I Faced My Fears & Got The Medical Test I’ve Avoided For Years | Episode 186

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Have you ever felt a wave of anxiety just thinking about a simple blood draw? You're not alone. Join me as I recount a high school blood drive that left me lightheaded and vulnerable, shaping my view of medical tests as moments of weakness. Fast forward to 2017, and that same feeling resurfaced during a hospital stay, highlighting how past experiences can haunt us. This episode unpacks the emotional baggage tied to medical procedures, exploring the fear and helplessness many of us encounter and the vital role supportive healthcare professionals play in these moments.

The anticipation of test results often brings its own set of emotional challenges, interwoven with reflections on health, mortality, and family histories. As I approach the anniversary of my father's passing, these thoughts weigh heavily, sparking concerns about my own future. Through personal anecdotes, I share how I've learned to navigate these emotions, finding strength in past experiences and trusted medical professionals to guide me. Whether you're dealing with similar feelings or seeking ways to manage anxiety around medical tests, this conversation offers a community of understanding and support.

The episode dives into the complex emotions related to the impending blood draw, exploring themes of fear and helplessness that many face in healthcare situations. Through personal stories, it reflects on past experiences, family history, and the psychological impact of undergoing health tests while highlighting the importance of vulnerability and personal growth.

• Discussing feelings of fear and helplessness
• Recounting the first blood draw experience
• Addressing the challenges and reactions during blood draws
• The emotional implications tied to healthcare experiences
• Reflecting on personal history and family health dynamics
• Encouraging dialogue on vulnerability and resilience

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#medicaljourney #emotionalhealth #healthtests #medicalexperience #chronicillness #patientempowerment #healthawareness #medicalresearch #lifewithillness #personalhealthjourney #healthandwellness #medicalconditions #mentalhealthmatters #patientadvocacy #medicalstories 

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I Faced My Fears & Got The Medical Test I’ve Avoided For Years | Episode 186

The TAKE IT DOWN LAW: A Mother-Daughter Journey from Trauma to the White House | Ep 255

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From trauma to triumph, the journey of Elliston Berry and her mother Anna stands as a powerful testament to what determined voices can accomplish. When an AI-generated deepfake turned Elliston's innocent Instagram photo into a nude image circulated throughout her high school in October 2023, they discovered a terrifying gap in our legal system. Despite the clear harm caused, no laws existed to address AI harassment, leaving the perpetrator—a minor—facing zero consequences.

Refusing to accept this injustice, Anna Berry embarked on a relentless campaign for change. After exhausting local channels, she began reaching out to legislators in December 2023. Senator Cruz, himself a father to daughters near Elliston's age, recognized the urgency of the issue and championed their cause. What followed was a remarkably swift bipartisan effort resulting in the Take It Down Act—groundbreaking legislation signed into law by President Trump on May 19, 2025, in the White House Rose Garden.

The legislation establishes critical protections by explicitly classifying AI deepfakes as pornography and requiring platforms to remove harmful content within 48 hours. The journey to this historic moment included Elliston being recognized at the State of the Union address and participating in a roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump as part of her "Be Best" initiative. In a rare show of unified support, both the President and First Lady signed the bill.

Yet their work continues beyond legislation. Currently, they're developing educational curriculum to help schools understand, prevent, and respond to AI-related harassment while supporting the creation of technology that can identify unauthorized images across the internet. As Elliston poignantly expressed, "I can now look at this situation that happened to me, instead of being fearful and ashamed, and be proud of myself." Follow their continuing journey on Instagram @ellistonberry and watch for their upcoming book that will share their full story and provide guidance for others facing similar situations.

#takeitdownact #takeitdownlaw #presidenttrump #ellistonberry #annaberry #motherdaughterjourney #traumarecovery #whitehouse #whitehouseadvocacy #potus #flotus #firstladymelaniatrump #melaniatrump #legislationprocess #youthactivism #familyresilience #storytelling #personalgrowth #politicalactivism #teenactivism #mentalhealthawareness #policychange #narrativestorytelling #empowerment #governmentlegislation #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

The TAKE IT DOWN LAW: A Mother-Daughter Journey from Trauma to the White House | Ep 255

Safety, Security, and Survival in the Public Eye | Ep 250

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What happens when the shadows of the digital world creep into your family's reality? Amanda Solomon never expected to face threats against her child, deal with paparazzi, or navigate the dangerous terrain of online predators targeting her family. Yet that's exactly what happened when her husband's story thrust them into the public eye.

Amanda pulls back the curtain on digital safety in an age where five-year-olds connect with strangers through gaming platforms. "You hope they're children," she says about the unknown individuals interacting with kids online. Her family's experience with account hacking, suspicious messages, and direct threats offers a sobering look at vulnerabilities most parents don't consider until it's too late.

