just Like Me campaign.
Yvonne and Kim will share their life experiences, insights, and narratives from other survivors.
Our desire is that each episode will help you better understand the importance of fighting child sexual exploitation in the United States.
Episodes
63 episodes
Mik & Yvonne: Carrying the Conversation Forward S5E12
What does it mean to honor the journey—and keep going? In this closing episode of Season 5, Mik and Yvonne come together to reflect on the voices, stories, and wisdom shared throughout the season. They revisit the heart of Re...
Crystal & Tiffany: H.O.P.E. — Hold On, Pain Ends S5E11
What does hope look like when healing is still unfolding? In this deeply moving episode, Crystal and Tiffany share an honest conversation about pain, perseverance, and the quiet courage it takes to keep choosing life. They reflect ...
Jasmine & Marianne: We Are More Than Survivors S5E10
What does restoration look like when survivors are trusted as experts—not just invited to share their stories?In this rich and empowering conversation, Jasmine and Marianne explore identity, healing, and leadership beyond labels. They sp...
Russell & Pema: We Aren’t Perfect, and That’s Okay S5E9
What does healing look like when it happens inside family—and in full view of imperfection?In this deeply honest father-daughter conversation, Pema and Russell reflect on restoration, accountability, and the long, messy work of rebuildin...
Jamie & Lisa: Healing Through Community S5E8
What happens when healing is no longer done alone?In this heartfelt episode, Jamie and Lisa reflect on the powerful role community plays in long-term restoration. They share how reclaiming identity, joy, and curiosity often happens in re...
Heather & June: Find It, Don’t Fix It — Growing into Safe Spaces S5E7
What if healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken—but finding what was missing? In this honest and deeply human conversation, Heather and June explore what restoration looks like when healing changes from day to day. They speak cand...
Connie & Telisia: Passing the Baton — Wisdom for New Seasons S5E6
What does restoration look like when you’ve walked the journey for decades—and choose to make room for those coming behind you? In this deeply moving episode, Connie and Telisia reflect on long-term healing, reclaimed identity, and...
Bob & John-Michael: Add Boys to the Narrative — It Happens to Us Too S5E5
What happens when boys are finally included in the conversation? In this deeply moving episode, Bob and John-Michael speak with courage and clarity about the often-overlooked reality that boys and men experience sexual abuse ...
Brandi & Jarrett: Reclaiming Hope After Incarceration S5E4
What does hope look like after incarceration—and who gets to define it? In this powerful episode, Brandi and Jarrett share an honest conversation about reclaiming identity, faith, and purpose after incarceration. Together, they ref...
Angie & Kathy: Kinship- Unbreakable Bonds with Survivor Siblings S5E3
What does healing look like when you don’t have to explain yourself?In this episode, Kathy and Angie share an honest and powerful conversation about the unique kinship formed between survivors. They explore how survivor connection create...
Still Hope Movie (Exclusive Interview): Freedom is Just the Beginning S5E2
What if rescue isn’t the end of the story—but the beginning?In this special bonus episode, Mikayla, Director of Training at Shared Hope International, sits down to discuss STILL HOPE, a powerful new film that shines a light on long...
Marian & Yvonne: Leaving a Legacy S5E1
New Season, New Episode!Season 5 of Invading the Darkness begins with a deeply meaningful conversation about restoration, long-term healing, and legacy. In this opening episode, Marian and Yvonne come together to answer a critical questi...
Pt 2. The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E14
Part 2 of Stephanie's story is here! In Part 1, Stephanie shared the deep and lasting impact of trauma on the brain and body. Now in Part 2, she opens up about the next chapter—her journey toward healing. Through faith, community, ...
Pt. 1 The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E13
The body keeps the score—and the brain remembers.In this powerful two-part episode of Invading the Darkness, Stephanie courageously shares how trauma shaped her mind, body, and spirit. From the impact of early exploitation to the long jo...
Anne's Advocacy: Working with Indigenous Populations using Culturally Competent Community Resources S4E12
In this powerful episode of Invading the Darkness, Anne opens up about her advocacy within Indigenous communities—where the wounds of trafficking are compounded by generations of systemic injustice. She highlights the urgent need for c...
Sequoia’s Story: From Misjudged to Empowered — A Fight for Justice and the Power of Being Seen S4E11
In this episode, you’ll meet Sequoia—a young girl placed in a DJJ facility, despite never being charged with a crime. She didn’t need punishment; she needed help. But instead of being seen as a child in need, the system labeled her as a problem...
Pt. 2 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E10
In Part 2 of Courtney’s story, Yvonne and Kim continue the conversation with a deeper look at what happens after the system fails survivors.Courtney’s mother still lives with the weight of a criminal record—one that never should’ve exist...
Pt. 1 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E9
Courtney and her mother were both trafficked by the same predator—but the system didn’t treat them the same. While Courtney was seen as a victim, her mother was criminalized. In Part 1 of this gripping two-part series, Courtn...
When Joy Feels Unsafe: Ashley's Story of Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Aftercare S4E8
What if happiness felt terrifying instead of safe?In this powerful episode of Invading the Darkness, Ashley bravely unpacks how early trauma impacts the brain—and how for many trafficking survivors, even joy can feel like a threat.
Breaking the Cycle: Barb's Story of Survivor-Led Healing and the Path to Justice S4E7
In this raw and courageous episode of Invading the Darkness, Barb shares how the system failed to see her as a victim—and instead labeled her a criminal. But her story didn’t end there. With boldness and grace, Barb is now leading the charge to...
The Second Chance: Lindsay’s Journey from Exploitation to Advocacy S4E6
Lindsay’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of a second chance. In this inspiring episode of Invading the Darkness, she opens up about her experience with trafficking, the obstacl...
Liz's Story: Healing Through Art and Humanizing Restoration S4E5
In this episode of Invading the Darkness, Liz invites us into her journey of healing, where creativity became a lifeline and restoration meant more than survival—it meant reclaiming her identity. Through art, advocacy, and authenticity, Liz is ...
Bethany: Addressing the Importance of Community-based Responses S4E3
Welcome back to Shared Hope International’s Invading the Darkness podcast where we are elevating and amplify survivor voices and stories. In this powerful episode, Bethany shares how real change begins at t...
Alia’s Story: From Exploitation to Empowerment S4E2
Season 4 Continues! We’re honored to have you join us for another powerful episode of Invading the Darkness where we will hear from Alia.From being exploited at a young age to now standing in boldness and purpose, Alia’s journey is one o...
