Today Jan is joined by David Polidi, a dedicated trauma therapist and social worker who blends compassion with clinical expertise. Through his practice Empowered Through Compassion, David guides adults and couples using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy—two powerful approaches for trauma recovery. A passionate advocate for self-healing, he’s also co-authoring *IFS-Informed EMDR* (2025/26), a collaborative book featuring insights from 20+ therapy experts.

Jan and Dave's conversation explores how trauma reshapes identity, beginning with David’s own family story about names and generational legacy. They discuss his transition from school counseling (where systemic barriers limited trauma work) to private practice, where he now helps clients reprocess pain through EMDR and IFS. David breaks down these modalities: how EMDR rewires traumatic memories, and how IFS teaches us to listen to our inner ‘parts’ without judgment.

They also tackle harder truths—how schools fail traumatized kids, why the justice system retraumatizes survivors, and how healing requires both individual work and community support. Throughout, David emphasizes hope: that self-energy (marked by qualities like courage and compassion) can help survivors reclaim wholeness.

Where To Find David:
EmpoweredThroughCompassion.com
Empowered Through Compassion Podcast
Insta: @Empowered.through.compassion

Mentioned Resources:
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

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[Content Warning]: Religious cult, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, abortion, self-harm

Today, Jan is again joined by Jennifer Redcay to finish her story of cult abuse and escape. Said abuse turned sexual when the cult leader claimed Jennifer’s "fantasies about him" required "acting out" to purge demons. For nearly two years, he coerced her into increasingly degrading acts—always framed as "spiritual cleansing." When she became pregnant, he froze her out for three days, then ordered her to get an abortion. His wife took her across state lines to a clinic, where Jennifer endured the procedure alone. That trauma became a turning point. "How could God want this?" she asked herself. Small rebellions followed: a customer’s prayer about God’s love ("Greater is He that is in you") clashed with the cult’s teachings. Finding a book on deliverance ministries, thinking it would help reaffirm her belief in the cult, turned out to be literature denouncing the practice and exposed the leader’s identical tactics. After a couple of failed attempts and a discussion with fellow christians at her waitressing job, she finally fled. Now 17 years free, Jennifer shares how forgiveness (of herself and her abusers) and motherhood—adopting five children from trauma—rebuilt her life. "Healing is like an onion," she says. "You peel layers over years."

Buy Jennifer’s Book:
Pushing Back The Darkness by Becca Anderson and Jennifer Redcay

Where To Find Jennifer:
JenniferRedcay.com
Tiktok: @jenniferredcayauthor

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

[Content Warning]: Religious cult, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse

Today, Jan is joined by Jennifer Redcay, who spent 10 years of her late 20s and early 30s in a cult that nearly extinguished her soul, spirit, and life. Jennifer opens with her childhood—abandoned by her father and raised by a mother whose remarriage to a bipolar man left her longing for love. That void made her vulnerable when a charismatic couple running a "deliverance ministry" lured her in, promising spiritual fulfillment. What began as Bible study spiraled into total control: she sold her home, cut off family, and handed over $400,000 to her abusers. The cult leader, just nine years her senior, declared himself her "father" and rewrote her identity—forcing her to call his wife "Mother" and her own mom by her first name. Jennifer describes the escalating abuse: sleep deprivation, food restrictions, and brutal beatings for disobedience. She recounts horrifying rituals like watching movies (even porn) to "expose her sins," followed by hours of "exorcisms" for fabricated demons. All of this and more were overshadowed by the cult’s isolation tactics. Though Jennifer and her mom lived together, they were forbidden from speaking unless supervised, which was supported by the cult leader somehow knowing when they had broken that rule. "He didn’t want us comparing stories," she says. By the time physical violence became routine, Jennifer was trapped—convinced leaving would condemn her to hell. The abuse turned sexual when the cult leader claimed Jennifer’s "fantasies about him" required "acting out" to purge demons. For nearly two years, he coerced her into increasingly degrading acts—always framed as "spiritual cleansing."

Buy Jennifer’s Book:
Pushing Back The Darkness by Becca Anderson and Jennifer Redcay

Where To Find Jennifer:
JenniferRedcay.com
Tiktok: @jenniferredcayauthor

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

[Content Warning]: Child sexual abuse, self-harming, eating disorder, suicidal ideation

Today, Jan is joined by Nia Durant, who shares her harrowing journey from a happy childhood to becoming a victim of grooming and abuse by her cheerleading coach to seeing her abuser put in prison. Nia discusses the stages of grooming, the manipulation she faced, and the isolation from her family and friends. Nia highlights the psychological impact of the abuse, her eventual realization of the situation, and the challenges she faced in reporting the abuse to the authorities. Her story is one of resilience and the struggle for justice. In this powerful conversation, Jan and Nia discuss the impact of grooming on mental health, Nia’s challenges faced during the court process, and the importance of having someone believe her. Nia emphasizes the need for awareness and education around abuse and grooming, and how her experiences have shaped her approach to coaching and supporting young athletes. Ultimately, she highlights the ongoing journey of healing and the importance of questioning survivors in a trauma informed manner as well as starting by believing survivors.

