We the Sunlight: Truth illuminates. Stories heal.

Jill Stoddard
  • 5.0 (14)
  • True Crime

A true-crime podcast about the brave act of coming forward. From whistleblowers to survivors, to those intimately connected to people who’ve caused harm, our guests share raw, personal stories of speaking up and speaking out—why they came forward, what it cost them, and how radical transparency became part of their healing.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    John King shines a light on Male Childhood Sexual Abuse

    What happens when you risk everything to tell the truth? In this powerful episode of We the Sunlight, Jill Stoddard speaks with Dr. John A. King, an author, poet, longtime activist, and founder of the Give Them A Voice Foundation. John shares his story of surviving prolonged childhood sexual abuse and exploitation—and the complicated, often painful journey of speaking publicly about what happened to him. Separated from his Indigenous birth family as a child in Australia, John grew up in circumstances that left him questioning his identity, his safety, and his understanding of relationships and sexuality. He was sexually abused beginning in early childhood and later exploited in pornography and trafficking. For decades, he carried the consequences largely in silence. John also speaks candidly about an experience that is still rarely discussed: male sexual abuse and the unique shame, confusion, and social expectations that can make it difficult for men to recognize, disclose, and recover from sexual trauma. He describes being denied access to rape-support resources because he was a man and confronting cultural assumptions that men cannot be victims of sexual violence or that women cannot be perpetrators. Eventually, John began talking about his experiences publicly, appearing in the documentaries Stopping Traffic and Light in the Darkness and writing about his recovery. But speaking out came with significant costs—including lost friendships, the loss of his church community, professional consequences, and the emotional toll of repeatedly revisiting traumatic memories. His story also offers a nuanced perspective on trauma recovery, post-traumatic growth, and the decision to tell one's story. John cautions survivors against assuming that publicly sharing their trauma is automatically healing. Instead, he emphasizes starting small, building a trusted support system, choosing the right platform, and considering whether telling the story is moving toward a desired future or keeping someone anchored in the past. John and Jill also discuss: The complex trauma associated with prolonged childhood sexual abuseWhy male survivors may experience unique barriers to disclosure and supportThe relationship between trauma, shame, masculinity, and self-blameHow sexual trauma can affect intimacy and relationships in adulthoodPTSD and the challenges of trauma recallThe difference between structured trauma treatment and repeatedly retelling traumatic experiencesThe importance of self-advocacy in medical and professional settingsAutism, masking, and learning to communicate one's needsThe role of supportive relationships in recoveryTurning shame into something meaningfulSpeaking out despite social, professional, and personal consequencesHow survivors can decide when, where, and with whom to share their storiesThe possibility of transforming painful experiences into advocacy and meaningful actionJohn's message isn't that every survivor should tell their story publicly. Quite the opposite. His advice is to start with a safe person, a journal, or a therapist—and to understand that once your story is public, you can't take it back. Ultimately, this episode is about more than surviving trauma. It's about deciding what you want your story to mean—and whether the past will define you or refine you.

