The Cherished Lounge

Command Creative Studios

Welcome to The Cherished Lounge, where soul, story, and wild grace meet. Hosted by survivor leader, author, teacher, and Cherished founder Kate Ouimette-Wedell, The Cherished Lounge is a podcast dedicated to meaningful conversations about faith, purpose, resilience, leadership, and the stories that shape who we become. Each week, Kate welcomes survivors, advocates, attorneys, policymakers, authors, ministry leaders, and everyday people whose stories inspire hope, courage, and lasting change. Together, they explore topics including human trafficking, exploitation, recovery, healing, leadership, family, personal growth, and the power of finding purpose through life's most challenging moments. Whether you're seeking encouragement, authentic connection, or a deeper understanding of the human experience, you'll find thoughtful conversations that honor every story and remind us that hope is always possible. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosted by Kate Ouimette-Wedell, Founder of Cherished | Author of EXPOSED | Survivor Leader | Speaker | Teacher Recorded and produced by Robert Altschuler at Command Creative Studios.

  1. 2d ago

    From Human Trafficking Survivor to Expert, Reclaiming Life & Purpose | Rebecca Bender

    What happens after someone escapes human trafficking? How do you rebuild your identity, reclaim your dreams, and create a future beyond what you've survived? In this powerful episode of The Cherished Lounge, host Kate Ouimette-Wedell welcomes Rebecca Bender, survivor leader, consultant, and human trafficking subject matter expert, for an honest conversation about survival, justice, resilience, and the freedom to dream again. Rebecca shares how she was recruited by a man she believed was her boyfriend while navigating life as a young single mother and college student. What began as a relationship became nearly six years of trafficking, manipulation, coercion, and abuse. After escaping in 2007, Rebecca began rebuilding her life and eventually discovered a calling in helping other survivors navigate the challenges she once faced. Today, Rebecca works with law enforcement and prosecutors, provides expert testimony in human trafficking cases, and helps survivors pursue education, careers, financial independence, and meaningful futures. Rebecca and Kate explore the realities of trafficking beyond Hollywood stereotypes, why victims may not recognize their own exploitation, the challenges of rebuilding after trauma, and the importance of developing professional expertise beyond lived experience. They also discuss survivor mentorship, the dangers of sensationalizing survivor stories, protecting intellectual property, creating healthy boundaries, and finding joy after years of advocacy and hard work. Rebecca shares her work with Elevate, which she says has merged with Polaris, and her commitment to helping survivors recognize their abilities and pursue their dreams. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful message. Your past does not have to define your future. Everyone starts somewhere. Why not you? CONNECT WITH REBECCA BENDER Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imrebeccabender/Polaris: http://www.polarisproject.org/FOLLOW THE CHERISHED LOUNGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeSUPPORT THE SHOW Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThecherishedloungeKate Ouimette-Wedell: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/MISSION PARTNER, CHERISHED LA https://www.cherishedla.org/PRODUCTION CREDITS Recorded and mixed by Robert Altschuler.Produced by Command Creative Studios. https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/The Cherished Lounge, Where Soul, Story & Wild Grace Meet. #RebeccaBender #HumanTraffickingAwareness #TraffickingSurvivor #SurvivorAdvocacy #TraumaRecovery #TheCherishedLounge

    From Human Trafficking Survivor to Expert, Reclaiming Life & Purpose | Rebecca Bender

  2. Oct 27

    From Human Trafficking Survivor to Changemaker, Healing, Hope & Justice | Jenna McKaye

