<p>In Episode 2 of Season 2 of <em>Fracture to Flourish</em>, Bryce Butler follows the pattern that so often hides in plain sight: affirmation → dependency → control.</p><p>We start in a bedroom, with a late‑night message that sounds like attention, not danger. Then we trace how traffickers use the same vulnerabilities foster youth carry—instability, isolation, unmet needs, and digital access—to turn “connection” into a business model.</p><p>You’ll hear from law‑enforcement investigator Ricky Lynn, who describes how trafficking shows up in schools and online spaces. Researcher Dr. Jeanne L. Allert breaks down what trafficking legally is (and why minors in commercial sex are automatically victims under U.S. law). Former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large John Richmond explains how trafficking can happen without movement—through phones, payment apps, and live streams. Ashleigh Chapman outlines how online exploitation surged and how platform dynamics make this a high‑reward, low‑risk crime. Dani Pinter explains the “boyfriend model” of grooming, and Rachelle Starr (Scarlet Hope) describes how the “million‑dollar girl” line becomes leverage. We also follow parallel pathways through Lauren and Priscilla, showing how exploitation can begin with romance—or simply with survival.</p><p>Content advisory: This episode includes frank discussion of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Please listen in whatever way feels safest for you.</p><p><strong>Guests + Organizations</strong></p><ul><li>Ricky Lynn — law enforcement (KY)</li><li>Dr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor Care</li><li>John Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)</li><li>Ashleigh Chapman — Engage Together / Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice</li><li>Dani Pinter — NCOSE</li><li>Rachelle Starr — Scarlet Hope</li><li>Lauren — survivor voice</li><li>Priscilla Roman — survivor voice</li></ul><p><strong>Partners</strong></p><ul><li>Atlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at <a href="http://atlasfree.org">atlasfree.org</a>.</li><li>Scarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at <a href="http://scarlethope.org">scarlethope.org</a>.</li><li>Access Ventures (Series Partner): <em>Fracture to Flourish</em> is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at <a href="http://accessventures.org">accessventures.org</a>.</li></ul><p>Resources</p><ul><li>National Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)</li><li>RAINN (sexual assault support): <a href="http://rainn.org">rainn.org</a></li><li>National Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or <a href="http://1800runaway.org">1800runaway.org</a></li><li>NAMI (mental health support): <a href="http://nami.org">nami.org</a></li></ul><p><strong>Data + sources</strong></p><p>Pandemic-era surge in online child exploitation reports</p><ul><li>Reporting citing NCMEC describes a four-fold increase in reports during the pandemic.</li><li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/25/us/child-abuse-online-coronavirus-pandemic-parents-investigations-trnd/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/25/us/child-abuse-online-coronavirus-pandemic-parents-investigations-trnd/index.html</a></li></ul><p>“High reward, low risk” framing (trafficking as a lucrative illicit business)</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/Webstories2023/tracking-illicit-financial-flows-linked-to-human-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling.html">https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/Webstories2023/tracking-illicit-financial-flows-linked-to-human-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling.html</a></li></ul><p>Kentucky AG lawsuit referenced in episode (Roblox)</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press">https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press</a> Release Attachments/2025.10.06 - [FINAL] KY Roblox Complaint.pdf</li></ul><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><ul><li>&quot;Fracture to Flourish&quot; is a production of Access Ventures.</li><li>Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.</li><li>Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.</li><li>Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.</li><li>Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.</li><li>Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.</li><li>Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.</li></ul>