Talk with John-Michael
ON SURVIVORSPACE.ORG
Talk with John-Michael is a live interview podcast on SurvivorSpace.org. I have this incredible opportunity to speak to incredible people and share their stories with the world. Each month we will talk with experts. Who is going to be next?
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Micheal Skinner
May 21, 2025
Michael Skinner, who is an award-winning educator, advocate, artist and musician dedicated to promoting hope, healing and help for those impacted by trauma, abuse or mental health concerns through the use of the creative arts, education and advocacy. Michael will share how he has turned the experience of horrific child sexual abuse into a prolific career advocating on behalf of trauma survivors.
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Gina Cavallo
April 23, 2025
Gina Cavallo is a nationally recognized leader, author, public speaker, advocate, and survivor consultant in the anti-trafficking movement. She is the founder of We RISE USA and serves as the Survivor Consultant and Board Vice-President for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Gina also co-chairs the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Anti-Trafficking Task Force and is a distinguished member of the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking. In addition, Gina serves on multiple Survivors’ Advisory Boards and Councils, including the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, NJCASA (New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault), and PACT-USA (Protect All Children from Trafficking) . Through these roles, she continues to use her lived experience to inform survivor-centered policies and initiatives. A sought-after speaker and policy advocate, Gina has testified on critical policy issues in Washington, DC, and Trenton, NJ, leveraging her expertise to influence legislative change. Her dedication to justice earned her the National Liberators Award for Survivor Leadership in 2020. In May 2024, Gina published her first book, A Survivor’s Secrets, a powerful memoir that chronicles her journey of resilience and empowerment, offering hope and guidance to others. Through her advocacy, writing, and consulting, Gina continues to inspire, educate, and lead efforts to dismantle systems of exploitation while empowering survivors to reclaim their voices.
Flipping the Script Hosted by Becky Perkins
March 26, 2025
Cheryl Hunter
January 2025
Cheryl Hunter is a bestselling author, speaker, and media personality whose impactful story has been shared on major media outlets worldwide, including People Magazine, Goalcast, Dr. Phil, NBC News, Dr. Oz, CNN, Fox, PBS, and more. A survivor of kidnapping for human trafficking, Cheryl didn’t set out to share a message with the world—but her harrowing experience as a teenager, when she was held captive, tortured, and left for dead, led her to discover the transformational power of overcoming adversity.
Authenticity, resilience, and purpose became the foundation of Cheryl’s message. Leveraging that along with her experience as a writer and producer for networks including HBO, CBS, Paramount Pictures, and NBC, Cheryl and her team of major media gatekeepers help mission-driven experts earn major media exposure so they can positively impact millions through their brand, message, and life’s work. Forbes Magazine says that Cheryl has, “something very important to teach about reaching your fullest potential on this planet.”
Ronald Howie
Dec 11, 2024
John-Michael welcomes Ronald Howie, an award-winning motivational speaker and coach, who will talk about how adversity led him along the path to discover natural health and greater well-being.
Dr. Kelli Palfy
Nov 13, 2024
John-Michael welcomes Dr. Kelli Palfy, a registered psychologist, author, and public speaker who specializes in working with adult male survivors of sexual abuse. Dr. Palfy discusses her experience as an officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where she assisted in the development of the RCMP's first Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, the lessons she learned about male victimization from brave survivors, and her transition to focusing on the needs and experiences of male survivors.
Ena Lucia Mariaca Pacheco
Oct 16, 2024
John-Michael Lander welcomes Ena Lucia Mariaca Pacheco, a global researcher, writer, and policy expert on child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Listen in to this engaging conversation about Ena's work, specifically her work in addressing the sexual exploitation of men and boys.
Steven Procopio
Sept 11, 2024
John-Michael welcomes Steven Procopio, ACSW, LICSW. Known as the "father of human trafficking," Steven is the founder of the first free standing program to serve commercially sexually exploited, boys, adolescent males and trans youth in the United States. He talks about his career and the unique challenges faced by male survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse.
Keri Carter
Aug 14, 2024
John-Michael will speak with Certified Professional Coach, Kari Carter, who specializes in helping individuals navigate the complexities and devastation of betrayal trauma.
Dale Lykins
July 10, 2024
John-Michael welcomes special guest Dale Lykins. Dale is a transformational coach, writer, and pastor. Dale is the author of the memoir Hush Child: Finding My Voice & Breaking the Silence. He writes The Unlearning Blog and has been published in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and The Columbus Dispatch. He is the host of the podcast “Hear It From Me.” Dale is the founder of The Open Table, a progressive and affirming faith-based community. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife in a mixed orientation marriage. His effort in this work and in all facets of his life is to help others discover what in their lives is holding them back in pursuit of living a truer, more meaningful life.
Lori Klens
June 12, 2024
John-Michael welcomes special guest Lori Klens from New Life Ketamine Center in Ohio, to talk about the benefits of clinically administered and supervised ketamine therapy for easing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Amy B. Chesler
May 21, 2024
John-Michael has a candid conversation with survivor, author, award-winning blogger, and actress, Amy B. Chesler.
John Callas
Apr 17, 2024
John Callas is a successful award-winning Hollywood director, writer, and producer, and gives a message of hope to people suffering from depression. His book, "When The Rain Stops," is a memoir of a young man who rises from the ghetto and struggles against neglect and abuse to become a Hollywood director.
Dr. Viktor Paul Giangrasso
Mar 13, 2024
John-Michael talks with Dr. Viktor Paul Giangrasso a Body/Mind Wellness Advocate for Children, published author of two books, Pediatric Physical Therapist, and survivor of a thirty-year personal battle with depression. We discuss his two books, “Opaciphobia and Other Inner Reflections” and “2: Awakening the Mystery of You and I." Dr. Viktor transparently communicates both his inner struggles and triumphs providing insights to families struggling with mental and physical wellbeing, and how these ideologies can help survivors.