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Many listeners were fascinated by an earlier episode about China’s illegal organ harvesting, so I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the organ trade, and speak with Dr Seán Columb – the author of “Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation.”
Dr Columb is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Liverpool and a research advocate for trafficking survivors. His book examines how the organ trade fits into the anti-trafficking framework, its link to organised crime, and the wider political economy.In this episode, Dr Columb shares the motivations behind organ trafficking, the demand for healthy kidneys, and how illegally harvested organs are transported across borders.
“Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation” is available to purchase at https://www.combinedacademic.co.uk/9781503612556/trading-life/ Use discount code CSV2020TL to receive 30% off.
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Carla Stephens is a Bravo TV personality, producer, entrepreneur, and one of just a few celebrities who use their platform to fight human trafficking. While providing support through her church to local strip clubs, Carla discovered that many of the women were there not by choice, but by force. Since then, Carla created the Stop Trafficking Mission Funding to help sex-trafficking victims overcome the struggles of escaping.
She joins the show to discuss how sex trafficking happens every day, the causes that prevent real change, and the work she is doing to advocate for and support victims. -
Ethan Gutmann is a Human Rights Investigator, best known for his investigations into forced organ harvesting in China. Based on interviews with senior police officials and Chinese doctors who have killed prisoners on the operating table, Ethan has testified that the number of people killed for organs is upwards of 100,000 people.
He is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, the acclaimed author of “The Slaughter”, and a co-author of a 2016 investigative report which examined the transplant programs of hundreds of hospitals in China.
Ethan shares details about the organ trade in China, organ tourism, and explains how we can educate ourselves to advocate more for this issue.
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Can you imagine a government that would take your children from you, strip them of their heritage and culture, torture them and sometimes, even kill them? It sounds impossible, yet this is exactly what happened across Canada to Indigenous communities for over 150 years.
I am joined by Dr Cindy Blackstock, the Executive Director of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada to discuss the history of Residential Schools and the 1,300 bodies in unmarked graves that have been discovered at these schools over the last few months.
As an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta and Professor in McGill’s School of Social Work, Dr Blackstock is just the person to explain the dark side of Canada’s history. -
For over 30 years Paul Maleary worked as a Detective for the Essex Police Force, investigating countless criminal cases, including horrific murders, bringing justice to victims and their families.
On today’s show, Paul will be discussing the evolution of police work, the current state of law enforcement, famous cases he has worked on, and his beliefs about human nature and community service.
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Healing from trauma requires strength, resilience and determination. Kaleb Dahlgren, a Canadian ex-hockey player and author, embodies all of these traits, and you’ll find out why in this episode.
In 2018, Kaleb was on a bus with his team following a hockey game in Saskatchewan, Canada, when their bus collided with a truck. Kaleb survived the accident, but it resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 of his hockey teammates and left another 13 people injured. Kaleb experienced amnesia following the crash, and suffered from a major brain injury that still affects him.
Kaleb has documented his experiences of the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash and healing from trauma and grief in his book, “Crossroads”. Leaning on the lessons he learnt about grief, healing and resiliency, Kaleb strives to help others to overcome difficult times through his book.
On today’s episode, Kaleb will discuss the horrific crash that changed his life. He will also talk about the miracle of being alive, living for those who have passed, and the importance of finding the right perspective on the path to healing.
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At 13 years old, Alicia Kozakiewicz was groomed by a 38-year-old man in an internet chat room. He was pretending to be a boy the same age as Alicia. After almost a year of online conversations, he lured her into meeting him in person. He abducted and sexually assaulted her, broadcasting the abuse online for other predators to see. Three days later, Alicia was rescued by FBI agents.
Now, Alicia is the founder of The Alicia Project, which raises awareness of internet safety, online child predators and abductions. She is also an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, internet safety expert, and missing persons advocate.
In this episode, we discuss the horrific moment that Alicia was abducted and the unimaginable events that followed, as well as Alicia’s current work in advocating for internet safety and education.
Please be warned that this episode explores extremely sensitive topics around child abuse.
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I am joined this week by an outstanding gentleman whose story I am sure will inspire you to respond differently to life’s challenges, both big and small.
At the age of 34 following 14 days of ‘man-flu’ symptoms, Alex Lewis’ life changed forever. After being admitted to an Intensive Care Unit, Alex was diagnosed with Strep A, leading to septicaemia, which prompted doctors to give him just hours to live or a 3% chance of survival. Remarkably Alex survived, but his illness resulted in the amputation of all four limbs and an experimental surgery to reconstruct his lips and nose.
Alex’s story was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary “The Extraordinary case of Alex Lewis”, and received wide attention in the media. Despite his seemingly terrifying and somewhat harrowing experience, Alex has used his hardship to challenge his limits and break the barriers of his disability, completing some of the most exhilarating and extreme physical challenges that were deemed impossible for an amputee.
Emphasising the importance of gratitude, the power of a positive mindset and the desire to progress despite any circumstance, Alex shares how he now lives a life that he never imagined possible. -
My guest this week has pioneered a new approach in the research of the end-of-life experience using the relevance of sleep experiences as a framework. To improve the quality of hospice care worldwide, Dr Chris Kerr - CEO and Chief Medical Officer for The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, New York, has utilised his years of extensive research to validate the powerful dreams and visions that many of his patients experienced. His research was the subject of his acclaimed book release ‘Death is But A Dream’, as well as his TEDx Talk, which received over 3 million views and led him to be featured on the recent Netflix documentary “Surviving Death”. Dr Kerr talks about his ongoing research, which hopes to bring comfort and meaning to the dying process, discover its impact, and explain how it can help enable post-traumatic growth. Join me as I speak with this astounding Physician, who shares his journey exploring these patient experiences and pre-death dreams.
