The Dr. Lois Lee Show

Dr. Lois Lee

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

    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.

    31 min
  2. Episode #36 - Javier (Part 2/2)

    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.

    24 min
  3. Episode #34 - Lynne (Part 2/2)

    Jun 2

    Episode #34 - Lynne (Part 2/2)

    In Part 2 of Lynne’s story, retired Homeland Security professional and former Children of the Night outreach worker Lynne shares one of the most heartbreaking cases she encountered while working the streets of Hollywood alongside Dr. Lois Lee. Drawing from her years of outreach experience, Lynne reflects on the realities of meeting vulnerable young people where they were, building trust, and witnessing the devastating impact of exploitation. Among the many cases she encountered, one stands out as the most disturbing: a young girl who had been handed over by her mother to her father, who was exploiting her. Through this candid conversation, Dr. Lois Lee and Lynne discuss the complex dynamics of trafficking, family betrayal, grooming, and the lasting trauma experienced by victims. They also share insights from decades of frontline work helping young people find safety, support, and hope for a different future. This episode provides a sobering look at the realities behind child exploitation and the critical role outreach workers play in identifying victims and connecting them with life-changing resources. ⸻ 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.

    21 min

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.