Where To Find Nia:
Nia’s Insta: @x_niia_x
Abuse Dedicated Insta: @abusesurvivor_97

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

In this series, Jan selects a word to focus on for each month, encouraging growth in a specific area and challenging herself and her audience. This year Jan will be focusing on the difficult words we tend to tie to ourselves, offering insight and tools to manage or overcome these obstacles. This month, the focus is on the concept of words. Jan discusses the significance of words, especially in the context of April, which is recognized for various awareness months, including National Child Abuse Prevention Month. She emphasizes how words can either help or harm individuals, particularly those who have experienced abuse. The conversation explores the importance of using appropriate language when discussing sensitive topics and provides key phrases that can support survivors. Jan advocates for empathy and understanding in conversations about trauma, highlighting the need for awareness and advocacy to prevent abuse.

Mentioned Resources:
Brene Brown on Empathy
Brene Brown on Blame

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

[Content Warning]: Trafficking, exploitation, rape, manslaughter, physical violence, suicidal ideation, describing sexual acts and defining terminology,

Today, Jan is joined by Caroline Pugh-Roberts, who is here to share her harrowing journey as a survivor of human trafficking, detailing her experiences from being a successful skydiving instructor to being manipulated and exploited. She discusses the psychological and emotional manipulation used by traffickers, the impact of trauma and addiction, and the societal structures that perpetuate trafficking. Caroline emphasizes the need for systemic change, safe spaces for survivors, and the importance of understanding the realities of sex work and pornography in the context of trafficking. Jan and Caroline delve into the dark realities of the pornography industry, discussing its impact on society, the normalization of sexual exploitation, and the urgent need for education on consent. Caroline shares her experiences and insights on healing, the necessity of criminalizing the purchase of sex, and the role of men in combating rape culture. The discussion emphasizes the need for global collaboration to tackle these pervasive issues and protect future generations.

Where To Find Caroline:
LinkedIn
Facebook Group: No Trafficking Zone

Mentioned Resources:
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

[Content Warning]: Suicidal ideation

Today, Jan is joined by Karl Braveman, a distinguished meditation and mindfulness expert, mentor, coach, and healer, as well as a film maker. In this enlightening conversation, Karl shares his journey of healing and transformation. He discusses the importance of presence, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the impact of childhood experiences on emotional well-being. Karl emphasizes that healing is a journey that requires patience and self-exploration, and he encourages listeners to embrace their individual paths. Through mindfulness practices, he believes we can liberate ourselves from past traumas and discover our true identities beyond pain. Jan and Karl explore the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation, emphasizing the importance of being present and aware of one's thoughts and feelings. They discuss the mind-body connection, the potential dark sides of meditation, and the healing benefits of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). The dialogue highlights the journey of self-acceptance and the necessity of compassion in overcoming trauma, ultimately advocating for a shift towards love and understanding in both personal and societal contexts. Karl shares his insights on embodying spiritual principles, the transformative power of love and compassion, and practical steps for self-love. He emphasizes the importance of starting with oneself to create a ripple effect of positivity in the world. Through a simple heart-centered practice, listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-love and acceptance, which can lead to profound personal transformation and improved relationships with others. The discussion also touches on the significance of nurturing the heart as our center of gravity and the ongoing journey of healing and growth.

Where To Find Karl Braveman:
KarlBraveman.com
Watch Visioning the New Earth
Insta @karlbraveman
Facebook
LinkedIn

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

[Content Warning]: Descriptions of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, racism, child trafficking, flashbacks, slurs, torture, suicide attempt, hostage situation

Today, Jan is joined by Jazzlyn Greenzee. In this powerful conversation, Jazzlyn shares her harrowing journey as a survivor of torture, child trafficking, and severe abuse. From her early childhood in the West Indies to her relocation to Denmark, Jazzlyn recounts the traumatic experiences that shaped her life. Despite the darkness she faced, she emphasizes the importance of inner light and resilience in overcoming her past. The discussion delves into the complexities of trauma, the cycle of abuse, and the path to healing and understanding. Jazzlyn shares her harrowing experiences of childhood abuse, labor, and the psychological impact of living in a traumatic environment. She discusses the shame and blame she carried, the lack of support from adults, and the gaslighting she faced. Jazzlyn emphasizes the importance of believing victims and taking action to protect children from abuse, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed her trauma to continue unchecked. The conversation also touches on racial dynamics and the assumptions that can arise in such contexts. Jazzlyn discusses the impact of her past on her mental health, the importance of recognizing signs of abuse, and the challenges faced when reporting such incidents. Jazzlyn emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care and the power of sharing one's story to inspire others. Her podcast, 'Alchemical Voices,' serves as a platform for survivors to share their experiences and find healing together.

Where To Find Jazzlyn:
Alchemical VOICES podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Insta: @misstraumaalchemist
Tiktok: @misstraumaalchemist

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors