In this episode, I open up about the turbulent years following high school—starting with my first pregnancy, the devastating loss of my father to cancer, and the struggle to care for another child with no resources or support. I share the heartbreak of losing my grandmother, one of the only grounding forces in my life, and how a series of traumas slowly chipped away at my sense of self. In the face of relentless grief, instability, and emotional invalidation, I turned more deeply into addiction and psych meds as a means of survival—leading to homelessness and eventually, sex trafficking. This chapter of my story reveals the raw and painful realities that many survivors face, but also begins to uncover the resilience buried underneath it all. 

www.talitha.com/survivorled

Child abuse hotline: 1-800-422-4453

Rape hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Domestic violence hotline:1-800-799-7233

Natl sex trafficking hotline: 888-373-7888

FL sex trafficking hotline: 1-855-352-7233

Self harm/suicide hotline: 988 

Support the show

https;www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573137954232

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the fractured relationship with my father and the pain of feeling misunderstood after being molested as a child. That silence and confusion drove me to seek his approval in all the wrong ways—ways that spiraled into rebellion, drug use, and a loss of identity after a sports injury changed everything. With no support for my mental or physical health, I became pregnant and addicted at 19, struggling to survive in a world I didn’t know how to navigate. All of this unfolded as my grandmother—the one stable presence in my life—was diagnosed with cancer. This chapter of my story isn’t easy, but it’s real. And it’s an important piece of how I got here.

Resources listed for topics in this podcast:

The national suicide hotline:

Dial or text 988 

The national sex trafficking hotline: 

888-373-7888

Self harm resources:

Text connect to 741741 for support.

Child abuse hotline: 

800-422-4453

Support the show

https;www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573137954232

In this introductory episode, we pull back the curtain of the dark reality of sex trafficking. As a survivor, I share a glimpse of my personal journey- how my family history played a role, the struggles I faced, and the path to reclaiming my life. This podcast isn't just about my story; it's about awareness, healing, empowering others to recognize the signs and take action. Join me as we expose the truth, hear about how happy beginnings can turn to violent and tragic circumstances that lead to a beautiful end. Creating space for survivors and advocates to be heard. This is the beginning. 

Support the show

https;www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573137954232

Welcome to Survivor Led! A space dedicated to uncovering the truth about sex trafficking and empowering communities and survivors. In this podcast, I share my personal story- how my past led me into trafficking, the fight to reclaim my life, and the mission to bring awareness to others. Together, we'll break the silence, educate, and inspire change. This is more than a podcast- it's a movement. Are you ready to listen? 

Support the show

https;www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573137954232