The Masculine Wilderness Podcast

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a deep conversation with artist Michelle Boucher about the intersection of beauty, trauma, and creativity. They explore how being present and mindful can enhance one's ability to experience beauty in everyday life, the impact of trauma on perception, and the importance of naming beauty as a practice for personal growth....

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a profound conversation with Esther Garrett, a seasoned victim advocate. They explore the emotional complexities of advocacy, the importance of being present for those in crisis, and the intricate connections between domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Esther shares her journey in the field, the significance of s...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a deep conversation with Cami Ostman, a mentor and expert in narrative therapy and founder of The Narrative Project. They explore the importance of storytelling in personal growth, the challenges writers face, and how trauma influences the narratives we create. Cami shares her journey from a challenging childhood to bec...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a profound conversation with David Bennett, a dedicated anti-trafficking advocate. David shares his personal journey, highlighting his commitment to fighting human trafficking and the impact it has on his family life. He discusses the importance of awareness, the role of community support among men, and the transformati...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a deep conversation with Paul Blais, an artist and electrician, about the intersection of creativity, beauty, and the challenges faced in the trades. They explore the importance of artistry in craftsmanship, the impact of trauma on creativity, and the role of gender in experiencing beauty. Paul shares his journey as a p...

Trigger Warning: While this is an important episode, it is also a difficult one. Please take care of yourself while listening and be advised that topics of child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and violence against children are discussed. In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness podcast, host Tom Perez engages in a profound conversation with Jewell Baraka, a survivor advocate and author. They...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Tom chats with Ty Bowden and his work with The Net , an anti-trafficking organization based in Fort Worth, Texas. He shares how Men Against Sexual Exploitation (MACE) came to be and gives some powerful stories about their efforts to cut down on the demand for commercial sexual exploitation. Ty goes over both the wins and the challenges of gettin...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Tom Perez from Epic Project has a deep conversation with author and journalist Ruth Whippman. They dive into her new book, BOYMOM , which talks about the struggles boys face in a world of "toxic masculinity."  Ruth opens up about raising three boys, the impact of the Me Too movement, and the big cultural changes needed to raise emotionally...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez, CEO and founder of Epik Project, interviews John Richmond, an American attorney and diplomat renowned in the global anti-trafficking movement. John shares his extensive career experiences, from serving as a U.S. Ambassador to monitor and combat trafficking to his current roles at Atlas Free and the Libertas Council. Tom and John...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Tom Perez, CEO and founder of Epic Project, chats with Ian ('Pancakes') and Chris ('Critter'). They dive into their personal stories about tackling men's mental health and suicide prevention. The guys talk about how their friendship and love for motorcycles sparked the creation of the 'Get Lost Find Yourself' rally—a successful event raising mon...

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez interviews Curtis Miller, the principal consultant at ConnectEd. They discuss the power of storytelling and the importance of belonging in creating positive cultural change. Curtis shares his personal journey and how he discovered the impact of sharing stories in building relationships and fostering community. The conversation tou...

In this episode, Nicholas Kristof discusses his journalism career and commitment to ending violence against women and girls. He shares stories of vulnerability and exploitation, highlighting the gender inequities and discrimination that exist worldwide. Kristof emphasizes the importance of education and role models in shaping the kind of men and boys we want to raise. He also discusses his article...

Pasha Dashtgard, Director of Research for the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), discusses online male extremism and the Manosphere. The Manosphere is an interconnected network of blogs, websites, and influencers that promote male supremacist ideology. It includes groups like men's rights activists, pickup artists, incels, and the red pill movement. Pasha explains the...

In a world where many, particularly women and girls, face the horrors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, efforts to combat these injustices must go beyond addressing individual acts of violence to dismantle the systemic structures that perpetuate inequality and harm. We’re all in this together, and each of us has a role to play in creating a future where every woman and girl can live wi...

Creating the world we want to see for our sons demands active engagement in the fight against sex exploitation and trafficking. As men, we bring unique perspectives and strengths to this crucial work, including the ability to challenge and transform harmful gender norms that perpetuate exploitation. We can use our voices to advocate and support systems for victims, collaborate with organizations d...

In today's digitally driven, amplified, and hyper-connected world, our children face unprecedented challenges, making it crucial to equip them with the tools to navigate societal pressures. By modeling empathy, resilience, and a strong moral compass, we can help them thrive and become respectable individuals. This involves a deliberate effort to model empathy, encourage open communication, and cre...

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 fo...

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 pre...

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 i...

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...

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, sp...

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,...

Survivor Turned Advocate: Andrea Heinz's Healing, Hope and Advocacy for Abolition of Sex Trade Have you ever wondered how sexual exploitation and sex work impact the individuals involved, particularly women? The ripple effects of commercial sex and sexual exploitation extend beyond the immediate exchange, influencing emotional, psychological, and relational well-being. Many women in this space fin...

The miracle of her rescue marked the beginning of a new chapter, but it came with its own set of challenges. Yet, from the dark experience emerged a remarkable woman with an unwavering commitment to turning pain into purpose. Elizabeth's journey led her to establish the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, a testament to her dedication to bringing hope and ending the victimization and exploitation of sexua...

This podcast is for men and the women who love them. These conversations are about masculinity in today's world, which can often feel like a wilderness. Listen to navigate this wilderness together.