Awakened Souls

Jenney Clark

Jenney Clark is an Indian author and the host of Awakened Souls, a podcast that has the pulse of the "truthers and the enlightened." At Awakened souls we have conversations with bold leaders, entertainers, writers, media influencers and artists of all kinds through engaging interviews. This Podcast covers myriad subjects including spirituality social issues, the mystical, creative arts, conspiracy theories, paranormal and more. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do making them. To book a slot as Guest Speaker, form Submissions may be done on: https://form.jotform.com/213471047114446

  1. Danielle Leukam: Author, Rape Survivor, Activist, Anomaly

    07/01/2025

    Danielle Leukam: Author, Rape Survivor, Activist, Anomaly

    **Trigger Warning:** This episode contains uncensored discussions regarding sensitive subjects such as sexual assault, rape, home invasion, and trauma. It includes explicit details that may be distressing for certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised; feel free to pause or skip sections as necessary. Additionally, resources for survivors are provided in the show notes for further support. At the Awakened Souls Podcast, we share inspiring stories that stir the soul, heal the spirit, and illuminate the path through darkness. Today, we speak with Danielle Leukam, a powerful voice in the fight against sexual violence. A registered nurse, mother, and rape survivor, Danielle transformed her trauma into triumph with her memoir, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power. As an author, advocate, and founder of WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing, INC., she empowers survivors and educates communities. Through her work with End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and as a member of the Survivor Advisory Group to the Governor of Minnesota, Danielle’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the fight to reclaim one’s power. 00:00: The Journey of Healing and Justice 05:51: Empowerment Through Storytelling 08:14: Navigating the Aftermath 10:47: Facing the Perpetrator 13:18: Understanding Grief and Support 15:35: The Justice System Experience 18:15: The Ripple Effect of Trauma 21:27: Finding Strength as a Survivor 24:07: Writing as a Tool for Empowerment 26:51: Common Threads Among Survivors 29:18: Shining a Light on Sexual Assault 31:49: Balancing Diverse Writing Projects 31:54: Finding Inspiration in Adversity 33:07: Navigating Relationships After Trauma 35:13: The Healing Power of Writing 38:04: Creating Change Through Nonprofit Work 39:32: Advocacy and Legislative Efforts 42:49: Public Speaking and Survivor Empowerment 45:46: Supporting Survivors in Our Communities 48:17: Reclaiming Power: A New Memoir 49:22: Words of Hope for Survivors 50:42: Vision for the Future of Advocacy Danielle's Links: ⁠www.danielleleukam.com⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/danielleleukam⁠ or @danielleleukam ⁠www.facebook.com/daniellelouiseleukam⁠  ⁠www.twitter.com/danielle_leukam⁠ Resource for survivors: RAINN ( ⁠rainn.org⁠ ) EVAWI ( ⁠evawintl.org⁠ ) Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.

    57 min
  2. Raymond Bechard: A Fearless Voice Against Human Trafficking

    06/15/2025

    Raymond Bechard: A Fearless Voice Against Human Trafficking

    On the Awakened Souls Podcast, we celebrate Raymond Bechard, an award-winning author, speaker, and human rights advocate. Honored with the Spiritual Life Award for his global fight against human trafficking, Raymond spoke at the Vatican Conference 2019 and is endorsed by leaders like US Senator Richard Blumenthal. His work is cited by Harvard, the University of Toledo, and numerous NGOs. For over 20 years, he has battled modern slavery in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, producing the documentary "Honor Bound" to raise awareness. His books, "The Berlin Turnpike" and "Unspeakable", expose the dark underbelly of human trafficking while inspiring hope. A bold provocateur, Bechard is credited with writing multiple pieces of successful legislation focusing on human trafficking and has driven legislation that forced social media to enhance stronger child safety measures. He also shut down illicit media ads on a Tribune Media publication after it continued to run ads selling illegal "escort" services. He is well-known for generally making people in power uncomfortable whenever he focuses his resources, writing, and public speaking on them. Listen to his harrowing stories of saving victims, from children dying of HIV to teens rescued from brothels, as he challenges an indifferent system. 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Early Influences and Inspirations 04:30 Pivotal Moments Leading to Advocacy 09:26 Shocking Discoveries in Human Trafficking 16:53 Stories of Resilience and Redemption 20:03 Systemic Factors Fueling Human Trafficking 23:34 Challenges in Advocacy and Resistance 29:21 Moral Dilemmas in Advocacy 30:47 Reflections on the Journey 33:52 The Challenges of Recovery from Trafficking 36:39 The Cost of Truth in Advocacy 39:28 Personal Sacrifices in the Fight Against Trafficking 42:52 Coping with Darkness: Humor and Nature 46:42 Defining Success in the Fight for Justice 48:58 Envisioning a World Without Trafficking 53:26 Advice for Aspiring Activists 56:24 intro.mp3 Some gems from Raymond on the Podcast: " Don't follow the crowd." " It does not reduce us to lift other people up. It lifts us all up, it lifts the world up when we do that." " In a nation or society where girls are educated, all boats are lifted with that rising tide of education. Statistics and studies have shown for years that if you educate girls, it makes a culture better. It makes societies better. It makes businesses better." "What still shocks me is when you show people the crime, when you show people the human rights violation, so often, good people will do nothing and turn the other way because they are scared. That shocks me." "People can believe some awful things above what is obviously true and dismiss the truth to propagate their own motivations, as we see in politics." "Because if we face the truth about what's happening to other people, we have to do something about it." Learn more about Raymond on the links and handles below LinkedIn APB Speakers Bureau Youtube Instagram Handle Raymond Bechard imdb Goodreads Author Page Amazon Books link Tedx RaymondBechard@gmail.com LinkTree Threads