    In this powerful episode of The Cherished Lounge, host Kate Ouimette-Wedell welcomes Jenna McKaye, a human trafficking survivor, author, and advocate who has transformed her experiences into a mission to help others. Trafficked at just 18 years old, Jenna now travels the country training first responders and law enforcement, has spoken at the United Nations, and has helped pass three anti-trafficking laws in California. Her award-winning memoir, Grit and Grace, was published in 2024, and her story is being developed into a major motion picture. Jenna and Kate explore healing from trauma, overcoming shame, finding strength through therapy and equine experiences, advocating for survivors, and reclaiming your identity beyond what happened to you. This inspiring conversation reminds us that the strength it takes to survive is the same strength we can use to heal. CONNECT WITH JENNA MCKAYE Website: https://jennamckaye.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_mckaye/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennamckayefoundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-mckaye-21b655170JENNA'S BOOKS & RESOURCES Grit and Grace: https://a.co/d/0aRPm8pBGrit and Grace Journal: https://a.co/d/02XWawBDGrit and Grace Planner: https://a.co/d/01zy0v3PFOLLOW THE CHERISHED LOUNGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeSUPPORT THE SHOW Patreon: http://patreon.com/ThecherishedloungeKate Ouimette-Wedell: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/MISSION PARTNER Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/PRODUCTION CREDITS Recorded and produced by Robert Altschuler at Command Creative Studios.https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ The Cherished Lounge, Where Soul, Story & Wild Grace Meet. Like, follow, subscribe, and share this episode. #JennaMcKaye #HumanTraffickingAwareness #TraffickingSurvivor #SurvivorAdvocacy #TraumaHealing #TheCherishedLounge

    From Human Trafficking Survivor to Changemaker, Healing, Hope & Justice | Jenna McKaye

  3. Oct 20

    Surviving Sex Trafficking, Exposing Exploitation & the Bathhouse Debate | Terry Forliti

    From surviving sexual exploitation to becoming a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking, Terry Forliti shares her powerful story of addiction, recovery, resilience, and advocacy. In this episode of The Cherished Lounge, Terry joins host Kate Ouimette-Wedell to discuss the realities of prostitution and trafficking, the lasting physical and emotional effects of exploitation, and what it truly takes for survivors to rebuild their lives. They also explore Terry's concerns about the controversial return of bathhouses in Minneapolis, the potential risks to vulnerable communities, and why survivor voices must be heard when shaping public policy. Connect with Terry and learn more: SPACE International: https://spaceintl.org/Everstrong Education: https://everstrong.education/CATW International: https://catwinternational.org/STS Caucus: https://www.stscaucus.org/Follow The Cherished Lounge: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeMission Partner: Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/ Support the Show: http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Recorded and produced by Robert Altschuler at Command Creative Studios. https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TerryForliti #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SexualExploitation #SurvivorAdvocacy #AntiTrafficking #TheCherishedLounge

    Surviving Sex Trafficking, Exposing Exploitation & the Bathhouse Debate | Terry Forliti

  4. Oct 13

    From Trafficking Survivor to CEO of Polaris | Megan Lundstrom

    This week on The Cherished Lounge, Kate Ouimette-Wedell sits down with Megan Lundstrom, CEO of Polaris, survivor leader, and advocate for systemic change. Megan shares her journey from being trafficked as a young single mother to rebuilding her life through education, community, and advocacy. What began as a personal mission to help other survivors eventually led her to become the first survivor to serve as CEO of Polaris. Together, Kate and Megan explore the challenges survivors continue to face, the importance of economic stability, and why survivor leadership must go beyond sharing personal stories to having real influence over decisions, policies, and resources. Connect with Megan Lundstrom and Polaris: Polaris: https://polarisproject.org/Megan Lundstrom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lundstrom/Polaris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarisproject/Polaris Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/polarisprojectPolaris X: http://twitter.com/polaris_projectPolaris YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/polarisproject1Polaris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/polaris-projectFollow The Cherished Lounge: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/Facebook: The Cherished LoungeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeMission Partner: Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/Learn more about Kate: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/ Exposed: Surviving the Commercial Sex Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Surviving-Commercial-Sex-Industry/dp/B0H1S5ZTRD/ Support The Cherished Lounge on Patreon: http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Show Credits: Hosted by Kate Ouimette-Wedell RecordedMixed by Robert Altschuler Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Music by Danny Keene and Doug Maxwell#MeganLundstrom #PolarisProject #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorLeadership #SurvivorAdvocacy #TheCherishedLounge

