Leslie Clingenpeel: What Human Trafficking Really Looks Like

In this episode of Women in the Nude, Sasha Pieterse sits down with Leslie Clingenpeel, CEO of The Spring, Oklahoma’s only faith-based certified shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking, for one of the podcast’s most powerful and eye-opening conversations yet.

Leslie opens up about the realities of human trafficking that most people never see, breaking down the myths Hollywood has created and revealing how trafficking often happens through manipulation, trauma bonds, family systems, and vulnerability, not strangers in dark alleys. She shares what it’s like working directly alongside law enforcement to recover victims, the emotional weight of hearing survivors’ stories, and the groundbreaking trauma-informed model her organization is building to help survivors heal long term.

Together, Sasha and Leslie discuss the importance of mental health, boundaries, healthy masculinity, consent, advocacy, and why healing requires both compassion and systemic change. From survivor support to legislative reform, this episode shines a light on the hard truths while also offering hope, resilience, and practical ways people can help.

This conversation is raw, emotional, deeply human, and a reminder that awareness without action is not enough.

Human trafficking often looks very different than what people imagine
Vulnerability, coercion, and emotional manipulation are at the center of exploitation
Survivors need long-term support, not just crisis intervention
Trauma-informed care can completely change outcomes for victims
Mental health, boundaries, and community support are essential when doing difficult work
Healthy conversations around consent, relationships, and masculinity matter deeply
Real change happens when advocacy, legislation, and survivor voices work together

About Leslie Clingenpeel

Leslie Clingenpeel is the CEO of The Spring, Oklahoma’s only faith-based certified shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. She is a credentialed domestic and sexual violence response professional, policy advocate, and co-chair of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Trafficking. Under her leadership, The Spring has expanded its trauma-informed services and launched innovative survivor-centered programs focused on long-term healing and recovery.

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