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?
Yvonne Fryar
March 27, 2026 @ 2 pm EST
FREE REGISTRATION:
Yvonne Fryar – Senior Manager of National Survivor Outreach / Lived Experience Professional
As a young girl, Yvonne endured unimaginable trauma and injustice at the hands of those who should have protected her. She was labeled a prostitute and ultimately served a total of 9 years in adult prison as a teenager. Her story is a stark reminder of the failures of our system to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. But amidst the darkness, Yvonne’s story is one of hope and transformation. Her life is a testament to resilience and strength.
Just Like Me-Shared Hope International: https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/
JuST Conference Series- JuST Conference: https://www.justconference.org/
Learn About Human Trafficking- Information and Resources I Shared Hope International: https://sharedhope.org/resources/
Bob Williams and Landon Dickeson
February 26, 2026
Talk with John-Michael: Guests, Bob Williams and Landon Dickeson
Robert "Bob" Williams – Founder and CEO Bob Williams is the Founder and CEO of Ranch Hands Rescue. After suffering a stroke in 2007, Bob decided to retire from Motorola. After a year of rehabilitation, he decided to start a not-for-profit organization that would save animals and help people. In 2008, Ranch Hands Rescue was born, and a farm animal sanctuary for animals with special needs was established. In 2010, the Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Program was started. Bob's vision was to partner abused and neglected animals with individuals by using Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling in an effort to help individuals who don't respond to traditional therapy. His counseling program is the only program in the country that partners abused and neglected animals in mental health therapy. Bob's passion is helping innocent victims, especially children, who require a nontraditional approach to uncovering severe trauma. He assembled a team of counseling experts who are highly trained and certified in trauma and PTSD to be another resource in our community to help individuals who are suffering and see no hope. RHR fills a special niche in mental health counseling services community in that we specialize in treating the more complex trauma cases, such as victims of multiple abuses by multiple perpetrators and people not making progress in their current treatment programs. Bob and Ranch Hands Rescue have been featured in over 220 TV and news stories including Animal Planet, Time Magazine, Fox Worldwide News, USA Today, CNN, Good Morning America and National Geographic. Bob recently announced plans to open the first safe house for young men 18-24 who have been sex trafficked. Bob's House of Hope will be the first in the country to do this. Ranch Hands Rescue is currently working on a National Education Program to educate the public that boys are sex trafficked too. Ranch Hands Rescue has 2 locations. One in Argyle, Texas and one in Denton, Texas and serves the entire Metroplex. Bobs personal story as a survivor of rape, addiction, homelessness, and his story of rebuilding his life along with his passion for helping others is why Ranch Hands Rescue continues to grow. 5 Time Emmy Winner Doris Roberts said “He was one of the most incredible speakers I have ever heard, his honesty and his passion is contagious. His journey needs to be heard by everyone who has struggled with sexual abuse, rape, or addiction. I think he is amazing, and I am proud to be his friend.”
Landon Dickeson, MS, LPC, C-DBT, is an accomplished mental health professional with over a decade of experience in the field. He serves as the Executive Director for Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope. Landon has worked with thousands of trauma survivors, and this vast experience has driven his passion to create treatment programs for those with complex PTSD. Landon graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, after which he obtained state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Landon has experience working with high-risk youth, dual diagnosis, suicide loss, sexual assault/abuse trauma, Veteran trauma, and male victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE). He has been trained in Crisis Intervention, Risk of Harm Assessment, EMDR, Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling, DBT, TBRI, TF-CBT, Psychological First Aid, and more. Landon’s passion for education led him to create several trainings to increase understanding of complex trauma, sex trafficking, and overlooked populations. His speaking engagements have included the JuST Conference, TNOYS Conference, DFPS Conference, Humanymal International Conference, numerous webinars, local events, and news stories. Landon also helped launch the first state- and nationwide billboard campaign, called #BoysToo, to educate the public about the sex trafficking of males. After years of treating sexual abuse and trafficking victims, Landon helped create the first safe house program in the country for male victims of sex trafficking, Bob’s House of Hope.
