Free Like-Me

Mark Crawford, Director of SNAP NJ, joins The Free Like Me Podcast to share his shocking personal story of clergy abuse and his journey to becoming a leading voice for survivors. Host Clark Fredericks dives into systemic failures within the Catholic Church, the justice system’s inaction, and the importance of legislative reform. This episode uncovers truths about Seton Hall, Cardinal Tobin, and ho...

From abuse and addiction to healing and hope — Jan’s journey will leave you speechless. In this gripping episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Jan from Winnipeg, who opens up about growing up in a violent, abusive household, struggling with addiction, and finding redemption after devastating loss. She recounts becoming a corrections officer, finding true love, a...

Overcame childhood stutter to become a cop.  In this new episode of the Free Like Me Podcast , host Clark Fredericks sits down with retired Newton, NJ police officer Ken Teets. From being bullied as a child for his severe stutter to achieving a 25-year career in law enforcement, Ken's story is a true testament to perseverance. He shares how he was inspired by movies like Rocky and The King’s...

Facing the Past: Jody Plauché’s Survival Story | Free Like Me Podcast In this gripping episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Jody Plauché, survivor of one of America’s most shocking abuse and vigilante justice cases. Jody courageously recounts how his trusted karate instructor, Jeff Doucet, manipulated, groomed, and ultimately kidnapped him, taking him across th...

From Dreams to Nightmares: Shelby's Journey in LA In this powerful episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks interviews Shelby Lyn, a young actress and singer who shares her turbulent adventure in the entertainment industry. Shelby recounts her significant experiences, including moving from Connecticut to LA, navigating the challenging landscape of Hollywood, and dealing with...

Trusting Monsters: The Fortney Sisters' Story | Free Like Me Podcast In this compelling episode of the Free Like Me podcast, host Clark Fredericks welcomes Lara and Patty Fortney, two of the five Fortney sisters who were horrifically abused by a Catholic priest. They speak their truth, detailing the grooming process and the harrowing abuses they endured, which were systemically covered up by...

Sex Work, Satanism, and Salvation Nicole Lee’s Unbelievable Story In this powerful episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks speaks with Nicole Lee—a survivor of abuse, exploitation, and spiritual crisis. Nicole opens up about her traumatic childhood, her path into the adult film industry, and how years of pain led her through witchcraft and satanism before finding healing through...

In this very personal episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Adon, who opens up about his battle with alcoholism, drug addiction, and the lasting effects of growing up in a dysfunctional home. From a childhood shaped by his father’s addiction to falling into his own destructive habits, Adon shares how he reached rock bottom—and the powerful steps he took to climb...

The Millionaire Murder: Alan Jr. Breaks His Silence on His Father’s Conviction | Free Like Me Podcast From private schools and nightclubs to the school bus empire his father built from nothing, Alan Jr. recounts the psychological toll of navigating family loyalty amid legal chaos. He walks us through the moment his father was arrested for the murder of Frank Black, the controversial trial that fol...

From Privilege to Pain: The Alan Kerley Story | Free Like Me Podcast In this gripping episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Alan Kerley, son of business mogul Alan M. Lee Sr., whose rise from humble beginnings led to a powerful bus company empire. But behind the success was a darker story—one that includes a high-profile murder trial, family scandal, and the cru...

Overcoming Addiction and Shame: Kimberly’s Powerful Story of Recovery | Free Like Me Podcast In this gripping episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Kimberly—a former high-functioning nurse whose life was derailed by severe alcoholism. Kimberly shares her descent into addiction, including drinking rubbing alcohol at her lowest point, and how shame and silence nea...

Surviving Hell: Ally’s Journey Through Trauma, Family Betrayal, and Resilience | Free Like Me Podcast In this unforgettable episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks speaks with Ally, a survivor whose courage knows no bounds. Ally recounts a harrowing childhood marked by extreme abuse—including sexual abuse facilitated by her own mother, emotional trauma from siblings, and a deepl...

