How Medical Workers and Parents Can Save Lives from Human Trafficking - with Matthew Friedman

In this powerful and sobering episode, we sit down with Matthew Friedman, CEO of the Mekong Club, to expose the hidden crisis of human trafficking and modern slavery. Matt shares firsthand stories from decades on the front lines—stories that will move you and challenge you to act. We discuss the harsh reality faced by millions worldwide, the role of deception in recruitment, and the heartbreaking barriers survivors face even after escape. From healthcare red flags and mandated reporting to parental vigilance and the importance of early education, this episode equips listeners with practical knowledge to help protect the vulnerable. Matt also reveals how his organization works with major industries to cut trafficking out of supply chains and financial systems, and how each of us can use our unique skills to fight back. ➤ SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@unshellingmedicine/?sub_confirmation=1 ➤ EPISODE LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-friedman-9788555/https://themekongclub.org/ [e-mail] ➤ FOLLOW US ON UNSHELLING MEDICINE PODCAST SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altruistic-scribe https://www.tiktok.com/@altruisticscribeco_https://www.tiktok.com/@admeliorahealthhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unshellingmedicine https://www.linkedin.com/in/idongesit-obeya/   https://www.facebook.com/unshellingmedicinepodcast https://www.instagram.com/altruisticscribeco/https://www.instagram.com/unshellingmedicinepodcast   ➤ CHECK OUT OUR CHANNEL HERE:https://www.youtube.com/@unshellingmedicine episodes.fm/1743323898   ➤ CHAPTERS:   00:00  Introduction to the episode and sensitive topic warning 01:00  Matt shares his background and the story that changed his life 05:00  The scale and reality of human trafficking globally and in the US 07:24 Why human trafficking persists despite awareness efforts 09:59  Signs healthcare providers should watch for in trafficking victims 13:36 Mandated reporting and protecting healthcare workers 17:08 Red flags for parents to watch for in preventing trafficking 21:48 How early should conversations about safety begin? 27:18 Online safety advice for young people 31:44 How traffickers exploit familiarity and community trust 35:16 Why communities stay silent about trafficking cases 40:27 The work of the Mekong Club and partnering with businesses 44:33 The low global rescue rate and why more action is needed 51:07 How listeners can get involved and make a difference ➤ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7194746867107143680/     ➤ WEBSITE: https://altruisticscribeco.comwww.admeliorahealth.com     ➤ EXPLORE UNSHELLING MEDICINE  PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8Y5L_4O8ANNKiCTr7mVeX5DD8lk1Ga89