The conversation challenges the dangerous belief that "this doesn't happen in my town." Amanda grew up in small-town Ohio where human trafficking was considered something that happened elsewhere—until a family from her area was trafficked internationally. This false sense of security leaves children vulnerable everywhere, regardless of location or demographic. As she explains, "You never think it would happen to you until it does."

Most chilling is Amanda's account of how quickly privacy evaporates in the digital age. What began as excitement over her writing being noticed by production companies transformed into harassment, unfounded CPS investigations, and public threats against their son. She details how innocent photos shared online can be weaponized by predators, potentially facilitating identity theft or trafficking operations.

Whether you're raising children in today's connected world or simply concerned about your own digital footprint, this episode delivers crucial insights about protection in an age where the line between public and private has never been more blurred. Share your own digital safety tips or experiences with us, and don't miss part two of our conversation with Amanda where we'll explore legislative solutions to these growing threats.

#SafetyFirst #PublicSecurity #SurvivalSkills #StaySafe #PersonalSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #SafetyFirst #PublicAwareness #SurvivalTactics #CrimePrevention #SituationalAwareness #SelfDefenseTips #UrbanSurvival #CrisisManagement #SafetyInPublicSpaces #ProtectYourself #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

Safety, Security, and Survival in the Public Eye | Ep 250

Confronting the Digital Harassment Epidemic: The Amanda Solomon Story | Ep 251

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Amanda Solomon returns to share her personal experiences with digital exploitation and online harassment, revealing how innocent association with others can make anyone a target of cyberbullying and revenge porn.

• Discussion of First Amendment rights and public safety concerns
• Overview of the recently passed Take it Down Law requiring big tech to remove altered images within 48 hours
• Amanda shares how she became a victim of identity theft and online harassment through her association with her husband
• Details about fraudulent pornography subscriptions charged to her account by her husband's harasser
• Amanda reveals her experience with revenge porn when an ex-boyfriend posted private images from their teenage relationship to a revenge website over a decade later
• Exploration of the mental health impact of digital exploitation and harassment
• Emphasis on how speaking out helps victims heal and potentially helps others who are suffering silently

If you've enjoyed this episode, please give us a thumbs up on YouTube, Rumble, Apple, or wherever you consume our TV show and podcast. This small action helps us continue our work to help others.

#DigitalHarassment #VictimAdvocacy #AmandaSolomon #OnlineSafety #CyberBullyingAwareness #FightBackAgainstHate #EmpowermentThroughEducation #SocialMediaResponsibility #MentalHealthMatters #WomenInTechAdvocacy#StopTheStigma #DigitalRightsMovement #ResilienceAndRecovery #CommunitySupportForVictims #SafeOnlineSpaces

Confronting the Digital Harassment Epidemic: The Amanda Solomon Story | Ep 251

The Sacred Journey: A Priest's Reflection on Service and Ministry | Ep 252

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What does it truly mean to minister to others? In this deeply moving conversation with Father Edward Gretchko, we journey beyond the ceremonial aspects of priesthood to discover the profound reality of spiritual service.

Father Ed shares how his understanding of priesthood evolved from a third-grader fascinated by the Mass to recognizing that true ministry happens in the 23 hours away from the altar. With gentle wisdom, he reflects on decades of service to families like Justin's—celebrating weddings, comforting the grieving, and simply being present during life's most challenging transitions.

The conversation takes us into intimate moments of pastoral care: sitting for hours with parents who lost a child at birth, visiting the terminally ill, and bringing sacraments to the dying. Father Ed's reflections reveal how ministry often manifests not in grand gestures but in quiet presence, attentive listening, and consistent compassion.

"Faith without action is no faith at all," Father Ed reminds us, challenging the notion that we can simply "let God do everything." Instead, he points to a damaged crucifix with the inscription "you are my hands and my arms" as a powerful metaphor for our responsibility to actively participate in God's work of healing and compassion in the world.

Perhaps most touching is Father Ed's humility as he describes himself among "the nameless priests of all ages" who perform ordinary yet sacred duties without expectation of recognition or reward. This perspective offers a profound counterpoint to our culture's obsession with achievement and status.

Whether you're exploring questions of faith, wondering about the priesthood, or simply seeking inspiration for living with greater purpose and presence, Father Edward Gretchko's wisdom provides a beautiful reminder that we're all "workers in the vineyard," each with our own calling to serve others and bring more love into the world.

#SacredJourney #PriestsReflection #MinistryLife #SpiritualService #FaithInAction #ClergyVoices #ServiceToOthers #ReligiousLeadership #JourneyOfFaith #CommunityOutreach #DivineCalling #ChristianMinistry #ServantLeadership #SpiritualGrowthJourney #ReflectionsOnFaith #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

The Sacred Journey: A Priest's Reflection on Service and Ministry | Ep 252

Child Safety Through Storytelling: A Reading of Kathy Picard's Book | Ep 253

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We dive into the powerful children's book "I Love You So Much That" by Kathy Picard, which teaches children about personal safety and boundaries through a loving, conversational approach.