    From Trafficking Survivor to CEO of Polaris | Megan Lundstrom

  5. Oct 6

    Ending Sex Trafficking Means Confronting Demand | Helen Taylor

    What if one of the most important ways to fight sex trafficking is to confront the demand that fuels it? This week on The Cherished Lounge, Kate Ouimette-Wedell sits down with Helen Taylor, Vice-President of Impact at Exodus Cry, an organization working to combat sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Helen shares the work being done to shift the conversation toward demand, accountability, prevention, and stronger protections for people who have experienced exploitation. They discuss the role sex buyers play in sustaining the commercial sex trade, efforts to hold buyers accountable while protecting those who have been exploited, and why changing the culture surrounding sexual exploitation matters. This is a conversation about challenging the systems that allow exploitation to continue and what it could look like to address trafficking at its source. Connect with Helen Taylor and Exodus Cry: Exodus Cry: https://exoduscry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exoduscry/?hl=enEnd Demand Petition: https://exoduscry.com/demand/Learn about the Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CZ2ogwA6AYWatch High Class: http://highclassmovie.com/ Follow The Cherished Lounge: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/Facebook: The Cherished LoungeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeMission Partner: Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/ Learn more about Kate: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/Exposed: Surviving the Commercial Sex Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Surviving-Commercial-Sex-Industry/dp/B0H1S5ZTRD/Support The Cherished Lounge: http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Credits: Hosted by Kate Ouimette-WedellRecorded and mixed by Robert AltschulerProduced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/Music by Danny Keene and Doug Maxwell #HelenTaylor #EndDemand #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SexTrafficking #ExodusCry #TheCherishedLounge

    Ending Sex Trafficking Means Confronting Demand | Helen Taylor

  6. Sep 29

    Surviving Trafficking & Building a New Life | Keyana Wheatley

    This week on The Cherished Lounge, Kate Ouimette-Wedell sits down with Keyana Wheatley, author, entrepreneur, lived experience expert, and survivor advocate. Keyana shares her journey from surviving domestic minor sex trafficking and the commercial sex industry to rebuilding her life through faith, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community. She opens up about the barriers survivors can face when trying to find traditional employment and how those challenges helped lead her toward entrepreneurship. What began with making soap eventually grew into a larger vision of creating economic opportunities and helping other survivors develop their own businesses and skills. Kate and Keyana also discuss survivor leadership, healthy relationships, dignity, faith, policy advocacy, and why helping survivors move forward requires more than simply helping them escape exploitation. Keyana leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “Society may have counted you out. Friends and family may have counted you out. Please know that God has not counted you out.” Connect with Keyana Wheatley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theredbarnboutiqueohio?igsh=dnBoeHY5N2podjlzg Follow The Cherished Lounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/ Facebook: The Cherished Lounge TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedlounge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeMission Partners Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/ Damaris Hope: https://www.damarishope.org/Kate Ouimette-Wedell: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/ Exposed: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Surviving-Commercial-Sex-Industry/dp/B0H1S5ZTRD/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Credits Hosted by Kate Ouimette-Wedell Recorded and mixed by Robert Altschuler Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Music by Danny Keene and Doug Maxwell#KeyanaWheatley #SurvivorLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorEntrepreneurship #LivedExperience #TheCherishedLounge

