Free Like-Me

Religious trauma. Coercive control. Addiction. Depression. Deanna survived all of it — and rebuilt her life on her own terms.  Deanna grew up inside a strict Fundamental Baptist home where shame replaced support and obedience replaced safety. When she finally left, she had no tools to recognize manipulation — which made her the perfect target. A man named Steve used love-bombing, ecstasy, and calc...

Ian Bick joins Clark Fredericks on the Free Like Me Podcast. It started with hustle. As a bullied teenager desperate for acceptance, Ian channeled his energy into school dances, house parties, and eventually some of the most profitable teen nightclub events in his region. But when he tried to scale into full-size concerts, the losses came fast — and instead of stepping back, he doubled down. He gu...

Survivor. Addict. Redeemed. Clark Fredericks interviews Armand — NJ native, heroin recovery survivor, childhood abuse survivor & author of He Calls Me Redeemed | Free Like Me Podcast Armand grew up in New Jersey with Armenian and Italian roots in a close-knit family. At 10 years old, a family friend's husband began abusing him — and the silence that followed set the course for the next de...

Clark Fredericks sits down with Anne-Marie — a survivor of non-stranger assault who spent decades in silence, then discovered her abuser was running for city council in Melrose, Massachusetts. What she did next took courage. What happened after tested everything.  Anne-Marie lost her mother at seven and grew up near Boston in a home ruled by an abusive stepmother. As a high school senior on an uns...

Clark Fredericks sits down with Vanna — a survivor of childhood instability, severe abuse, and a terrifying knife incident — who found her way through faith, poetry, and the decision to break the cycle. | Free Like Me Podcast with Clark Fredericks Vanna grew up in constant chaos. Her mother had her at 13, later battled bipolar disorder and substance abuse, and made stability feel impossible. Her f...

What happens when a life marked by addiction, crime, and chaos turns into a mission to help others heal? In this episode of The Free Like Me Podcast , Brian McAlister shares how recovery became the foundation for a new purpose: building MyMentalHealth.org and VRS Freedom 365 , a self-guided mental health and recovery program designed with privacy in mind. Brian breaks down the real turning points,...

Kelly didn’t just serve, she survived a system that wasn’t built to protect her. In this episode of Free Like Me , Clark Fredericks sits down with Kelly , a veteran who shares what happened behind the uniform: the night that changed everything, the disorienting aftermath where time didn’t feel real, and the terrifying moment she realized she couldn’t simply “walk away.” Kelly describes the chillin...

In this powerful episode of Free Like Me, Clark Fredericks sits down with Julia, who shares her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse and later escaping a dangerous domestic violence relationship. Julia opens up about the warning signs, the fear and control, the moment she realized she had to leave, and the difficult legal fight to protect her child. Today, she uses her voice to support other...

In this powerful episode of Free Like Me, host Clark Fredericks welcomes Aziza Kibibi, author of “Unashamed: A Life Tainted”, to share her story of survival, healing, and advocacy. Aziza recounts her traumatic upbringing—isolated, homeschooled, and subjected to years of sexual and physical abuse by her father, a once-renowned music video director. Despite enduring unimaginable pain, Aziza found he...

In this powerful episode of Free Like Me , Clark Fredericks sits down with Attorney Jeff Russo , a Warren County, NJ lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for victims of child sexual abuse. Russo shares how he entered this line of work, the shocking details behind the Edward Bullock case , and the systemic challenges survivors face within the legal system. From courtroom battles to emoti...

In this week's episode of Free Like Me, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Mandy P, creator of Mandy P Talks Predators, to expose a disturbing story of abuse and manipulation inside a 12-step recovery program. Mandy, adopted at birth and a survivor of childhood abuse, shares how she was drawn into a cult-like AA group led by a charismatic but predatory figure named Mike. Her story reveals h...

In this week's episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks speaks with Remington, a survivor whose story unfolds like a movie — filled with abuse, betrayal, and unexpected connections to organized crime. From enduring a traumatic childhood and complex family dynamics in Sussex County, New Jersey, to facing SWAT raids and uncovering mob ties, Remington’s life has been marked by...

Forrest Lang — a Navy veteran, tattoo artist, and author of Angel Blue: A Song of Redemption. Forrest opens up about his painful childhood filled with abuse, neglect, and foster care trauma, and the years of alcoholism and self-destruction that followed. Forrest reveals how a tragic turning point forced him to face his demons and rebuild his life. From the depths of addiction to finding faith, pur...

In this new episode of Free Like Me, Honey shares her powerful story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, family instability, and emotional neglect—and how she found the strength to confront her abuser and reclaim her voice. Honey opens up about the long-term effects of trauma on her relationships, mental health, and body image, including her struggle with anorexia and the journey toward healing a...

Abuse, Addiction & Recovery In this week's episode of Free Like Me, host Clark Fredericks sits down with author and speaker Paul Steele, who shares his inspiring path from surviving childhood sexual abuse to battling addiction, chronic pain, and near-death experiences—and ultimately finding healing through faith, therapy, and service. Paul opens up about the car crash that nearly took his...

In this week's episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks speaks with Michele, who opens up about her painful childhood shaped by narcissistic parents and years of sexual abuse by a trusted family friend. From early neglect and trauma to addiction, toxic relationships, and time in a psych ward, Michele shares her story of recovery and self‑discovery. Through therapy and faith,...

Live book signing event in Stillwater, NJ, Clark Fredericks shares his personal journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Dennis Pegg, a once-trusted community figure. Joined by fellow survivors and supporters, Clark opens up about his years of trauma, addiction, and the breaking point that led to a life-altering act of justice. Through honest conversation and vulnerability, this...

In this week's episode, Clark sits down with his high school friend Jim opens up about the early traumas he kept hidden, the pain of silence, and the dangerous road it led him down — including substance abuse, emotional breakdowns, and eventually, a murder conviction. Jim reflects on his time in prison, the brutal realities of the Texas prison system, and the slow climb toward healing through...

In this unforgettable episode of Free Like Me, Michael Gonzalez shares his deeply personal story of surviving childhood sexual abuse by a trusted teacher in Leonia, New Jersey. As he revisits the dark memories of grooming, manipulation, and betrayal that began in the 1960s, Michael reveals how the trauma shaped his youth, his time in the military, and ultimately led him to confront his abuser deca...

In this week's episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, 31‑year‑old Nick Palmer shares how alcohol took over his life from his teenage years through his twenties — and the moment that changed everything. Nick opens up about early family life, rebellious teenage drinking, multiple stints in rehab, relapse cycles, and the turning point at his 30th birthday that led to real recovery. This inspiring...

He Was Only 13 When They Shackled Him. What Came Next Was Even Worse. In this jaw-dropping episode of Free Like Me, Chris Cook takes us inside the nightmare he lived as a young teen abused by the very system meant to protect him. From being shackled like a criminal at 13 to being groomed and betrayed by a high-ranking sheriff, Chris’s life spiraled into alcoholism, despair, and multiple suicide at...

In this new episode, The Free Like Me Podcast welcomes Selena, a survivor of sex trafficking and addiction, who now serves as the Program Director at Hope Rising Arizona. From growing up surrounded by dysfunction in Mesa, Arizona, to entering the adult film industry and facing the horrors of international trafficking, Selena's story is one of unimaginable pain—and powerful recovery. Selena op...

Inside the Fight Against Clergy Abuse: David Clohessy Speaks Out On this episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks interviews David Clohessy, a courageous survivor and former national director of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). David shares his own traumatic experience of clergy abuse and how it led to decades of advocacy work helping others break the silence....

In this episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Sunny, a performer in the adult entertainment industry, to explore the human side behind the headlines. Sunny opens up about her childhood, her reasons for entering the industry, and the personal and financial realities that shape her decisions. She also discusses how she maintains healthy relationships, navigates ju...

Overcoming Addiction: From Homeless Drug Addict to Successful Entrepreneur | Joe D's Story In this powerful episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark welcomes Joe D from Connecticut, who shares his incredible journey of redemption and resilience. At 17, Joe was shot four times during a drug deal gone wrong. Despite the trauma and subsequent descent into heavy drug use and homelessness,...