• Kathy Picard is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who became a law-changer in Massachusetts
• Her book provides parents with a gentle framework for discussing difficult safety topics with young children
• Complete reading of "I Love You So Much That" demonstrates how to integrate safety messages into expressions of care and love
• Discussion of why addressing "taboo" topics openly helps protect children in today's digital world
• Reminder that reaching even one person with prevention resources makes all advocacy efforts worthwhile
• The book is available in English and Spanish where books are sold (Amazon, iloveyousomuch.org)

If you found this episode helpful, please give us a big thumbs up, like, share, subscribe, and follow. Your support helps us reach our goal of helping 3 billion people.

#ChildSafety #StorytimeForKids #KathyPicardBooks #ReadingWithKids #BookReadAloud #SafetyThroughStories #ChildrenLiterature #ParentingTips #EducationalBooks #StorytellingMagic #KidSafeStories #LiteracyForKids #EmpowerChildren #SafeAndSoundReads #Iloveyousomuchthat #FamilyStorytime #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

Child Safety Through Storytelling: A Reading of Kathy Picard's Book | Ep 253

Breaking Silence: Confronting Accusations and Seeking Truth | Ep 254

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David Solomon shares previously undisclosed email evidence that directly contradicts claims made by his alleged trafficker Bryan Davis. These emails from 2015 between David's late mother and Davis reveal it was his mother who attempted to arrange a meeting with Davis—not David as Davis has publicly claimed.

• Original emails show David's mother trying to meet Davis under the pretense that David was dying
• David's mother was actually seeking to confront her son's abuser
• Davis refused the meeting due to weather and travel concerns
• David addresses Realm Makers leader Scott Minor, challenging him for protecting alleged abusers
• Open invitation extended to both Davis and Minor to appear on the show to address allegations
• Discussion of free speech rights and the responsibility to warn others about potential dangers
• Pushback against claims that the podcast caused Davis to lose speaking engagements

If you support mental health and human trafficking survivors, please like, share, and subscribe to help us spread awareness. Stand up and don't be a bystander to abuse.

#BreakingSilence #ConfrontingAccusations #SeekingTruth #TruthMatters #SpeakUp #JusticeForAll #CourageToConfront #AccountabilityNow #VoiceYourTruth #EmpowermentJourney #StandAgainstInjustice #HealingThroughDialogue #TransparencyInAction #FindingTheTruthTogether #RealTalk #BreakingSilence #ConfrontingAccusations #SeekingTruth #MeTooMovement #SocialJustice #Accountability #TruthSeeker #Empowerment #JusticeForAll #BelieveSurvivors #EndSilence #SpeakUp #Transparency #BraveConversations #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion 

Breaking Silence: Confronting Accusations and Seeking Truth | Ep 254

Faith, Forgiveness, and Finding Peace | Ep 256

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What happens when the very people meant to guide your spiritual journey become the source of profound trauma? In this powerful episode, survivor David Solomon breaks his silence about faith, forgiveness, and the devastating impact of betrayal within church communities.

Solomon's journey begins with a recent conversation with pastors who helped him recognize the anger he'd carried for twelve years—not primarily toward his alleged abuser, but toward church leadership who failed to provide accountability. With remarkable vulnerability, he walks us through the biblical protocols for addressing wrongdoing within church leadership that were completely abandoned in his situation. "I did what the Bible said. I went to the elders," Solomon explains, describing the devastating moment when instead of finding support, he encountered dismissal and institutional protection of the accused.

The heart of this episode lies in Solomon's evolving understanding of forgiveness. Through prayer and spiritual counsel, he discovered that while his anger was justified—even Jesus demonstrated "righteous anger"—holding onto it prevented his healing. This doesn't mean forgetting or excusing harmful actions; rather, it means releasing the consuming power that anger has held over his life. Most powerfully, Solomon concludes by publicly praying for those who have hurt him, demonstrating the transformative potential of faith to transcend human limitations while still seeking justice and accountability.

For anyone who has experienced religious trauma, struggled with forgiveness, or questioned how to maintain faith when religious leaders fail, this episode offers a roadmap through the wilderness. Solomon's testimony reminds us that authentic spirituality must include accountability, that forgiveness doesn't negate the need for justice, and that healing often requires both releasing perpetrators to God's judgment and finding new faith communities that demonstrate true compassion. Share this episode with someone wrestling with their own church wounds—sometimes knowing we're not alone is the first step toward healing.

