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.
Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking
Russell & Pema: We Aren’t Perfect, and That’s Okay S5E9
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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 rebuilding trust after trauma, addiction, and silence. Together, they speak candidly about generational wounds, mental health, missed understanding, and what it takes to keep choosing relationship even when healing is uncomfortable.
This episode centers the truth that restoration is not linear or polished. It involves listening, learning, trying again, and accepting that growth doesn’t require perfection—only willingness. Through vulnerability, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Pema and Russell model what it looks like to stay in the work, honor boundaries, and keep moving forward together.
Listen now to this courageous conversation about family, forgiveness, and why imperfection does not disqualify healing—it makes it real.