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My guest’s story this week is the ultimate example of how, as humans, our thirst for life and survival forms a refusal to accept defeat.
After being diagnosed at the age of 11 with two rare conditions, Victoria Arlen lost her ability to speak, eat, walk and move, and quickly slipped into a vegetative state. She spent the next two years hooked to a lifeline in a hospital where she was written off as "a lost cause.” Despite medical professionals agreeing that there was little to no hope of recovery or survival, Victoria regained cognitive function after two years. However, she couldn’t see, move, or talk, but could hear the conversations around her—with no way of letting her family know she was awake.
Not only did she wake up after four years, but she has gone to become a Paralympic gold and silver medallist, learned how to walk after 10 years in a wheelchair and was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. Victoria’s story and experiences teach us how the importance of controlling your mindset, refusing to give up and expressing daily gratitude made her - and can make you - limitless.
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Trigger warning: This episode includes conversations about child trafficking and abuse.
A story that truly emphasizes the power of hope, this week I had the honor of speaking with the incredible and courageous child sex trafficking survivor – Anneke Lucas. Sold by her mother at the age of 6 into an abusive and murderous pedophile network, Anneke recounts her horrific and heartbreaking experiences and shares how she has found healing through psychotherapy, writing, yoga and meditation. Anneke also shares with us her journey on breaking through feelings of shame, turning some of the darkest moments of her life into a passion for advocacy and strength.
Anneke’s book “Seeds Beneath the Snow: Uncovering the Divine Feminine on the Path to Global Equality” is scheduled to be released in 2020.
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I watched a viral video a few years back of this week’s guest delivering a heartfelt talk to a room full of students. It was a truly moving, emotional talk about the loss of his mother that had the entire audience in tears.
That man is Marc Mero - a Former WWE Professional Wrestling Champion, motivational speaker and the founder of the non-profit organization, Champion of Choices. Today, he is America’s number 1 school presenter, regularly speaking about anti-bullying, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. The tragic loss of more than 30 of his close friends and family members – largely due to substance abuse and poor lifestyle choices – is what inspired Marc to teach children about the consequences of their choices.
He shares his powerful story of tragedy and triumph, speaking candidly about where his good and bad choices took him, his faith, and what he'd say to his mother if she were still here. His passion for reaching youth with his Champion of Choices School Program saves lives, encourages youth to achieve their goals and helps them become the Champions they are destined to be.
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Trigger warning: this episode includes conversations about suicide.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th), I am honoured to share the story of Kevin Hines – one of the only people in the world to survive jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. This is one of the few interviews that brought me to tears. Kevin’s story hits home because I – like so many others - have battled with my own mental health struggles and thoughts of self-harm.
Nearly 2,000 people have committed suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge since it opened in 1937. It is a suicide attempt that is 99% fatal. The 4-second fall can be compared to the force of slamming into a concrete wall at 120km/hr. If jumpers don’t die from impact trauma, they succumb to hypothermia or drowning.
Thankfully, Kevin’s experience has a different ending.
At 19 years old, after years of battling several undiagnosed mental illnesses, Kevin made his way to the bridge, with thoughts of jumping but hopes of a stranger asking if he was okay. Because nobody spotted the signs of his distress, Kevin threw himself over the rail. In a remarkable turn of events, Kevin’s attempt to take his life was unsuccessful after a SEA LION circled him and kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived.
While Kevin’s story has a happy ending, but this isn’t the case for the 800,000 people who die due to suicide each year.
If you are thinking about suicide, please speak to a trusted friend or family member, a qualified professional, or call a suicide crisis helpline. Visit www.suicide.org to find a helpline in your country. -
Trigger warning: this episode includes conversations about suicide.
This week’s episode is by far the most emotional podcast I have recorded. It was my pleasure to invite Rahaf Kobeissi into the studio to share her heartbreaking story. From living through the pain of her father’s suicide to having her brother accidentally kill someone in her home and attempting suicide three times herself - her story is truly devastating, yet courageous and brave. But like all grey clouds, it has a silver lining: Rahaf discovered her purpose as an advocate for men’s mental health and became an acclaimed Men’s Mental Health Coach & Personal Development Trainer.
I want to remind my listeners about the importance of speaking openly about mental health. If you are struggling in any way, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member or qualified professional. I am also available to speak to anyone who is battling with mental health issues. Remember, you are not alone.
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This is part two of my interview with Nick Yarris, who shares his extraordinary story of being on Death Row for 22 years for a crime he didn't commit. Before you get stuck in, be sure to check out last week's episode for the first half of his story.
During our discussion, Nick shares his experience of being accused of raping and murdering a woman he had never met, and how he has healed himself in the time since he was released in 2004. We touch on his journey with Neuroplasticity healing, his 16-year campaign to exonerate the wrongly convicted, his plans for an upcoming documentary, and how he practices a life of compassion. Nick’s story is one you don’t want to miss.
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"We truly are, every one of us, living under a death sentence." The words from one of the most extraordinary podcast guests I have ever interviewed. Nick Yarris was on death row for 22 years for a crime that he DID NOT commit. Let that sink in... imagine spending 22 years of being tortured and abused in jail, thinking that you were going to die for a crime that you DID NOT commit. On this episode, Nick discussed dealing with abuse and life in prison, how he stayed motivated, maintaining positivity and hope throughout his time. Nick also shared what his life after prison looks like - sharing his remarkable story on stages, writing his books and in a Netflix documentary about him. This podcast truly moved me. Anyone who saw the live recording was both horrified yet incredibly inspired by Nick's story.
