Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories

Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories Inside The Dark Highway

In this powerful episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, filmmaker AJ Edmunds shares how a seemingly routine documentary project turned into a life-altering mission to uncover one of Canada’s darkest secrets: human trafficking along Ontario’s Highway 401.
Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, AJ had traveled that highway her whole life, unaware that it was a trafficking superhighway. But after a simple Google search during early research revealed the scale and proximity of the crime, she knew she could no longer look away. With zero background in the topic, AJ dove in headfirst—learning from survivor leaders, confronting the system, and ultimately creating The Dark Highway, a haunting and humanizing film exposing the reality many still refuse to see.
Episode Breakdown:
(0:00 – 0:02:30) Introduction: From Filmmaker to Advocate
AJ shares her background in the arts and how her childhood in Kingston—just steps from the 401—felt miles away from the dark reality she would later uncover. She discusses her introduction to filmmaking and how an unexpected conversation with another producer about trafficking opened the door to a hidden world she had never imagined.
(0:02:30 – 0:06:00) Realizing the 401 Was a Trafficking Corridor
Highway 401 is North America’s busiest roadway, but few know it’s also a major route for trafficking victims. AJ describes learning how survivors were moved city to city along this stretch, often unnoticed. She opens up about the moment she realized: “Now that I know this, I can’t pretend I don’t.”
(0:06:00 – 0:10:15) Survivors at the Center of the Story
Meeting survivor leaders like Kelly Tallon Franklin and Katarina MacLeod changed everything. Rather than extracting stories, AJ built trust, included survivors in every stage of filming, and ensured the documentary was not just about trauma—but about truth, healing, and hope.
(0:10:15 – 0:13:30) Human Trafficking Doesn’t Look Like the Movies
AJ and the host debunk the “Taken” myth. Trafficking isn’t always violent or dramatic—it’s insidious. Most victims are Canadian-born. Many are under 13. For Indigenous girls, the average age is just eight. And most are trafficked while still living at home and attending school.
(0:13:30 – 0:16:40) What Happens After Escape?
One of AJ’s biggest realizations during research was how little support exists post-exit. Survivors don’t just walk away and heal. They need long-term care—years of it. The Dark Highway explores this unspoken truth and calls for survivor-led, trauma-informed care models.
(0:16:40 – 0:19:00) Partnering for Impact: Courage for Freedom
AJ discusses how she partnered with Courage for Freedom to ensure The Dark Highway is more than a film—it’s part of an impact campaign. Screened in high schools and used to train social workers and victim services, the documentary helps educate before exploitation happens—and support after.
(0:19:00 – 0:21:20) Creating Safe Spaces for Kids to Disclose
AJ shares what she learned about why most children don’t report abuse: fear, shame, and the “cost of disclosure.” She emphasizes the role adults must play in creating judgment-free, trauma-informed environments where kids feel safe telling the truth.
(0:21:20 – 0:24:00) From Silence to Strategy: Survivor Leaders Know the Way Forward
Survivors are not just brave—they are experts. AJ breaks down how survivor-led organizations are uniquely positioned to identify red flags, prevent re-trafficking, and guide system-level reform. “They’ve lived it. They know where the gaps are.”
(0:24:00 – 0:26:00) Why Awareness Isn’t Enough
While awareness is crucial, AJ explains why systemic change and survivor-driven infrastructure are the true next steps. From longer support timelines to changing how cases are handled in courts, she calls for action that goes beyond hashtags and headlines.
(0:26:00 – 0:28:00) Final Thoughts: Bringing the Highway Into the Light
AJ closes with the idea that most people have driven past a trafficking victim without realizing it. Trafficking isn’t just happening elsewhere—it’s in your city, in your school district, maybe even on your block. The solution? Listen. Learn. Act. Support survivor-led solutions. Break the silence.

Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories Prepare, Don't React

Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories – Prepare, Don't React In this powerful episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, the host speaks with Wendy Parnell, Fractional CEO at Parnell Consulting and an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Tech. Together, they expose the critical need for proactive preparedness in the workplace, moving beyond reactive responses to potential threats. As Wendy highlights, we are all just one degree removed from knowing someone impacted by workplace violence or online exploitation, underscoring how deeply these issues affect employee wellness and overall organizational resilience. Wendy introduces compelling analogies and practical insights, shifting the focus from simply reacting to incidents to building a culture of anticipation and care. She shares how understanding human behavior, providing meaningful training, and valuing people beyond the bottom line are essential steps for leaders to identify, address, and prevent adverse events within their teams. Episode Breakdown: (0:00 – 0:02:45) Opening & Guest Introduction The episode begins by introducing Wendy Parnell, highlighting her background as a fractional CEO and adjunct professor, and setting the stage with the universal impact of workplace violence and online exploitation on employee wellness. (0:02:45 – 0:04:30) The Tornado Analogy: The Power of Preparedness Wendy shares a personal anecdote about a tornado warning, emphasizing how firsthand understanding of potential dangers transforms complacency into proactive action. This segment discusses the importance of warning employees about "bad things that can happen" for their own benefit. (0:04:30 – 0:06:45) Training as an "Insurance Policy": Going Beyond Compliance This section explores the value of training that goes beyond mandated regulatory checks. Wendy argues that such training acts as an "insurance policy," providing reassurance and preparedness for events that organizations might think "would never, ever happen." (0:06:45 – 0:10:00) Empowering Employees: Relatable Training for Work & Home The discussion delves into how offering training that is "very relatable" and applicable to both workplace and personal life empowers employees. It highlights that this type of valuable training is deeply appreciated by engaged employees, impacting their whole life, not just work. (0:10:00 – 0:11:25) Active Threats: Recognizing the Broader Scope Wendy broadens the concept of preparedness from just "active shooter" scenarios to "active threats," which could include disgruntled individuals, employees, family members, or customers. She emphasizes that situations often build up over months, not just seconds, underscoring the need for vigilance. (0:11:25 – 0:13:20) The Power of Listening and De-escalation This segment stresses that leaders don't always need to know what to say, but they must listen and know how to act on information. Providing tools for de-escalation and creating channels for reporting concerns are key to preventing terrible incidents. (0:13:20 – 0:22:50) Employee Engagement: Clarity, Check-ins, and Recognition The conversation explores how consistent employee engagement is built through regular check-ins, recognition, and creating environments where people can "do what they do best"—like "wearing their cape." It emphasizes that empowering employees with clarity allows leaders to focus on higher-level tasks. (0:22:50 – 0:25:30) Rethinking Perks: Why "Pizza and Ping Pong" are Over Wendy boldly states that traditional "pizza and ping pong days are over," particularly with fewer people in the office and generational shifts. This part challenges superficial engagement tactics in favor of more substantive and valuable employee support. (0:25:30 – 0:31:00) Advice for Women in Tech & The Value of Human Connection Wendy offers specific advice for women looking to enter the technology field, highlighting the importance of networking and reaching out to connect with others for guidance and landscape understanding. (0:31:00 – End) Final Thoughts: Your People Matter More Than Numbers The episode concludes with a powerful message: "Your people matter... they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." It stresses that genuinely caring for employees' safety and well-being, while qualitative, yields invaluable returns that transcend quantifiable numbers.

Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories Predators in Plain Sight

In this eye-opening episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, David Everitt—cybersecurity expert and co-founder of GameSafe—shares the terrifying moment his 7-year-old daughter was targeted by a predator in an online game. What began as a routine day of Minecraft turned into a life-changing event that exposed the dark reality of online exploitation. David used his professional skills to confront the predator—but more importantly, it sparked a mission to protect all children online. David introduces GameSafe, an AI-driven application that monitors and flags grooming behaviors in real time across gaming platforms—working independently of permissions from tech giants. He also shares how the technology is evolving into a built-in solution for device manufacturers, starting with Nokia, through a new system called HarmBlock. This episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, and tech leaders who want to understand the scope of digital threats and how innovation can be used to protect the most vulnerable. Episode Breakdown: (0:00 – 3:00) Opening & Guest Introduction David Everitt shares his background in cybersecurity and the personal story that launched GameSafe. (3:00 – 6:00) The Minecraft Incident That Changed Everything How a predator found his daughter in less than 10 minutes—and what happened next. (6:00 – 10:00) Tracing the Predator David recounts tracing the attacker’s IP and confronting him directly—father meets expert in real time. (10:00 – 13:00) The Funnel: How Predators Work Understanding how predators use volume and repetition to target children—and why they’re hard to stop. (13:00 – 18:00) Why Traditional Parental Controls Fall Short Explaining the technical gaps in current safety measures and why real-time monitoring matters. (18:00 – 24:00) How GameSafe Works A breakdown of how GameSafe identifies threats through voice and text, risk scores behavior, and notifies parents. (24:00 – 28:00) HarmBlock & Device-Level Safety Introducing the seatbelt for the internet—device-level protections that work before harm occurs. (28:00 – 34:00) Virtual Reality: The New Frontier Why VR may become the next danger zone—and how we can prepare. (34:00 – 40:00) Empowering Parents Without Overreach How to build trust, start early conversations, and use technology as a parenting ally. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to protect your child in a world where digital dangers are only a click away. 🔗 Visit https://gamesafe.ai to learn more or try GameSafe free for a year. (Use code YAVAPAI)

Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories Unmasking Workplace Bullying

In this powerful episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Wendy Glass exposes the silent epidemic of workplace bullying in healthcare, focusing on the concept of "lateral violence." As a dedicated advocate for safer work environments, Wendy discusses how lateral violence—peer-to-peer bullying among healthcare professionals—undermines team morale, endangers patient safety, and disrupts organizational trust. Wendy introduces the Just Culture framework as a practical solution, shifting the focus from blame to accountability and learning. She shares real-world stories from the frontlines, revealing how unchecked aggression erodes not only employee well-being but also the quality of patient care. Her insights provide a clear path for leaders to identify, address, and prevent bullying within their teams.

Episode 5: From Victim to Thriver

Guest: Cheryl Greenfield – Empowerment Mindset Coach, Former Sexual Trauma Nurse, Author of Becoming Me, and Creator of the Empowered by Trauma Program Connect: Visit EmpoweredByTraumaNow.com or schedule a call at calendly.com/cherylgreenfield1961 Episode Overview: In this powerful episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Cheryl Greenfield shares her harrowing yet inspiring story—from childhood sexual abuse by a family member to decades of silence, trauma, and inner battles. A former sexual trauma nurse and now a certified empowerment coach, Cheryl explains how her healing began not through traditional therapy, but through coaching that helped her shift from identifying as a victim to stepping into her role as a thriver. Her experience offers deep insights into trauma responses in the workplace, how organizations can better support survivors, and what it truly means to live empowered by trauma—not limited by it. Episode Breakdown: (0:00 – 2:17) Opening & Guest IntroductionCheryl Greenfield is introduced: her background as a nurse, tap dancer, boxer, TV host, and her own lived experience of trauma. (2:17 – 6:15) Coming Forward & Facing Re-victimizationCheryl shares the painful reality of speaking out—and how family, friends, and society responded with disbelief, blame, and shame. (6:15 – 9:00) Shifting the Silence: When Others Began to Speak UpHow Cheryl’s bravery led to over 22 women coming forward to file police reports and begin their own healing. (9:00 – 14:00) Suppression, Addiction & SurvivalShe describes the emotional fallout, her struggle with addiction, and how trauma bled into her work and personal life—even as a trauma nurse. (14:00 – 18:00) Spotting Trauma in the WorkplacePractical signs leaders can look for: social withdrawal, avoidance of engagement, and unexplained behavioral changes. (18:00 – 22:00) The Tug of War: Wanting to Be Asked, Fearing ExposureCheryl details the internal conflict survivors face—desperately wanting to talk, but terrified of being exposed. (22:00 – 27:00) How to Talk to Employees Without Forcing DisclosureTips for managers and HR: use reflective language, build trust, and avoid generic “how are yous.” (27:00 – 30:00) Breaking the Cycle: Empowered by TraumaCheryl’s turning point from suicidal ideation to finding coaching through the Pursuit Institute—and her realization that she didn’t have to stay in survival mode. (30:00 – 35:00) Coaching vs. Traditional TherapyWhy coaching worked where therapy didn’t: actionable tools, affirmation practices, and mental reprogramming. (35:00 – 39:00) The Daily Practice of Becoming a ThriverCheryl describes the practical tools she now teaches—affirmations, journaling, and reprogramming limiting beliefs—and the mission behind Empowered by Trauma. Resources & Support: Visit: EmpoweredByTraumaNow.com Schedule a call: calendly.com/cherylgreenfield1961 U.S. & Canada Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial or text 988 Pursuit Institute – Coaching certification and mental wellness training Closing Message:You are not alone. If you're feeling the weight of trauma or know someone who is, let Cheryl's journey inspire your first step toward healing. Share this episode, open the conversation, and help shield the vulnerable by showing them they're seen, believed, and supported.

Episode 4: Belief Over Buy-In: Rethinking Employee Engagement in a Distracted Workplace

Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories – Belief Over Buy-In: Rethinking Employee Engagement in a Distracted Workplace
In today’s evolving work environment, employee engagement goes beyond simply showing up. In a recent conversation featured on Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Dave sat down with Adam Hickman—VP of Organizational and Employee Development at Partners Financial Credit Union (a part of the Walt Disney Company) with over 23 years of HR experience—to discuss how engagement impacts everything from workplace performance to overall employee well-being. As Adam passionately explains, we are all only one degree removed from knowing someone affected by workplace violence or online exploitation, and these issues directly filter into our daily work lives.

Episode 3: Unmasking Trauma, Exploitation, and the Path to Resilience

In this episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, host Dave sits down with Jennifer—director of operations and finance for Friends of the Children of New York City, and co-founder/CEO of Reframed Mental Health—to explore how exploitation, in its many forms, permeates our daily lives. From the workplace to our digital interactions, Jennifer’s insights reveal that the impact of trauma is both pervasive and deeply personal.

Episode 2: The Unseen Battle Against Human Trafficking

Shield The Vulnerable – The Unseen Battle Against Human TraffickingGuest: Natalie Salinas, U.S. Reach Coordinator for A21 Reach her at: info@a21.org In this episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Natalie Salinas discusses the harsh realities of human trafficking, exploitation, and workplace violence. Learn about the emotional and financial toll of these issues and how awareness can help prevent them.Resources & Support The A21 Campaign – https://www.a21.org/ The Polaris Project – https://polarisproject.org/National Human Trafficking Hotline https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ | 1-888-373-7888 Interested in becoming a guest? Visit www.pursuitpathways.com to learn more.

Episode 1: The Hidden Impact of Human Exploitation.

Exploitation is everywhere—at work, in homes, online. Yet, less than 10% of cases are ever reported. In this powerful episode of Shield the Vulnerable – Untold Stories, host Dave Miller sits down with Valerie Cobb to uncover the harsh realities of human trafficking, workplace violence, and financial exploitation.