Megan Lundstrom: A Survivor of Sex-Trafficking

Lately I’ve been thinking about this show and the incredible guests we’ve had thus far. My goal with TMAI is to have such a wide range of experiences, issues and stories from our guests, that everyone is able to find comfort and validation and even some empathy in at least one other woman’s story.

I want to start with a trigger warning. This episode will touch on sex work, human trafficking, sex-trafficking, domestic violence, stalking, and abuse.

A friend recently sent me an article from Elle featuring today’s guest, Megan Lundstrom. I read it about 3 times in one sitting, going over each detail in horror, disbelief and awe.

Megan’s harrowing experience becoming a sex-trafficking victim, ultimately escaping years later, and what it took to rebuild her life - and her identity - from the ground up. We discuss the trauma involved in sex-trafficking and how it still impacts her every day, being a mother of two while her body was the property of pimps, how social media has become a tool for pimps to recruit new victims, and so, so much more.

From her first experiences with sugaring, to being seduced by a “boyfriend pimp”, and later offered safety by a “CEO pimp”, her eleven arrests, and the moment that gave her the bravery to leave for good, Megan shares it all.

Megan understands more than most the conditions that force women into dangerous situations — she knows from personal experience how to help them escape, which inspired her to co-found The Avery Center. The Avery Center is a resource of trauma-informed services and survivor-led programs for those currently and formerly experiencing commercial sexual exploitation.

Megan’s strength and resilience is nothing short of remarkable. I’m so grateful she took the time to recount so many horrific memories in the hopes that it will soften all of our hearts to the victims of sex-trafficking and help us understand how these traffickers are hiding in plain sight.

Resources from Today’s Episode:

Book: Being and Being Bought by Kajsa Ekis Ekman

The Avery Center

The Polaris Project

Polaris operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Call 1 (888) 373-7888 or Text “BeFree” to 233733

Department of State Office of Trafficking In Persons

National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center

I hope you feel validated and seen by something that was said in this episode. And I hope you realize you’re never alone in going through it -- whatever it may be.

For more podcast info and to continue the conversation follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeiovine/

Executive Producer Nick Stumpf

Produced by Catherine Law

Edited and Engineered by Brandon Dickert

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