He Was Only 13 When They Shackled Him. What Came Next Was Even Worse.
In this jaw-dropping episode of Free Like Me, Chris Cook takes us inside the nightmare he lived as a young teen abused by the very system meant to protect him. From being shackled like a criminal at 13 to being groomed and betrayed by a high-ranking sheriff, Chris’s life spiraled into alcoholism, despair, and multiple suicide attempts.

But this is also a story of unimaginable strength. Now sober and using his voice to advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse, Chris reveals how he finally broke free from shame, addiction, and silence. If you've ever felt broken, trapped, or voiceless—this episode will hit home.

💬 “The system failed me. But I fought back—and survived.”

Scarred: A Memoir of a Childhood Stolen and a Life Reclaimed
https://a.co/d/jiVW408

In this new episode, The Free Like Me Podcast welcomes Selena, a survivor of sex trafficking and addiction, who now serves as the Program Director at Hope Rising Arizona. From growing up surrounded by dysfunction in Mesa, Arizona, to entering the adult film industry and facing the horrors of international trafficking, Selena's story is one of unimaginable pain—and powerful recovery.

Selena opens up about her early exposure to trauma, her battles with substance abuse, her forced involvement in sex work, and the pivotal moment that sparked her transformation. Now nearly a decade sober, Selena is helping others walk the same path to healing and redemption.

🎧 If you've ever doubted the human capacity to overcome, this episode is for you.

Inside the Fight Against Clergy Abuse: David Clohessy Speaks Out
On this episode of The Free Like Me Podcast, host Clark Fredericks interviews David Clohessy, a courageous survivor and former national director of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). David shares his own traumatic experience of clergy abuse and how it led to decades of advocacy work helping others break the silence. They dive into the deep systemic failures of the Catholic Church, the urgent need for legal reforms, and the personal cost of speaking out. This powerful conversation is a must-watch for those seeking justice, healing, and awareness around clergy abuse and institutional cover-ups.

Check out my website: davidclohessy.com
twitter: @davidgclohessy

How you can help:
https://www.snapnetwork.org/you_can_make_a_difference

What is SNAP? (60 seconds)
https://www.davidclohessy.com/blog/what-is-the-survivors-network-of-those-abused-by-priests

Lists of predators? (60 seconds)
https://www.davidclohessy.com/blog/how-snap-is-working-to-uncover-abuse-in-the-catholic-church