    57 min
  3. The Tanya Kach Story, Abducted at 14, Captive For 10 years

    05/19/2025

    The Tanya Kach Story, Abducted at 14, Captive For 10 years

    Hey there, Awakened Souls listeners! It’s Jenney Clark, and I’m beyond thrilled to bring you the latest episode of our podcast. At Awakened Souls, we endeavor to showcase the incredible stories of survivors, warriors, activists, and leaders who’ve faced unimaginable challenges and risen to triumph. Get ready for a conversation that’ll move you, inspire you, and remind you of the unbreakable power of the human spirit! Today, I’m honored to sit down with the extraordinary Tanya Nicole Kach—a survivor, author, and fierce advocate whose story of resilience will leave you in awe. At just 14, Tanya endured a decade of captivity in her predator’s bedroom, a harrowing ordeal that’s been covered by CBS News, NBC, People Magazine, and the New York Times. You may know her from her New York Times bestselling book, Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid, or the gripping Lifetime movie, The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story. She’s even shared the screen with Elizabeth Smart in a powerful TV special. In this episode, Tanya opens up about the chilling realities of grooming, the sting of victim-blaming, and the courage she found to reclaim her life. Her advocacy lights the way for countless victims, offering hope and healing from trauma. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this raw, uplifting conversation with a woman who embodies strength and survival. Tune in and let Tanya’s journey ignite your soul! 00:00 Introduction to Tanya's Journey 04:08 Transition to Adolescence and Bullying 05:36 Meeting the Predator: The Beginning of Grooming 08:48 Captivity: Life Under Control 12:20 Survival and Spiritual Resilience 14:50 Identity Transformation and Reclaiming Self 16:47 The Escape Plan 19:09 Reunion and Aftermath 21:43 Understanding Abuse and Healing 22:59 Therapy and Healing Journey 24:06 Advocacy and Helping Others 25:16 The Movie and Its Impact 26:10 Forgiveness and Moving Forward 27:13 Writing the Memoir 28:32 Messages of Hope 29:42 Finding Love and Healing 30:47 Continuous Healing Process 32:05 Spiritual Growth and Strength 33:12 Advice to the Younger Self 34:36 Future Aspirations and Speaking Engagements 36:25 intro References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidnapping_of_Tanya_Nicole_KachThe Tanya Kach Story with Elizabeth Smart (TV Special ...https://people.com/where-is-tanya-kach-now-8666583https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/who-is-thomas-hose-and-where-is-tanya-kach-s-captor-now/ar-BB1nXXOp Her movie:Watch The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach StoryThe Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story Her Book: Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid: The Tanya Nicole Kach Story Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited.  None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.

    37 min
  4. Actor Kevin Anthony Ryan: Exploring His Okie Dokie Persona, Creative Process, Inspirations and AI's Influence on Hollywood

    04/26/2025

    Actor Kevin Anthony Ryan: Exploring His Okie Dokie Persona, Creative Process, Inspirations and AI's Influence on Hollywood

    Actor Kevin Anthony Ryan is known for his versatile performances while also captivating audiences as a writer, actor, and director with his work in New York City. He has toured with troupes like “SRO Players” and “A Matinee Idol.” His directorial debut was with the Theatre Studio in NYC, directing Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Petra Van Kant” and “Bremen Freedom.”  he has also appeared in Eliza Hittman’s film “It Felt Like Love", which received rave reviews from Richard Brody of “The New Yorker.” IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5470843/ Website: https://www.kevinanthonyryan.com/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user200373109 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:36 Childhood Influences and Early Career 06:33 Children's Entertainment and Clowning 10:06 Unexpected Moments in Acting 12:40 Emotional and Physical Challenges in Roles 15:30 Collaboration with Directors and Actors 18:41 The Impact of AI on Film and Television 21:00 Dealing with Rejection and Stress 23:06 Social Media's Influence on Acting Careers 25:23 New Chapter 25:29 Navigating Tricky Working Relationships 28:20 The Director-Actor Dynamic 31:19 Creative Projects and Originality 34:31 Luck and Opportunity in Acting 37:10 Film vs. Theater: A Comparative Insight 41:29 Influences and Inspirations in Acting 42:37 Misconceptions About the Acting Industry 44:42 The Importance of Continuous Learning 47:09 Feeding the Soul: Spiritual Practices for Actors 50:17 Advice for Aspiring Actors 52:15 Conclusion

    54 min

About

Jenney Clark is an Indian author and the host of Awakened Souls, a podcast that has the pulse of the "truthers and the enlightened." At Awakened souls we have conversations with bold leaders, entertainers, writers, media influencers and artists of all kinds through engaging interviews. This Podcast covers myriad subjects including spirituality social issues, the mystical, creative arts, conspiracy theories, paranormal and more. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do making them. To book a slot as Guest Speaker, form Submissions may be done on: https://form.jotform.com/213471047114446