True Crime Connections ~ Advocacy Podcast

This week I talked with my guest Amanda Blackwood who was no stranger to childhood trauma. So much so that she would rather be homeless than live with her abusive family. This would later lead her down the path of becoming a three-time human trafficking survivor expanding from the United States to Scotland.  Amanda outsmarted her traffickers, but she accredits the TV show MacGyver and a little boy...

This week I talk with my guest Joann Richards. Joann takes us down her journey of seven marriages all involving abuse, divorce, death, and incarceration for murder.  I definitely give Jo Ann some tough love about some of the choices that she has made, but we could both agree that the only life-long relationship you can count on is with yourself. Self-love is the most important love of your life. ...

This week I talked with my guest Emerald Aueyong. Emerald specializes in sexual trauma, interracial relationships, sexual incompatibility, and sex addiction. She also worked with the prison system giving therapy to previously incarcerated individuals, sex offenders, and individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, and substance use disorders. Emerald educates how she can help her clients...

In August 1988, 22-year-old Jane Boroski was seven months pregnant when she stopped at a gas station to quench her thirst after leaving a fair with friends. Little did she know that horror awaited her. Jane was brutally stabbed 27 times, yet somehow found the strength to seek help for herself and her unborn daughter. Today, Jane is an unwavering advocate for those who can no longer speak for thems...

This week, I spoke with Elizabeth Mikotowicz, whose early twenties were marked by unimaginable challenges. After surviving a brutal assault by her then-boyfriend that left her hospitalized, Elizabeth was prescribed opioids for pain relief—leading to a spiral into addiction. Her journey took a dramatic turn when she was arrested and sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. While incarceration help...

In this captivating three-way conversation, I’m joined by Justine and Amanda, two passionate advocates for justice. Justine’s experiences growing up in a family affected by addiction and incarceration shaped her path as a defense attorney, fighting for those who need it most. We dive deep into critical and thought-provoking topics: the death penalty, wrongful convictions, the pressing need for pri...

 I talked with my guest Shaun Hamilton who shared his experience of helping his spouse after she was sexually assaulted. He leaves out nothing from the broken justice system to triggers to watch out for and the emotions/challenges that all come with it. Shaun wrote a book called "When Your Partner Says #MeToo: Your Role and Responsibilities In Their Recovery Process," a self-help book fo...

From a young age, Troy Love knew the pain of domestic abuse. After his biological mother made the heartbreaking choice to place him for adoption to protect him, he entered foster care—only to face the same cycle of abuse. It wasn’t until he pursued a career as an LCSW specializing in psychotherapy that he realized trauma and abuse weren’t the norms he once believed them to be. This revelation beca...

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Deborah Burris-Kitchen, a Professor of Sociology and Criminology with decades of insight into the complex issues plaguing our society. Our conversation dives into her experiences teaching female drug gang members, the deep-rooted problems within the prison system, and the urgent issues of police brutality, mass shootings, systemic racism, and narcissism. Dr. Burris-Kit...

This week, I’m joined by Steve Wilson, whose life took a heartbreaking turn at the age of 9 when he was sexually assaulted in a movie theater bathroom. The trauma, left unresolved, combined with a later diagnosis of bipolar disorder, turned his adolescence into a chaotic roller coaster ride that he nearly didn’t survive.   Now based in Arizona, Steve has dedicated his life to helping others heal....

This week I talk with my guest Kasey Rogers. After twelve years of marriage and no children to call her own, Kasey realized this was something she wanted. After the birth of their twins and her decision to leave her job in the film industry, their marriage took a dark turn. She would soon uncover the reasons for how a 25-year marriage could unravel. Kasey is an outspoken advocate for women and spe...

This week I talk with my guest Kerrie Droban who is considered an expert on the pathology of the criminal mind and defines the differences between a sociopath and a psychopath, and what they have in common. She also shares what it's like working as a defense attorney for someone on trial for murder. Kerrie's latest Book "Aurora" is a tell-all of the mass shooting in Aurora, Col...

This week, I talked with John Brewer, an Army Special Forces veteran with eight years of service. As a medic and multifaceted operative, John is on a mission to enable and empower others by sharing the knowledge he gained. He dives into practical tips and tricks for self-defense, equipping you to protect yourself if the need ever arises. John’s expertise extends beyond physical techniques. He teac...

This week, I talk with Hannah Spanke, whose path took an unexpected turn at the age of 16. Seeking spending money, she entered the sex industry—a choice that led her through diverse avenues. Yet, after eight years, she rediscovered the woman she always aspired to be. Now, Hannah is a board-certified sexologist and a relationship/life coach. Her expertise lies in somatic attachment therapy and auth...

This week, I sit down with Katrina Robertson, who shares her gripping experience as a juror in a murder trial. Little did she know that her role would lead to a mistrial and even put her in contempt of court, facing her legal battle. Curious about what it’s like to serve on a murder trial jury? Katrina holds nothing back as she takes us behind the scenes. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation yo...

This week I talk with my guest Terri Kozlowski. After living with a lifetime of abandonment by her mother and dealing with childhood sexual assault she learned how to take off the masks and the armor she hid behind to become a survivor instead of a victim. Terri now has a podcast called Soul Solutions and is also the author of Raven Transcending Fear. How to contact: https://terrikozlowski.com/sou...

This week I talk with my guest LaDonna Humphrey. LaDonna is an award-winning writer and an advocate for victims of crime with her nonprofit called All the Lost Girls. Her main passion is finding justice for 19-year-old Melissa Witt. On the evening of December 1, 1994, Melissa, showed up at Bowling World in Fort Smith Arkansas to meet up with her mother, but she never made it inside. It may have be...

This week I talk with my guest Jeff Himes who has 25 years of experience as an investigator with the Arapaho Colorado police force and 19 years of experience dealing with sex crimes against children, and working with the FBI to catch internet predators, Johns, and organized stings.  Jeff shares red flags to look for if you think someone is being trafficked, what to do, and what happens along the w...

This week I talk with my guest Amy Nordhues who not only survived childhood sexual abuse but sexual abuse as an adult, this time at the hands of her therapist. Just because someone has more power than you, does not mean that you cannot say no! Amy is now an advocate and the author of Prayed Upon Breaking Free from Therapist Abuse How to contact: https://amynordhues.com https://www.amazon.com/Praye...

This week I talked with my guest Sandy Kirkham. At age sixteen, she was so excited to find herself accepted by a church and their new pastor. After five years of grooming, gaslighting, and emotional abuse, she was able to walk away but kept it secret for twenty-seven years.  Sandy is now the author of "Let Me Prey Upon You" which details the five-year relationship, how she suppressed it...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessie Torres, a survivor who has overcome immense challenges. From enduring sexual abuse as a young girl to the heartbreaking loss of both her brothers to murder, Jessie’s resilience shines through. But her story doesn’t end there.  As a life coach, she now guides others toward their light, embracing their beautiful messiness. Tune in for inspiration and...

This week I talk with my guest Clinton Dye. At the early age of five, he witnessed his mother shoot his father in the chest during a domestic dispute. He shares his story, his life lessons, how to be successful, and how to be your best version.  If you ever considered getting a life coach for some tough love this is your opportunity to see what that looks like. Oh, and by the way ladies he admits...

I sit down with Marlene McConnell, whose life took a harrowing turn right after high school. Excitement for her college years was abruptly halted when she returned home to a robbery in progress—a traumatic event that left her beaten, raped, and clinging to life. But Marlene’s story doesn’t end there. She now imparts a powerful lesson: Time is the one resource we can never reclaim, and holding onto...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Laura Spaulding, whose journey began while working as a police officer on a homicide case. A grieving mother asked her a poignant question: What should they do with the house? Who cleans up after such a tragedy? This moment of realization sparked a mission. Laura founded Spaulding Decon in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. Her company specializes in crime scene...

In this week’s episode, I talk with David McClam, a father of six and a survivor of abuse. His story begins with the painful experiences he endured as a young boy, victimized by his father. As he grew older, David found himself trapped in abusive marriages—five in total. His courage to share his journey sheds light on an important truth: Men, too, face abuse. Tune in to hear David’s powerful story...