Finding Love After Trauma: Rosemary and Pasquale's Inspiring Journey In this heart-stirring episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks welcomes two courageous guests, Rosemary and Pasquale, who share their powerful stories of surviving childhood sexual abuse and discovering love through shared healing. Rosemary details her painful journey of trauma, therapy, and resilience, wh...

From Religious Trauma to Recovery: Mia’s Powerful Story of Healing and Self-Discovery | Free Like Me Podcast In this deeply emotional episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Mia, who courageously opens up about her journey through childhood trauma, heartbreak, and the chaos of addiction. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Mia reflects on the strict religious upbringin...

An incredible woman from the Middle East, bravely shares her story of overcoming unimaginable trauma and heartbreak. From surviving childhood abuse to enduring the premature loss of her beloved husband, Samar reveals how she transformed her pain into strength. She discusses the moments that shaped her, her fight against societal shame, and how she found empowerment through resilience. This episode...

Uncovering Hidden Abuse: Coercive Control, Narcissism, and Child Protection with Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Free Like Me Podcast In this powerful episode of the Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks welcomes Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a therapist and leading expert on narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and child advocacy. Dr. Christine courageously shares her personal story and professional...

Surviving 'Stranger Danger': Keith Smith's Harrowing Tale of Abduction and Survival | Free Like Me Podcast In this gripping episode of the Free Like Me podcast, host Clark Fredericks sits down with Keith Smith, who bravely recounts his harrowing 1974 abduction by a stranger. Keith details the intense experience, from his terrifying kidnapping to the courageous escape and complex jou...

In this week's episode of "The Free Like Me Podcast," Hosted by Clark Fredericks guides listeners through Howard's transformative tale, from enduring his father's severe discipline to emerging as a beacon of hope in his community. Howard shares candid insights into the coping mechanisms that helped him survive, the solace he found in nature, and how he turned his painful e...

The Fight For Healing with MMA: Rachel's Unbreakable Journey In the gripping episode of the "Free Like Me" podcast, host Clark Fredericks is joined by Rachel Beauchamp, an MMA fighter whose life story exemplifies the raw power of resilience. Rachel opens up about her traumatic childhood, marked by sexual abuse and neglect, which spiraled into a battle with addiction. Through her jou...

In the gripping episode of the "Free Like Me" podcast, host Clark Fredericks is joined by Juanita from Wales, who courageously shares her profound journey of healing from past abuse. Through her narrative, Juanita delves into her childhood experiences of abuse by her headmaster and cousin, the long battle with dissociative amnesia, and the complexities of her adult relationships influenc...

In this episode of the "Free Like Me" podcast, we uncover the extraordinary life story of Denny Giamazzo. Starting from a difficult childhood overshadowed by his mother's struggles with addiction and her tragic death from AIDS, Denny's resilience shines through. He served in the Army National Guard, where he faced serious health challenges and intense combat zones. Now a succes...

In the inspiring episode of the "Free Like Me" podcast, host Clark Fredericks engages with Ilyas to explore his transformative journey from a challenging childhood in a New Jersey community to becoming a dedicated police officer and an ATF task force member. Ilyas shares his experiences of family hardships, pivotal moments during police academy training, and confronting racism within law...

Retired NYPD Officer Opens Up: From Trauma to Triumph Host Clark Fredericks invites retired NYPD officer Pasquale to share his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma and achieving personal redemption. Throughout the discussion, Pasquale opens up about the deep-seated shame and fear that haunted him and how breaking his silence marked the beginning of his healing journey. The episode offers...

In the latest episode of the "Free Like Me Podcast," host Clark Fredericks introduces us to Danielle, a remarkable woman who has endured severe and extensive abuse throughout her childhood. Danielle's story is one of profound courage and resilience, as she openly discusses the deep scars left by her experiences with multiple abusers and the long-lasting effects on her mental health....

Unsilenced: Gianna"s Confrontation of A Dark Past In this emotionally charged episode of the Free Like Me podcast, host Clark welcomes his youngest guest, Gianna, a 20-year-old survivor of childhood abuse. Gianna bravely recounts her harrowing experiences with her abusive father, including the trauma of being sexually abused, the coping mechanisms she developed, and her subsequent journey tow...