The Masculine Wilderness Podcast Epik Project

Fighting Sexual Abuse in Our Community with Yasmin Vafa Sexual abuse is a deeply entrenched issue within our community. However, the focus on the most extreme forms of sex trafficking can blind us from the pervasive reality of everyday sexual exploitation and violence that occur right in our backyard. While attention to extreme cases is crucial, it's equally important to address the more common forms of abuse that often go unnoticed. By acknowledging and confronting the prevalence of sexual violence within our community, we can take meaningful steps toward fighting human trafficking and creating a safe and better world. It's time to broaden our focus to encompass the entirety of the issue, recognizing that solving sexual violence starts right here, in our own neighborhoods, with a commitment to ending all forms of exploitation and abuse.

In this episode, Yasmin Vafa and Tomas discuss gender inequality, violence against women and girls, and child marriage in the United States and how they contribute to the larger system of exploitation and inequality. Yasmin is the founder and executive director of Rights4Girls, a national human rights organization dedicated to protecting marginalized young women and girls in the United States. Yasmin is an award-winning human rights lawyer and advocate. Her work focuses on the intersection of race, gender, violence, and law. As a nationally recognized expert on gender-based violence, 
Yasmin has successfully advocated for several laws at the federal and state levels. She has testified before the US Senate, state legislatures, and international human rights bodies. She has co-authored multiple reports detailing the over-criminalization of girls and young women of color, particularly the survivors of sexual violence. Yasmin and her work have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, ABC News, National Public Radio, and more. She has served on the US advisory committee on the sex trafficking of children and youth and is adjunct faculty for the National Council of Juvenile Family Court Judges, where she leads the National Institute of Justice domestic child sex trafficking.
Note: This conversation touches on sexual violence, and while it’s never our goal to sensationalize the trauma of this topic, we strive to speak truthfully about the damage being done. 
Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Rights4Girls: https://rights4girls.org/
The Sexual Abuse to Prison Pipeline; The Girl’s Story: https://rights4girls.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SexualAbusetoPrisonPipeline-Report.pdf
Rights4Girls Reports: https://rights4girls.org/reports/
Key Highlights From The Show: [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Yasmin Vafa

[04:17] Yasmin's journey that inspired her work at Rights4Girls

[08:29] Human Rights Lens and what it means in Yasmin’s work

[12:26] Yasmin's human rights approach to fighting human trafficking 

[16:37] The prevalence of teen sexual violence and gender-based violence 

[18:30] Marginalized girl’s gender-based violence and criminalization 

[24:00] Adultification bias: Why there is no effective change in gender-based violence

[28:24] What sex trafficking is and the kind of violent crime it is

[33:18] The connection between child sex trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence

[38:01] What we’re missing and the cost of seeing sex trafficking so narrowly
 
[46:27] Fixing our backyard and Yasmin's achievement in getting 12 states to pass child marriage protection law

