The Dr. Lois Lee Show

Dr. Lois Lee
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  • Updated Weekly

Dr. Lois Lee — founder of Children of the Night and internationally recognized expert on child sex trafficking — brings over four decades of frontline experience to this powerful podcast. Each episode sheds light on the hidden world of child exploitation, giving voice to survivors, exposing systems that fail them, and championing solutions that protect vulnerable youth. Through interviews, case studies, and unfiltered conversations, Dr. Lee reveals what really happens inside the fight against trafficking — from the rescue of prostituted children to legal battles, public policy, and the resilience of survivors rebuilding their lives. Whether you are a parent, advocate, educator, or concerned citizen, this podcast offers the truth behind the headlines and the tools to create change.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode #42 - Katey (Pt 2/2)

    Part two continues Dr. Lois Lee's conversation with Katey — from the choice she made not to testify against the men who trafficked her, to the winding path through foster care, a broken reunion with her father, and the healing she's found on the other side. In this episode: Why Katey chose not to testify against the gang that exploited her, and how that decision shapes the vigilance she has with her own kids today Her take on what the country could actually do to protect kids like her — starting with accountability at the top, not just enforcement at the bottom What safety felt like for the first time in years: sleeping through the night without fear, and being able to just be a kid again The one thing she would have changed about the shelter's rules — and why Dr. Lee explains those rules existed to keep kids safe from recruiters A painful detour: reconnecting with her father, a broken custody bid, and a lie-detector test that left her unable to pursue charges against him Six months on the streets, a friend she brought home before "one of us was going to end up dead," and the social worker who helped her find stable foster care How she describes what happened to her now — grooming, abuse — versus how she saw it as a kid: "That was just our childhood" Her advice to young people in the situation she was once in: "If you want change, you have to be the change" What she'd say to eight-year-old Katey, and her message to anyone watching who's still in it: "We do heal. We do come back, and life is beautiful again." ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

  2. Jul 21

    Episode #41 - Katey - (Pt 1/2)

    Dr. Lois Lee reconnects with Katey, who came to Children of the Night as a teenager after surviving family abuse, exploitation by a gang who first posed as protectors, and a psychiatric hospitalization where her trauma response was labeled "promiscuity" instead of understood as a symptom of what she'd survived. In this episode: Katey's life today: 13 years as a CNA, raising five children, and her goal of getting her administrator certification to run a nursing home her own way Being arrested at 15 and hospitalized — and the diagnosis she was given that had nothing to do with what actually happened to her What happened at home before she left: a chaotic, abusive household, a mother in active addiction, and being molested for the first time at age 8 — with no one to turn to afterward Being taken in by men who first offered safety, then exploited her for nine months Arriving at Children of the Night: her first plane ride, her first taste of stability, school, outings, and a roommate she still keeps in touch with How the calm, curious parenting style she learned in the program — "why are you feeling this way, how can I help" instead of punishment — became the way she now parents her own five kids Children of the Night's alumni scholarship program, now being expanded into a permanent endowment for alumni and their children Part 2 coming soon — subscribe so you don't miss it. Content note: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, family violence, and exploitation. Listener discretion advised. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

  3. Jul 14

    Episode #40 - Roxy's Story (Pt 2/2)

    Part two of Dr. Lois Lee's conversation with Roxy continues where Part 1 left off — from surviving a near-fatal attack to the strength she's built in spite of everything she's been through. In this episode: Growing up trans in a neighborhood where being gay or trans meant her family was targeted too — and how she learned to stand her ground Her take on courage and self-possession as a trans woman, using blunt, unapologetic language about what it takes to live openly A hard truth about abuse: that women can be abusers too, and Dr. Lee's own experience hearing from boys who disclosed being sexually abused by their mothers Roxy's answer to a question every parent of a trans kid should sit with: what do you say to your son when he tells you he's trans? Thank you for walking beside us. If you want to support our mission, visit childrenofthenight.org. Content note: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, family rejection, and violence. Listener discretion advised. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #40 - Roxy's Story (Pt 2/2)

  4. Jul 7

    Episode #39 - Roxy's Story (Part 1/2)

    Dr. Lois Lee sits down with Roxy, whom she first met when Roxie was 14 years old and arriving at Children of the Night. Roxie — now a Miss LA Pride contestant and an advocate with TGI Justice — shares her story: fleeing an abusive home as a young trans girl, finding safety at Children of the Night, and later surviving a violent restraint-heavy group home system that had no idea how to care for a trans kid. In this episode: How Roxy found Children of the Night at 14, and what it felt like to walk through the doors for the first time The abuse she survived at home, and the complicated, ongoing work of processing that relationship with her mother Being cycled through Level 14 group homes and psychiatric holds — physical restraint, forced medication, and being treated as ""the problem"" for being trans rather than being protected Her observation that sexual abuse doesn't only happen to boys by men — women and mothers can be abusers too, and that reality is rarely talked about Her advocacy work today: fundraising for trans services, helping with immigration paperwork, name changes, and housing for LA's trans community A near-fatal attack years later, and how she got through it Part 2 coming soon — subscribe so you don't miss it. Content note: This episode discusses child abuse, institutional mistreatment, and violence. Listener discretion advised. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #39 - Roxy's Story (Part 1/2)