    Surviving Trafficking & Building a New Life | Keyana Wheatley

  7. Sep 22

    Meet Kate Ouimette-Wedell: Her Story of Survival, Healing & Hope

    This week on The Cherished Lounge, we're flipping the script. Bronwen Healy returns, this time taking over the host's chair to interview Kate Ouimette-Wedell. Kate shares how she came to Los Angeles at 18 dreaming of a career in music, only to experience betrayal and exploitation that led to an eleven-year journey through the commercial sex industry. Kate and Bronwen talk openly about trauma, addiction, identity, recovery, and why “escape and recovery are far from the same thing.” Kate also shares why she founded Cherished LA, creating what she once desperately needed: a safe place, a job, and a community. They discuss her memoir, Exposed: Surviving the Commercial Sex Industry, survivor advocacy, trauma healing, and how her own journey now allows her to walk alongside others. This special episode is a chance to meet the woman behind The Cherished Lounge and discover the story that helped inspire the work she does today. Guest Host: Bronwen Healy There Is Hope Australia: www.thereishopeaustralia.comLove Bronwen, coming soon: www.lovebronwen.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.bronwen/There Is Hope Australia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereishope.australia/Connect with Kate Ouimette-Wedell Kate's Website: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/ Exposed: Surviving the Commercial Sex Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Surviving-Commercial-Sex-Industry/dp/B0H1S5ZTRD/ Follow The Cherished Lounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/ Facebook: The Cherished Lounge TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedlounge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeMission Partners Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/Damaris Hope: https://www.damarishope.org/Support The Cherished Lounge http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Credits Hosted by Bronwen Healy Featuring Kate Ouimette-Wedell Recorded and mixed by Robert Altschuler Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/Music by Danny Keene and Doug Maxwell

    Meet Kate Ouimette-Wedell: Her Story of Survival, Healing & Hope

  8. Sep 15

    Human Trafficking Is Closer Than You Think | Dan Broyles

    Human trafficking isn't just something that happens somewhere else. It can exist in our own communities, often hidden behind trauma, shame, isolation, and circumstances most people never see. This week on The Cherished Lounge, Kate Ouimette-Wedell sits down with Dan Broyles, pastor, therapist, and current leader of the Santa Clarita Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Dan shares how his work as both a pastor and therapist shaped his understanding of trauma, exploitation, and healing, including a powerful truth he has learned through years of working with people: “If people's secrets don't heal, people don't heal.” Kate and Dan discuss the realities of human trafficking, how the Santa Clarita Valley Human Trafficking Task Force came together, warning signs families should understand, the importance of educating parents and schools, and why prevention requires participation from the entire community. It takes a community that is educated, aware, and willing to act. Dan also shares information about the work being done locally and the upcoming Human Trafficking Summit designed to bring education, resources, and community partners together. Connect with Dan Broyles: Valencia Hills Community Church: https://www.valenciahills.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vhcommunitychurchMission Partners: Cherished LA: https://www.cherishedla.org/ Damaris Hope: https://www.damarishope.org/Follow The Cherished Lounge: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishedlounge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCherishedLounge TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecherishedloungeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCherishedLoungeLearn more about Kate Ouimette-Wedell: https://www.kateouimettewedell.com/ Exposed: Surviving the Commercial Sex Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Surviving-Commercial-Sex-Industry/dp/B0H1S5ZTRD/ Support The Cherished Lounge: http://patreon.com/Thecherishedlounge Credits: Hosted by Kate Ouimette-Wedell. Recorded and mixed by Robert Altschuler. Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ Music by Danny Keene and Doug Maxwell #HumanTraffickingAwareness #HumanTraffickingPrevention #DanBroyles #TraumaHealing #SantaClarita #TheCherishedLounge

    Human Trafficking Is Closer Than You Think | Dan Broyles
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Trailer

About

Welcome to The Cherished Lounge, where soul, story, and wild grace meet. Hosted by survivor leader, author, teacher, and Cherished founder Kate Ouimette-Wedell, The Cherished Lounge is a podcast dedicated to meaningful conversations about faith, purpose, resilience, leadership, and the stories that shape who we become. Each week, Kate welcomes survivors, advocates, attorneys, policymakers, authors, ministry leaders, and everyday people whose stories inspire hope, courage, and lasting change. Together, they explore topics including human trafficking, exploitation, recovery, healing, leadership, family, personal growth, and the power of finding purpose through life's most challenging moments. Whether you're seeking encouragement, authentic connection, or a deeper understanding of the human experience, you'll find thoughtful conversations that honor every story and remind us that hope is always possible. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosted by Kate Ouimette-Wedell, Founder of Cherished | Author of EXPOSED | Survivor Leader | Speaker | Teacher Recorded and produced by Robert Altschuler at Command Creative Studios.

Information

  • Creator
    Command Creative Studios
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Cherished Lounge