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 #20 - Katie (Part 2/2)

    2D AGO

    Episode #20 - Katie (Part 2/2)

    In Part 2 of Katie’s story, The Dr. Lois Lee Show explores how generational trauma develops — and what it takes to interrupt it.   Katie shares her lived experience of exploitation and survival, offering a clear look at how cycles of harm are passed down when children grow up without protection, education, or consistent support. Her story underscores a critical truth: exploitation does not happen in isolation. It is rooted in neglect, abuse, poverty, and the absence of safe adults and stable systems.   But just as trauma can repeat across generations, healing can too.   Dr. Lois Lee reflects on how early intervention, education, and long-term mentorship change outcomes for exploited and at-risk youth. When children are believed, supported, and given access to learning, their trajectory can shift — not only for them, but for their children as well.   How Education and Long-Term Support Make the Difference   Since 2017, Children of the Night has no longer operated a residential shelter. Today, the organization focuses on the long-term needs survivors identify as most critical for stability and independence, including: •Online GED tutoring for youth pushed out of traditional schooling •Educational scholarships for survivors and, in some cases, their children •Ongoing advocacy, mentorship, and academic support that restores agency and opportunity   Education is more than a credential. It is a pathway out of exploitation, a foundation for independence, and one of the strongest tools for preventing trauma from repeating across generations.   Katie’s story is honest, difficult, and deeply important. It is also a testament to what becomes possible when society chooses sustained support over silence.   Listener note: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including exploitation and trauma. Please take care while listening. ⸻ 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.

    25 min
  2. Episode #18 - In Memory of Deborah Hardman: A Hero of the Streets and the Daughter who Survived the Cost (Part 2/2)

    JAN 27

    Episode #18 - In Memory of Deborah Hardman: A Hero of the Streets and the Daughter who Survived the Cost (Part 2/2)

    In Memory of Deborah Hardman A hero of the streets—and the daughter who survived the cost. Morgan Hardman speaks candidly with Dr. Lois Lee about a childhood shaped by chaos, trauma, and survival. Raised in and out of alternative homes, Morgan confronts the painful realities of abuse, blurred boundaries, and learning far too early the difference between “good” and “bad” touch. She shares her journey toward forgiveness—recognizing how the dangerous men in her life mirrored the complexities of her relationship with her mother. Morgan also reflects on being thrust into public roles at a young age, and the moment Dr. Lois Lee intervened to save her from a pimp attempting to traffic her in another city. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lee also introduces the Children of the Night Alumni Committee, which provides scholarships for alumni, their children, and future generations. Raw, unfiltered, and deeply human, this episode is a story of survival, reckoning, and the long road to healing. ⸻ 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.

    23 min
  3. Episode #14 - Doc (Part 1/2)

    JAN 6

    Episode #14 - Doc (Part 1/2)

    Doc came to Children of the Night at 16 years old. A gay teen and survivor of sexual abuse in the 1990s, he had already endured violence, rejection, and instability while trying to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. Before finding Children of the Night, Doc lived in state-funded shelters where he faced anti-gay violence from other youth. He describes how any misstep—substance use, conflict, or rule-breaking—meant being immediately expelled, with no path back. With nowhere safe to go, he prostituted to survive. Doc shares a moment that stayed with him for decades: arriving at Children of the Night in the only clothes he owned—soiled after fleeing violence and a hotel plumbing failure. Expecting judgment or dismissal, he instead received new clothing, toiletries, a private room, and a warm shower. Later that night, he found his original clothes freshly laundered and folded on his bed. That moment represented something he had rarely experienced before: dignity. In this episode, Doc reflects on how Children of the Night’s privately funded model allowed staff to offer second, third, and fourth chances—meeting youth where they were and showing them they mattered. Now nearing 50, Doc shares that he knows if he reached out today, Children of the Night would still show up for him. Because once a child enters their care, they are always Dr. Lois Lee’s children. Episode Highlights Coming to Children of the Night at 16 Surviving anti-gay violence in state shelters Why state-funded shelters often allow only one chance The power of dignity in moments of crisis How private donations made long-term care possible Knowing support doesn’t expire—even decades later ⸻ 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.

    23 min
  4. Episode #13 - Dayjah (Part 2/2)

    12/30/2025

    Episode #13 - Dayjah (Part 2/2)

    In this episode, Dayjah reflects candidly on how early childhood abuse shaped her adult relationships—and how long it took to recognize the pattern. When Dr. Lois Lee tells Dayjah, “your picker is broken,” the moment opens a deeper conversation about why people who experience early harm are often drawn to unhealthy relationships again and again. Dayjah shares that both of her children’s fathers were dishonest or worse, and how she now wishes she had listened more closely to the guidance of her parents. Today, Dayjah is taking a break from dating. As she explains, many of the men she has encountered have been dishonest, unfaithful, or abusive—and she recognizes that healing must come before choosing differently. Dr. Lois Lee emphasizes that early abuse impacts adult decision-making in profound ways, and that changing these patterns requires time, self-reflection, and long-term healing. This episode offers an honest, relatable discussion about trauma, boundaries, and the work it takes to build healthier futures. Episode Highlights “Your picker is broken” — and what that really means How early abuse influences adult relationship choices Reflecting on parental guidance and missed warnings Choosing to pause dating to focus on healing Why breaking patterns takes years, not quick fixes How self-awareness is the first step toward change ⸻ 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.

    27 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.