  5. Jun 30

    Episode #38 - David's Story (Part 2/2)

    In Part 2 of David's story, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his life as a young teenager and the lasting impact they had on his sense of identity, trust, and belonging. Dr. Lois Lee and David discuss a philosophy that has guided Children of the Night for decades: vulnerable young people should not be expected to meet standards that have never been modeled for them. Instead, the responsibility belongs to the program to set the example by treating every child with dignity, consistency, and unwavering commitment. Dr. Lois Lee also shares why Children of the Night has remained privately funded for more than 40 years. Maintaining independence has allowed the organization to make decisions based on what is best for the children they serve and to build the trust that has always been at the heart of the organization's work. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #38 - David's Story (Part 2/2)

  6. Jun 23

    Episode #37 - David's Story (Part 1/2)

    At 17 years old, David was alone. After enduring childhood sexual abuse and a difficult upbringing, he found himself dropped off on the streets of Southern California. Eventually, he made his way to the Garden Grove Gay and Lesbian Center, where he was connected with Children of the Night and Dr. Lois Lee. In this episode of The Dr. Lois Lee Show, David reflects on surviving exploitation, finding belonging, and discovering possibilities he never imagined. Inspired by Children of the Night students performing Shakespeare, the British Consul sponsored an educational trip to England—a journey that would forever change the way David saw himself and his future. Today, David lives on a small farm in Tennessee with his husband and works as a product manager for a software company. His story is one of resilience, healing, and the extraordinary impact of people who believe in young people when they cannot yet believe in themselves. Topics discussed: • Surviving childhood sexual abuse and exploitation • Finding support through Children of the Night • Why exploitation is rooted in survival and trauma • A life-changing trip to England and Oxford • The importance of feeling accepted and safe • Misconceptions about male prostitution and sexual orientation • Building a life, career, and family after trauma ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #37 - David's Story (Part 1/2)

  7. Jun 16

    Episode #36 - Javier (Part 2/2)

    In Part 2 of Javier's story, he reflects on the extraordinary reality of surviving not one, but two of Los Angeles County's most infamous child abuse scandals. As a child, Javier was among the students impacted by the Mark Berndt case, a nationally known abuse scandal that shocked parents and educators across the country. After speaking up about what happened, he entered the foster care system, where he would later experience additional trauma at MacLaren Hall, the now-closed Los Angeles County receiving center that became the subject of widespread allegations of abuse and neglect. Javier shares how these experiences shaped his life, his understanding of resilience, and his determination to keep moving forward despite the odds. Dr. Lois Lee and Javier also discuss a powerful truth that has guided Children of the Night for nearly five decades: compassion cannot be taught. The adults entrusted with the care of vulnerable children must possess the empathy, humanity, and commitment necessary to help young people heal. The conversation concludes with a deeply personal reflection on the lifelong bond between Javier and Dr. Lois Lee. What began as a rescue became a relationship built on trust, support, and unconditional care—a reminder that healing often starts when one person chooses not to give up on a child. Topics Discussed: • Surviving the Mark Berndt abuse scandal • Experiences within the foster care system • MacLaren Hall and its lasting impact on youth • The importance of believing children when they speak up • Why compassion matters when working with vulnerable youth • Resilience, healing, and rebuilding a life after trauma • The lifelong relationship between Javier and Dr. Lois Lee If you or someone you know is a young person in crisis, Children of the Night provides free services, education support, case management, and emergency assistance to youth across the United States. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #36 - Javier (Part 2/2)

  8. Jun 9

    Episode #35 - Javier (Part 1/2)

    Javier was one of the children impacted by the Mark Berndt abuse scandal, one of the most notorious school abuse cases in Los Angeles history. As a third-grade student, he tried to escape what was happening by running away from school. When he spoke up, he says no one believed him. What followed was a childhood spent moving through systems that were supposed to protect him. After entering foster care, Javier was placed at MacLaren Hall, where he experienced further abuse at the hands of staff members. His story could have ended there. Instead, Javier eventually found support through Children of the Night and Dr. Lois Lee, beginning a long journey toward healing and recovery. Today, Javier shares his story not only as a survivor, but as someone who has spent years advocating for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. In this powerful conversation, he reflects on survival, resilience, accountability, and the lifelong impact of being believed. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

    Episode #35 - Javier (Part 1/2)
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About

Dr. Lois Lee — founder of Children of the Night and internationally recognized expert on child sex trafficking — brings over four decades of frontline experience to this powerful podcast. Each episode sheds light on the hidden world of child exploitation, giving voice to survivors, exposing systems that fail them, and championing solutions that protect vulnerable youth. Through interviews, case studies, and unfiltered conversations, Dr. Lee reveals what really happens inside the fight against trafficking — from the rescue of prostituted children to legal battles, public policy, and the resilience of survivors rebuilding their lives. Whether you are a parent, advocate, educator, or concerned citizen, this podcast offers the truth behind the headlines and the tools to create change.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Lois Lee
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Dr. Lois Lee Show

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