"They say the truth will set you free. But first, it will break you open."
In this deeply moving episode, Mary speaks with Jerome Elam—USMC vet, child trafficking survivor, and CEO of America's Trafficking in America Task Force. From surviving unspeakable abuse to testifying before Congress and training law enforcement across the world, Jerome’s story is a powerful journey of resilience, transformation, and radical purpose. Part 1 dives into Jerome’s early life, the trauma he endured, the systemic failures, and the importance of trauma-informed leadership. 🎧 Part 2 coming next Wednesday.
⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, and self harm. Listener discretion is advised.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Trauma doesn’t end when it’s over—it echoes until it's witnessed, processed, and healed.
- Vulnerability is not weakness—it's the foundation of true leadership.
- Every survivor needs a lifeline
- Reclaiming your story is a radical act of power.
- Breaking intergenerational trauma requires therapy, accountability, and immense courage.
- Public perception of trafficking is still catching up to its modern realities
- Every person has a role to play in protecting the vulnerable
🎤 Compelling Quotes:
- “I’ve turned my trauma into something beautiful.” – Jerome Elam
- “You don’t heal in spite of your trauma. You lead through it.” — Mary Schaub
- “It only takes one person to make a difference.” – Jerome Elam
- “We underestimate how a single act of kindness might be someone’s lifeline.” – Mary Schaub
💡Keywords: child trafficking survivor, male survivor of abuse, breaking generational trauma, trauma-informed leadership, trauma healing podcast, podcast on trauma, healing from abuse, leadership after trauma, trauma-informed coaching
#JeromeElam #TraumaInformedLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #MaleSurvivor #TraumaHealing #PodcastOnTrauma #SurvivorVoices
🔗Links Mentioned in this Episode:
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678
- Trafficking in America Task Force
- Clown and the Candyman documentary
- App Store Accountability Act
Disclaimer:
***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.***
Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub. Mixing Engineer: Dylan Yauch
Contact: Tell us how your transformation is going. Email us at Shobukai_Shift@mschaubadvisory.com or leave us a voicemail at (631) 371-3240 and we may play it on a future episode.
Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)
** Shobukai Shift is a MSA Production **
Host
Mary Schaub
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