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June 12, 2024 • 44 mins

In this enlightening episode, Penny Ronning welcomes Rosemary Smith from the Getting Better Foundation to explore how media literacy and critical thinking can combat human trafficking and strengthen democracy. Rosemary recounts the shocking story of Edgar Welch and Pizzagate, demonstrating the dangers of misinformation and the critical need for education to discern fact from fiction.

Together, Penny and Rosemary delve into practical tools for evaluating information, the value of diverse perspectives, and storytelling's transformative power to foster empathy and understanding. Rosemary also shares insights from the Foundation's award-winning documentary, Trust Me, a hopeful and empowering film that showcases how media literacy can create a brighter, more connected future.

Join us for a conversation filled with hope, inspiration, and actionable steps to make a difference—one informed decision at a time.

🎧 Tune in to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to share the message of Trust Me with your community!

To learn more about the Getting Better Foundation, please visit their website HERE. 

To learn more about the Trust Me Documentary, please visit its website HERE. 

To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE.

Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend

 

Rosemary Smith Bio

Rosemary Smith has accumulated considerable international experience in the media over the last three decades. She began her career in the media as a co-owner of FCC-licensed radio stations throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Rosemary is a media literacy expert, Montana’s state lead for Media Literacy Now, and envoy to the U.S. State Department’s American Film Showcase. She manages the Montana-based Getting Better Foundation and spearheads its global distribution of the award-winning Trust Me Documentary and the film’s educational curriculum in partnership with the News Literacy Project. 

Rosemary has authored many blogs and is working on her first children’s book about media literacy. She’s delivered presentations and contributed to publications on media and citizenship-related issues in dozens of countries. Rosemary remains interested by the challenges posed by emerging media forms and issues relating to media literacy, mental health, peace, and democracy.

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