[49:03] The difference between day-to-day lived experiences for boys vs. girls

[56:26] One of the most harmful and hopeful trends in our culture today  

[01: 00:27] Things that bring hope and life into Yasmin's life 

[01:03:19] Yasmin's final words of encouragement to all men


Standout Quotes: “Every girl and every person has the right to live

When we stay silent about the big problem of abuse and human trafficking, it's like saying it's okay. However, by breaking the silence, we empower the next generation to confront these issues head-on, fostering a culture of awareness, advocacy, and empathy. It's about shattering the barriers of fear and ignorance and equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to recognize, report, and prevent the spectrum of abuse. Each voice raised against this injustice adds momentum to the movement for change, ensuring a safer and more just world for future generations.
In this episode, we talk about human trafficking, abuse, and how the world is experienced differently by men and women. Lauren also shares her backstory and the insights she has learned in her journey as someone who has experienced abuse and how she has fought, grown, and overcome everything. 
Lauren is the producer of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast and the director of communication and donor relations at Epik Project. She is also the founder and executive director of Ride My Road, an educational and fundraising organization that has hosted events around the country, educated thousands of community members, and raised over $400,000 for survivor-led initiatives. As a photographer, Lauren has photographed nearly 100 American survivors of human trafficking. Most recently, Lauren and Ride My Road co-hosted the Alaska Data Summit and the Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disruptors Summit. If you have seen our recent bonus episode, you know it included presentations by Justin Euteneier and Tomas Perez, your host.
Note: This conversation touches on sexual violence, and while it’s never our goal to sensationalize the trauma of this topic, we strive to speak truthfully about the damage being done. 
Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Ride My Road; https://www.ridemyroad.org/
Epik Blog by Lauren: https://www.epikproject.org/blog/abusers 
Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disruptors Summit; https://rvml.org/event/southern-oregon-human-trafficking-disruptors-summit/
NCOSE: https://endsexualexploitation.org/
Elevate Academy by Rebecca Bender: https://elevate-academy.org/
Key Highlights From The Show:
[00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Lauren Trantham
[04:34] How Tom and Lauren met and what she was up to 
[11:31] Lauren’s origin story and inspiration behind Ride My Road
[09:53] Lauren’s first survival bike that she rebuilt with her dad 
[12:58] How the Survival Bike project opened the door to the Sturgis Rally
[16:07] How Lauren’s work with survivors changed her perspective on empowerment 
[20:52] Lauren's emotional abuse and how it sparked an identity crisis
[23:54] Things that helped Lauren through the identity crisis and how long it took to heal
[27:33] How common intimate partner abuse is among women 
[30:02] Lauren’s (part 1) blog post on women's abuse 
[35:34] The silence complexity and why we need to speak up 
[38:20] How Lauren maintains her mental, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium in her work
[40:18] What gives Lauren the confidence to move about in the world
[44:58] Vulnerability: The masculine equivalent of camping with coyotes 
[52:31] Things that bring life and creativity into Lauren's path 
[57:57] Lauren's parting words to all men
Standout Quotes: “Abuse is everywhere, and it’s so prevalent.” - [28:02]
“There is so much goodness, so many good men in this world, and so much hope that we can change the world.”- [38:32]
“You don’t have to be special; you just have to be willing to camp with your coyotes, even if that is going to therapy.”- [43:47]
“It’s very hard to go around in the world pretending; when we are not true to ourselves and open and honest about what we’re experiencing, it can make us physically ill.”- [45:34]
“When you confront your fears and get it right with yourself, you move through the world differe

Fighting human trafficking begins with raising safe sons who are compassionate, empathetic, and committed to making the world a better place. By instilling values of humility and empathy in our boys, we cultivate a generation of men who not only understand the gravity of exploitation but actively work to combat it. It doesn't require formal membership in anti-trafficking organizations or special intuition; rather, it's a daily commitment to showing up and being present in our communities. By standing shoulder to shoulder with survivors and supporting law enforcement efforts, every individual has the power to make a tangible difference in the fight against human trafficking. Together, through collective action and unwavering dedication, we can create a safer and more just world for all.
Tune in to Tom's presentation, "Raising Safe Sons," at the Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disruptors Summit co-hosted by Ride My Road, the ANP. This pivotal event aimed to address the urgent issue of human trafficking. In this episode, Tom discusses the importance of raising a generation of empathetic and vigilant young men to enhance the collective efforts to combat exploitation and create safer communities. 
Note: This conversation touches on sexual violence, and while it’s never our goal to sensationalize the trauma of this topic, we strive to speak truthfully about the damage being done.
Tune in!
 Resources Mentioned in the Episode
ANP Conference: https://anpconference.com/
Ride My Road; https://www.ridemyroad.org/
Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disrupter Summit; https://rvml.org/event/southern-oregon-human-trafficking-disruptors-summit/ 
Key Highlights From The Show:
●      [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s episode
●      [01:33] How to keep our kids safe from sexual exploitation
●      [07:31] Why sexual exploitation is a man’s issue
●      [09:50] Ways men can influence and change the outcome
●      [15:58] Humility and recognition in speaking and fighting exploitation 
●      [19:14] Anger Vs. mourning in holding pain and taking sustained purposeful action 
●      [24:36] Strong shoulders that are born out of inner strength and discipline
●      [27:35] How appetites order our world and shape our agendas 
●      [30:44] What inspired Tomas into the work he does at Epic 
●      [38:04] Tomas’s one final navigational tool for the listeners
●      [41:03] How to raise safe sons and keep the most vulnerable safe
●      [42:01] Wrap up and end of the show
Standout Quotes: ●      “The best answer to the question “How do I keep our kids safe isn’t simply to do better, more thorough investigations, provide more comprehensive wrap-around care or write better laws; there is more.” - [04:28]
●      “Policy, police work, and victim services are the response to the exploitation problem, not the complete solution.”- [04:57]
●      “Keeping our kids safe starts by raising safe sons.”- [05:18]
●      “Appetites order our world and shape our priorities; we pay attention to our appetite daily and hourly; if we’re going to make a lasting difference, we have to remain hungry for change.”- [28:35]
●      ”The damnable business of human trafficking thrives because of men, and it won't be eradicated without better men.”- [41:19]

Surviving human trafficking is a journey marked by unspeakable trauma, profound resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Those who have endured this horrific ordeal have faced unimaginable horrors, stripped of their autonomy, dignity, and basic human rights. Yet, amid the darkness, survivors emerge as beacons of hope, reclaiming their voices, their agency, and their lives. Their stories are testaments to the power of resilience, courage, and the unwavering will to overcome adversity. Surviving human trafficking is not merely about physical escape; it is a journey of healing, reclaiming one's identity, and forging a path toward empowerment and justice. These survivors are not defined by their past but by their incredible capacity for survival, strength, and resilience to rebuild their lives and inspire and help others along the way. In this episode, we talk about Survivors' journey to justice, how civilians can work effectively with law enforcement, and what it is like to engage from the side of a prosecutor with a special guest, Glen (JR) Ujifusa. 
Glen (JR) Ujifusa is a leading expert in human trafficking with over fifteen years of experience in addressing these crimes. As a special United States assistant attorney for Oregon, he focuses on federal human trafficking offenses. Additionally, JR serves as a senior deputy advisor for the Multnomah County District Attorney's office, overseeing cases related to drug, property, and human trafficking crimes. He plays a pivotal role in various law enforcement groups and committees, including the National Sex Trafficking Law Enforcement List Serve and the Association Prosecuting Attorneys and Human Trafficking Advisory Committee. JR's dedication extends to chairing the national advisory committee on the sex trafficking of children and youths in the United States. With extensive experience as a deputy D.A., JR has prosecuted a wide range of crimes, from drug, violence, felony, and sexual assault crimes to homicides.
Note: This conversation touches on sexual violence, and while it’s never our goal to sensationalize the trauma of this topic, we strive to speak truthfully about the damage being done. Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
My Friends Are Not For Sale: https://epicproject.org/myfriendsarenotforsale
Elizabeth Smart Episode:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbgLbkibvYs
Key Highlights From The Show:
●      [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Glen (JR) Ujifusa
●      [08:33] JR’s work with Epic as an Ally and agent
●      [11:31] How Elizabeth Smart's captivity inspired JR’s passion and work trajectory
●      [16:40] Why JR believes: “We can’t arrest our way out of sexual Exploitation.”
●      [20:17] Why victimization cases are so difficult to build, sustain, and bring to Closure
●      [25:07] How JR shows up to win the trust of the victims as a prosecutor
●      [28:14] Using the term victim in the legal context vs. survivor
●      [31:44] How JR’s work has affected him as a husband and a dad
●      [34:52] JR’s work and responsibilities at the D.A Office 
●      [35:37] How JR’s work strengthens and tests his marriage
●      [38:35] What needs to be done to men to change things for the better
●      [40:00] The importance of loving and honoring ourselves as human beings
●      [43:36] The things we need to pay attention to and invest in when bringing up boys
●      [4629] JR’s parental, moral, and legal advice for kids covering up for their friends
●      [49:23] Ways men can help mitigate and reduce violence being done to vulnerable people
●      [56:41] Cases that have hurt JR personally as a man, husband, and father 
●      ][01:00:55] The training JR did when a buyer crashed their police training
●      [01:07:38] Water and fly fishing and why it