  2. Sep 29

    Michelle Bowdler shines a light on the Rape Kit Backlog

    What happens when you survive a brutal sexual assault—and the people who are supposed to help you simply don’t? Michelle Bowdler was 24 years old when two men broke into her Boston-area apartment, blindfolded her, restrained her, and raped her. She survived the attack, reported it to police, underwent a rape kit examination, and did everything she could to help investigators identify her attackers. But the police never investigated her case. Years later, Michelle discovered that her rape kit had never even been submitted for investigation. Her experience with a broken criminal justice system—and the devastating impact of sexual violence—ultimately led her to become an advocate for rape survivors and for addressing the backlog of untested rape kits. In this episode of We the Sunlight, Michelle shares her powerful story of surviving sexual assault, navigating PTSD and trauma recovery, confronting institutional failure, and finding her voice again through advocacy and writing. Her award-winning memoir, Is Rape a Crime? A Memoir, an Investigation, and a Manifesto, is part survivor story, part investigation into the criminal justice system, and part call to action for meaningful change. Michelle and Jill talk about: Surviving sexual assault and the complicated aftermath of traumaWhat happened when Michelle reported her rape to the policeThe failure to investigate her rape kit and physical evidence from the crime sceneThe devastating impact of the rape kit backlog on survivors and public safetyPTSD, trauma triggers, and the way traumatic memories can resurface years laterHow Michelle found healing through connection, activism, and speaking outWhy survivor voices are essential to changing how we understand sexual violenceThe courage and consequences of telling difficult truthsHow writing a memoir helped Michelle reclaim her voiceWhat to consider if you're deciding whether to speak up about a painful secret or injusticeHow to support someone who has spoken up and is living with the aftermathMichelle's story is ultimately about more than what happened to her. It's about what happens when survivors refuse to remain silent—and how telling the truth can become an act of healing, advocacy, and change. A note to listeners: This episode contains discussion and descriptions of sexual assault, rape, trauma, and PTSD. Please take care while listening. If you're wrestling with whether to speak up... Michelle's advice is simple but powerful: You'll know when you're ready. You can trust yourself. And if you've already spoken your truth and are dealing with the consequences, remember that you're not alone. There are people who understand the cost. And sometimes, telling the truth—even when it doesn't change the whole world—can still put a little more light into it. Truth illuminates. Stories heal. If you'd like to share your story on We the Sunlight, email wethesunlight@gmail.com.

  3. Sep 22

    Heather Rovet shines a light on Romance Fraud

    What happens when the person you believe is the love of your life turns out to be a professional con artist? In this episode of We the Sunlight, Jill Stoddard talks with Heather Rovet., a successful real estate agent and designer whose relationship with Jace Perretti unraveled into a shocking story of romance fraud, deception, identity fraud, financial abuse, and betrayal. Heather thought she had finally met “the one.” But as their relationship progressed, small inconsistencies began to surface: stories about his education and career that didn't quite add up, unexplained financial problems, a dating profile that appeared while they were living together, and increasingly elaborate explanations for why things weren't what they seemed. Eventually, Heather discovered that Jace Perretti wasn't even his real name. His true identity was Jason Porter, a convicted fraudster who had previously served time in federal prison for defrauding women he met online. What followed was a painstaking investigation into the man Heather thought she knew—including fake identities, dating profiles, stolen property, financial deception, fabricated stories about his family and career, and connections to other victims. But this episode isn't only about romance scams and online dating fraud. It's also about what happens psychologically when someone you love systematically deceives you—and the complicated decision to speak publicly when shame, fear, career consequences, and safety are all on the line. After Heather went public with her story, other victims began reaching out. Her experience ultimately became the subject of the documentary Rom Con and helped connect her with other women who had experienced similar forms of betrayal. Heather shares what she learned about red flags in abusive relationships, trusting your instincts, betrayal trauma, victim shame, finding your voice, and reclaiming your power after deception. She also explains why she has no regrets about telling her story—and why she believes that bringing darkness into the light can help protect others. In this episode, we talk about: How romance scammers build trust and emotional intimacyThe warning signs Heather initially overlookedHow manipulation can make seemingly obvious red flags difficult to recognizeThe connection between romance fraud and financial abuseWhat happened when Heather discovered her partner's secret dating profilesThe shocking discovery of Jace Perretti's true identity as Jason PorterHow Heather uncovered evidence of years of deceptionWhy victims of scams and abuse often experience shame and self-blameWhat happened when Heather went to the policeThe importance of safety when deciding whether to speak upHow connecting with other victims helped Heather healWhy telling her story helped Heather reclaim her voice and powerThe documentary Rom Con and what happened after Heather went publicWhat Heather would say to someone who is afraid to speak their truthWhy “standing in your light” can be an act of resistanceHeather's story is a powerful reminder that being deceived does not mean you're stupid, gullible, or to blame. Manipulation works precisely because it is designed to exploit trust, connection, and our desire to believe the people we love. And sometimes, bringing the truth into the light isn't just about telling your own story. It can be about giving someone else the information they need to recognize theirs. Content note: This episode discusses romance fraud, financial abuse, deception, sexual and emotional manipulation, stalking/intimidation, and the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Learn more about Heather and her story at heatherrovet.com, and watch Rom Con on Prime Video. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a romance scam, remember: you are not alone, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. We the Sunlight is hosted by Jill Stoddard, a clinical psychologist, author, and truth teller exploring what happens when ordinary people decide to speak up about extraordinary circumstances. Truth illuminates. Stories heal. Want to share your story? Email wethesunlight@gmail.com.

  4. Sep 15

    Brandon Wolf shines a light on the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

    Brandon Wolf shines a light on the Pulse nightclub shooting, gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and the power of speaking up after unimaginable loss. On June 12, 2016, Brandon Wolf went to Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, with his best friend Drew and Drew’s partner, Juan. What began as an ordinary night out at a place where Brandon felt safe to be fully himself became one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. Brandon survived. Drew and Juan did not. In the years since the Pulse nightclub shooting, Brandon has transformed his grief into activism. Today, he is a nationally recognized civil rights and gun safety advocate, the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, and the author of A Place for Us, a memoir about finding belonging, chosen family, and a place in the world. In this deeply moving conversation, Brandon shares what it was like to survive the Pulse shooting, lose two of the people he loved most, and find a way forward without allowing violence to take away his joy. We talk about: Growing up biracial and gay in a community where Brandon often felt like an outsiderLosing his mother to cancer as a child and how she became his first allyThe painful experience of being outed as gay in high schoolMoving across the country to Orlando and discovering chosen family and a sense of belongingHis friendship with Drew, the clinical psychologist whose legacy continues to shape Brandon’s lifeWhat happened inside Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016Surviving a mass shooting and escaping the Pulse nightclubThe devastating loss of Drew and JuanHow trauma, grief, and survivor's guilt can change a personWhy Brandon refused to let the Pulse shooting take away his ability to experience joyTurning personal tragedy into gun violence prevention and LGBTQ+ activismHis work with Equality Florida and the Human Rights CampaignTestifying before the U.S. CongressThe personal costs of speaking publicly, including harassment, lies, and death threatsWhy sharing your story can be both painful and healingPost-traumatic growth and turning pain into purposeThe power of storytelling to change minds rather than trying to convince people to changeRepairing his relationship with his fatherThe importance of finding your people and building chosen familyWhat Brandon wishes he had understood earlier about owning his powerHis advice for anyone considering whether to speak up and tell their storyWhy every one of us has the power to be a lifeline for someone who feels aloneBrandon's story is ultimately about much more than surviving a mass shooting. It is about refusing to let hatred, fear, or violence define the rest of your life. It is about the courage to be seen, the importance of community, and the possibility of transforming grief into purpose. As Brandon says, the moral arc of the universe doesn't bend toward justice by accident. It bends because we make it.If you or someone you know is struggling This episode contains detailed discussion of gun violence, mass shooting trauma, death, and grief. Please take care while listening. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a qualified mental health professional. Connect with We the Sunlight We the Sunlight is a podcast about the brave act of speaking up in a culture that too often rewards silence. Each episode explores what happens when people tell the truth, challenge silence, and use their voices to create change. If you have a story you'd like to share, email wethesunlight@gmail.com. Truth illuminates. Stories heal.

  5. Trailer

    Trailer

    What happens when you risk everything to tell the truth?We, The Sunlight is a true-crime podcast about the brave act of coming forward. From whistleblowers to victims, to those intimately connected to people who’ve caused harm, our guests share raw, personal stories of speaking up and speaking out—why they came forward, what it cost them, and how radical transparency became part of their healing.Hosted by psychologist and author Dr. Jill Stoddard

  6. Sep 8

    Juls Bindi shines a light on Harvey Weinstein

    We the Sunlight: Truth illuminates. Stories heal.

  • 1 Trailer
    5 Episodes

Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A true-crime podcast about the brave act of coming forward. From whistleblowers to survivors, to those intimately connected to people who’ve caused harm, our guests share raw, personal stories of speaking up and speaking out—why they came forward, what it cost them, and how radical transparency became part of their healing.

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