#Faith #Forgiveness #FindingPeace #SpiritualJourney #InnerPeace #HealingThroughFaith #LettingGoOfGrudges #MindfulnessPractice #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #PositiveMindset #FaithAndForgiveness #PeacefulLiving #SelfDiscoveryJourney #ResilienceInFaith

Faith, Forgiveness, and Finding Peace | Ep 256

Spotting Red Flags Could Save Someone's Life | Ep 257

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David Solomon shares his personal experiences as a survivor of human trafficking, highlighting the crucial warning signs in hotels and the humanity behind those caught in prostitution and exploitation.

• Hotel trafficking warning signs include guests who don't resemble their companions, children in large groups, frequent room visitors, and cash payments
• Traffickers specifically select non-ground floor rooms to control exits and evade hotel security
• Many prostitutes are trapped by debt, addiction, or coercion rather than choosing the lifestyle
• People in prostitution deserve dignity and compassion as they often have stories of trauma and survival
• David's mother helped numerous women and men escape exploitation through consistent kindness and connections to resources
• Simple awareness and intervention from hotel staff could prevent trafficking situations and save lives
• Even after escaping exploitation, survivors face judgment and stigma that compounds their trauma
• People can make a difference by learning warning signs, showing compassion, and reaching out to those who may be in dangerous situations

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988, or visit 988hotline.org to talk to someone 24/7 in English or Spanish. You are not alone.

#RedFlags #MentalHealthAwareness #SafetyFirst #LifeSavingTips #HealthyRelationships #WarningSigns #EmotionalSafety #RelationshipAdvice #ProtectYourself #RecognizeTheSigns #PersonalSafetyTips #MindfulLiving #AwarenessMatters #CrisisPrevention #EmpowermentThroughKnowledge #Instagram #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

Spotting Red Flags Could Save Someone's Life | Ep 257

Private Parts Shouldn't Be Taboo When Teaching Child Safety | Episode 258

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Kathy Picard shares her journey as a child sexual abuse survivor who became a powerful advocate and law-changer, helping extend the statute of limitations for survivors and creating resources to protect children.

• Sexual abuse is unfortunately pervasive with 93% of children knowing their abusers
• Kathy's children's book "I Love You So Much That" teaches 2-9 year olds about body safety and private parts
• Some schools refuse to allow discussion of "private parts" despite its importance for child safety
• Organizations like Enough Abuse Campaign work to change laws protecting children
• Massachusetts laws now allow survivors to pursue criminal charges until age 43 and civil cases until 53
• Kathy's memoir "Life With My Idiot Family" details her 10-year abuse experience and path to justice
• Resources include malesurvivor.org, 1in6.org, Massachusetts Children's Alliance, and Child Help
• Despite facing a brain tumor during her legal battle, Kathy persevered to change laws

Find Kathy's books "Life With My Idiot Family" on Amazon in print, Kindle, and Audible formats, and "I Love You So Much That" in English and bilingual Spanish/English versions. Contact Kathy at kathychildadvocate@gmail.com for bulk orders.

#ChildSafety #BodyAwareness #PrivatePartsEducation #SafeKids #HealthyBoundaries #ParentingTips #SexEdForKids #EmpoweredChildren #TalkAboutIt #SafeTouch #PreventAbuse #ChildProtection #OpenConversations #ConsentEducation #FamilyCommunication #Instagram #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion 

Private Parts Shouldn't Be Taboo When Teaching Child Safety | Episode 258

What Will You Regret Not Trying? | Ep 259

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We celebrate reaching our 260th episode milestone and reflect on the growth of Voices for Voices over the past two and a half years, from an audio-only format to a show reaching over 60 countries and 700+ cities worldwide.

• Sharing difficult or taboo topics helps people realize they're not alone in their experiences
• Free speech and First Amendment rights provide the foundation for our mission to amplify diverse voices
• Reaching 250+ episodes puts us in an elite category, as many podcasts never reach this milestone
• Trying new things despite uncertainty of outcome is better than living with regrets about what you never attempted
• The principle that "nobody is above the law" applies universally, regardless of status or position
• Good outweighs bad ethically, morally, and spiritually as we continue our journey to help others

Thank you for your love, support, thumbs up, subscriptions, and shares. God bless the United States of America and God bless the world and all of humanity.

#RegretNotTrying #LifeChoices #TakeTheLeap #NoRegrets #TryNewThings #FutureHappiness #LiveBoldly #EmbraceChange #ChaseYourDreams #PersonalGrowth #OvercomeFears #MindsetMatters #ExploreOpportunities #PassionPursuit #InspirationDaily #MakeItCount #Instagram #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

What Will You Regret Not Trying? | Ep 259

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I Faced My Fears & Got The Medical Test I’ve Avoided For Years | Episode 186

Voices for Voices®

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