Elesandra DeRomano
January 21, 2025
EleSondra “Ele” DeRomano is the Founder and Executive Director of S.T.A.R.S. (Standing Together Against Real Slavery) where she works tirelessly with at-risk women and girls from backgrounds of exploitation, domestic violence, rape, and drug abuse. Through her commitment to transparency coupled with an extraordinary lived experience, El creates an atmosphere of hope for women and children who are forgotten or abandoned by society. El’s own exposure to exploitation began with her parents. She was placed in the foster care system where she was introduced to the world of abuse at the age of four, later graduating to a world of drugs, jail, and prostitution by the time she was eleven. El’s insurmountable perseverance and dedication is an essential part of S.T.A.R.S. where she has created one of-a-kind programs such as the Girls Crisis Prevention/Intervention Program and Outreach Program for Survivors of Prostitution, fostering love and trust to a sector of our society that is often lost and forgotten. In addition to her outreach, prevention and advocacy work, El is a respected speaker and anti-trafficking consultant, carrying her message of hope and heart for justice into coalitions, task forces, conferences and classrooms nationwide.
Ashmeeta Madhav
December 18, 2025
Ashmeeta Madhav is an educator, grief support advocate/expert, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong learner. She has been intimately acquainted with grief since her early twenties, having experienced miscarriage, rejection, and the loss of her parents and husband, which exposed her to a range of profound emotions. Her story is one of love, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, growth, and self-discovery, a narrative that resonates with those who have faced loss or are on a path of self-discovery following loss. Through her personal experiences, Ashmeeta has developed a deep appreciation for the significance of personal growth within the journey of the soul. Her mission is to share the knowledge she’s gained with others. At the heart of her book, “What’s Your Story?” is her passion for helping others and sharing her experiences. Through this book, she shares her personal journey through grief and self-discovery with the intention of providing comfort and inspiration to those confronting similar experiences. Ashmeeta’s desire is for others to recognize that profound loss need not signify the end of one’s story: rather, it can mark the commencement of a new and meaningful chapter. Her message is one of hope and healing, and she is here to help guide the grieving to feel alive again.
Cathy Studer
November 19, 2025
Cathy Studer is a survivor of long-term child sexual abuse. After pulling together the pieces of her broken childhood, she has become an award-winning author, speaker, mental health advocate, and CSA prevention advocate. She is passionate about helping children and adults unlock, cultivate, and reach their full potential by developing stronger mental and emotional health. Cathy lives in Ohio. In her free time, you’ll find her on the pickle ball court or spending time with family and friends.
Lily Sanders Tese
October 15, 2025
To learn more about Lily, visit her webpage: https://lilysanders.live/
Lily Sanders Tese- {Author, Screenwriter, Podcaster}
Lily’s journey into professional writing began with her award-winning book, 'Truth to Triumph'. Springboarding into major media TV, she was featured on ABC-NY Eyewitness News, Newsmax, FOX, CBS, NBC, iHeart Radio, and more… myth-busting the common beliefs about domestic violence. She considers ABC's Bill Ritter a respected mentor.
But today, Lily is paving her way as a film and TV writer, creating entertainment that awakens hearts and evokes loving, social change. Her newest drama pilot for TV is already winning awards and is currently under consideration. Lily is dedicated to creating entertainment that brings real and raw stories that can speak the truth in love, without sacrificing honesty and peace.
Lily is excited to share the pre-launch of her new podcast, “Up Until Now,” which will reflect testimonies that can speak truth into people’s lives.
https://www.youtube.com/@Up_Until_Now
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Mary Jo Ross
September 18, 2025
Mary Jo Ross is an accomplished professional who has owned multiple businesses with a history of national accolades and professional success. Her current work as a sought-after speaker, author and advocate arose from her passion to help the most vulnerable avoid/escape from the severe abuse she survived in her formative years.
As a lived-experience survivor of familial sex trafficking as well as someone who broke away from a generational satanic cult, Mary Jo today speaks and teaches practical insights on childhood abuse to groups of medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement, and non-profit leaders.
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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.