Beyond Awareness - A Podcast by United Against Human Trafficking

S1E3 Caught Between Systems: Foreign Nationals, Immigration & Trafficking

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, we don’t shy away from the complex and often controversial topic of foreign nationals, trafficking, and the effects of the current political and social landscape.

We’re grateful to be joined by Monica Holtcamp, Foreign National Advocate, Davina Ugochukwu, with Lone Star Legal Aid, and Samantha Ledezma, with YMCA International as we collectively dive into concerns and fears surrounding whether foreign nationals feel safe enough to report their trafficker right now, how organizations are building trust, and how they’re working to protect survivors while helping them understand their rights.

Want to receive human trafficking education and UAHT updates straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here!

Don't follow us on socials yet? Don't miss another beat! Follow us on Instagram here, Facebook here, and LinkedIn here.

Thank you for your investment and commitment to continue to learn and unlearn. Stay tuned for our next episode of Beyond Awareness!

S1E2 Men, Masculinity, & Human Trafficking: Roles, Risks, and Responsibility

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, Taylor Woodruff and Taylor Johnson join us to talk about engaging men in the anti-trafficking movement. We discuss how harmful norms around masculinity can contribute to exploitation, why inviting men into the conversation matters, and how programs like SSE and Real Talk are helping young men and adult men think differently about respect, relationships, and accountability.

Enjoyed this episode? Follow United Against Human Trafficking on Instagram @unitedagainsthumantrafficking or sign up for our occasional newsletter here.

You can also explore more ways to connect, support, and learn at our visiting our Linktree here.

S1E1 - Intersectionality & Human Trafficking: Why One-Size-Fits-All Solutions Fail

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Season 1 of Beyond Awareness (formerly I Dare You) from United Against Human Trafficking. In this premiere episode, hosts Titus and Rhonda introduce the concept of intersectionality and explore why traditional “one-size-fits-all” approaches often fall short in anti-trafficking work.

Through personal stories and reflections, they set the stage for a season that will dive deeper into the communities most affected by trafficking and highlight how inclusive, survivor-centered approaches can make a real difference.

Tune in, learn something new, and join the conversation.

#12 20 Years in the Movement: Lessons, Growth, & What Comes Next

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Join us as we re-launch, Beyond Awareness (I Dare You), a podcast by United Against Human Trafficking.

In this special intro episode, Chief of Staff, Titus Benton and CEO, Timeka Walker reflect on 20 years in the anti-trafficking movement and the lessons that have shaped the work.

#11 The Foster Care to Human Trafficking Pipeline | Part 2

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The foster care system is broken. We all know it.

But how does this fractured system funnel our most vulnerable youth into human trafficking?

Adam Chaney, the Development Director of Foster Care Advocacy Center, and the host Elaine Andino dive deep into the issues in foster care: from the lack of resources to sexual exploitation within the system to the foster-to-trafficking pipeline.

#10 The Foster Care to Human Trafficking Pipeline | Part 1

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The foster care system is broken. We all know it.

But how does this fractured system funnel our most vulnerable youth into human trafficking?

Adam Chaney, the Development Director of Foster Care Advocacy Center, and the host Elaine Andino dive deep into the issues in foster care: from the lack of resources, to sexual exploitation within the system, to the foster-to-trafficking pipeline.

#9 Why is Collaboration Vital to the Anti-Trafficking Movement?

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Human trafficking is a dark, heinous crime that spans the globe, harming millions of people. Is it really possible to tackle such a massive criminal enterprise?

We think yes! The only effective way to do it is through the collective power of community members, government, and service providers to intentionally and strategically collaborate.

Coalition Manager at UAHT, Ken Henry, and host, Elaine Andino, discuss why working together is critical in the anti-trafficking movement, practical ways to support one another's efforts, and how to collaborate with people you disagree with.

#8 Houston's Human Trafficking Problem and Solutions (Part 1)

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

You've probably heard it said that "Houston is #1 for human trafficking," but is it really? Where did that statistic come from? Is it trustworthy? What is the City of Houston doing about human trafficking?

Director of the Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, Minal Patel Davis, and UAHT Chief Executive Officer, Timeka Walker, discuss how Houston got its reputation for being "#1 for human trafficking," why that's not necessarily true, and how Houston became an anti-trafficking model for cities across the globe.

Take Action
Read more about the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking.

#7 Houston's Human Trafficking Problem and Solutions (Part 2)

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

#6 Why Do Men Buy Sex? (Part 2)

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0400

"How did I get here?" is a common question men who buy sex ask themselves when they are arrested.

Joe Madison, founder of Demand Disruption, digs into why men watch porn and purchase sex and how they can break free.

#5 Why Do Men Buy Sex? (Part 1)

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

#4 Conspiracies, Social Media, and Human Trafficking

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Viral posts about human trafficking stormed the internet in 2020 - but how do we distinguish the truth from fake posts or partial truths?

How human trafficking is portrayed on social media and in news stories impacts survivors and anti-trafficking work.

In this episode, we sit down with Christa Mayfield, Education Director at Unbound Houston. We discuss harmful conspiracies, how survivors want to be portrayed in the media, and what you can do spread the truth about human trafficking.

Take Action:
Follow Rebecca Bender @IAmRebeccaBender on Instagram
Follow Bekah Charleston @BekahSpeaksOut on Instagram
Follow Katherine Givens @KatGivens on Instagram
Before you share a social media post, check the facts and sources.

#3 How Traffickers Prey On Our Childhood Experiences

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Traffickers are master manipulators.

They twist past trauma to gain trust, build bonds, and even evoke love in their victims. This kind of emotional entanglement makes tricking a victim into human trafficking easy.

We don't have control over what happens to us, especially as children. So is trafficking avoidable? Or are we stuck with the cards we're dealt?

In this episode, we sit down with Sara Breuer, Education Coordinator at United Against Human Trafficking. We discuss childhood trauma, how human traffickers manipulate their victims, and how you can keep yourself and your families safe.

Learn more about human trafficking
Sign up for a free webinar

#2 Candle Making & Sex Trafficking

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

Mobilization Director of Elijah Rising, Sam Hernandez, and the host, Elaine Andino, discuss the roadblocks survivors face in life after sex trafficking and how the social enterprise of candle making paves the way to freedom.

Wondering what to do next?
Shop Elijah Rising Goods!

#1 Human Trafficking: Are We Asking The Right Questions?

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0500

Executive Director of United Against Human Trafficking, Timeka Walker, kicks off the inaugural episode of “I Dare You.” She and the host, Elaine Andino, discuss the growth of the anti-trafficking movement and its next pivotal questions.

Wondering what to do next?
Check out our training opportunities!