In a world where the shadows of human trafficking and sexual exploitation loom large, the fight for justice and human dignity is more urgent than ever. We're called not only to see ourselves for who we truly are but also to recognize the pain of others and respond with unwavering strength and compassion. Each day presents an opportunity to stir up our hunger for justice and change, to stand up, speak up, and show up for those who need us most. It's a call to action that reverberates across every corner of society, demanding our attention, our empathy, and our commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of others. It's time to confront the darkness with courage, to illuminate the path toward a future where exploitation is eradicated and dignity reigns supreme.
In this episode, Rebecca Bender shares her Story of Survival, advocacy, and love for life to illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment for survivors of human trafficking. We also talk about character, culture, and how to find a lane in the effort to eradicate sexual exploitation from more than 15 years of leadership. Rebecca is a social activist, author, and CEO who has earned a distinct reputation as a trailblazer and nationally recognized authority in the anti-human trafficking movement. She was appointed to the National Advisory Council on the sex trafficking of Youths in America and regularly testifies as an expert witness in courts prosecuting perpetrators. 
After escaping her trafficker in 2007, Rebecca was determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter. She worked hard, eventually opening her own business and earning a master's degree. When she was attending college online, Rebecca dreamed of launching a school for survivors of human trafficking. So, in 2014, the Elevate Academy was born, and within 8 years, it served over 1000 students in 18 countries and 575 cities across the country. This innovative online school is thriving today and remains a place where survivors can continue to connect, grow, and find tools to ignite their future.
Note: This conversation touches on sexual violence, and while it is never our goal to sensationalize the trauma of this topic, we strive to speak truthfully about the damage being done.
Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Elevate Academy: https://elevate-academy.org/
Key Highlights From The Show:
●      [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Rebecca Bender
●      [05:16] A bit about Rebecca’s backstory and how her advocacy journey started
●      [10:11] Rebecca's emotional experience when she began sharing her story
●      [19:08] How Rebecca is helping people build their character mass
●      [23:28] Parenting and what has been life-giving to Rebecca raising her four daughters 
●      [27:33] One lesson Rebecca has learned from raising her kids
●      [30:00] Finding in Your Lane and Merging Different Lanes
●      [35:41] What Rebecca has learned about culture from her work and leadership
●      [40:46] The gradual cultural normalization of the expansion of boundaries
●      [46:15] Cultural changes and why things are getting worse
●      [50:24] How to show up as a man in a way that is life-giving to you and other
●      [54:26] How Rebecca is making her way and helping her kids make their way
●      [58:12] Rebecca's fun and life-giving activities in this season
●      [01:04:09] Rebecca’s message to men on boldness and making a broader impact
●      [01:10:28] Elevate Academy and how you can partner and support them
●      [01:25:29] Ending the show
Standout Quotes: ●      “We make reactions, not decisions, in moments of real extreme fear.” - [09:58]
●      “Not everybody knows where their experimentation will lead in terms of addiction.”- [41:08]
●      “With the cultural sex content

Kevin Branzetti, co-founder and CEO of the National Child Protection Task Force, boasts a distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement, primarily focused on counterterrorism and violent extremism with the NYPD for 22 years and later at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for seven years. During his tenure at the DA's office, he spearheaded investigations into terrorism, violent extremism, and cyber-crime. Now leading the NCPTF, Branzetti leverages his extensive background to combat crimes against children, implementing cutting-edge strategies and collaborating with social media giants to develop trauma-informed solutions.
Child trafficking and exploitation are no longer happening via physical abductions, as traffickers are constantly changing with technology trends. Online abductions and children being lured away from home are now being facilitated through the computer, and a 14-year-old can vanish with an online predator in no time.  But as much as there has been an increase of awareness of children's online safety, some loopholes remain. Law enforcement agencies and investigators are not adequately equipped with up-to-date technological training to track and save the lives of innocent children who go missing. However, private agencies with great passion have aided, such as the National Child Protection Task Force, of which Kevin Branzetti is the co-founder.
Kevin joins us in this episode to talk more about his 30 years of experience in law enforcement, his online safety recommendations, insights into the nation’s runaway situation, and his thoughts on masculine culture. He also shares the #1 tip to keep children safe online.
Tune in!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
National Child Protection Task Force https://ncptf.org/ 
Click Safe Intelligence: https://clicksafeintelligence.com/
Key Highlights From The Show:
●      [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Kevin Branzetti
●      [05:00] Kevin's professional background and how he got into the NCPTF
●      [12:24] Limitations & frustrations of law enforcement officers doing their investigative  work
●      [15:12] The scope of the National Child Protection Task Force and its work
●      [18:23] The driving force among the team’s passion in the work
●      [20:36] How Kevin and his team have been able to build trust
●      [25:04] Biggest technology shifts in the time he has been on the task force
●      [27:43] Runaways vs real trafficking in victims and how to distinguish
●      [32:55] How can men offer assistance even if they have never heard a badge and a gun
●      [37:44] The mental impact of the cases Kevin has been investigating
●      [41:02] A common frustrating masculine culture Kevin has encountered in his work
●      [48:29] How to keep your child safe on the internet
●      [53:52] Kevin's best advice to parents with young kids
●      [01:00:02] Online safety resources for parents Kevin recommends
●      [01:01:30] Life-giving therapy activities that keep Kevin motivated for the task force
●      [01:04:27] What is on the future horizon for the National Child Protection Task Force
●      [01:05:37] Why sextortion is the most troubling trend and the best defence
●      [01:11:10] Kevin's final thoughts and words of challenge to us
●      [01:12:44] Ending the show
Standout Quotes: ●      “When you save one child from an abduction, that becomes an addiction that fuels your passion.”- [18:31]
●      “All detective skills will never disappear, even with the sophisticated technology. They will never be replaced.”- [26:43]
●      “You don't investigate the why until you find the victim. You find first, then investigate after.”- [27:43]
●      “A runaway is at the massive risk of becoming trafficked, murdered, abducted o