The Ugly Truth About The Girl Next Door
Episodes
Where were the parents?
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we consider the role of parents in the Epstein exploitation ring. We know that children as young as 4 or 5 have been identified as vi...
The Power of the People: Systems Fail but People Persist
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we take a deeper look at some of the systemic failures both in the Epstein case and our experience. We celebrate the ways that victims...
A Tale As Old As Time: The Epstein Files
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This series of episodes about the Epstein case will draw parallels between the experiences of victims in every community and Epstein's victims. In...
Conversation with actor Anthony Edwards and author Stephen Mills
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we have a conversation with Stephen Mills, author of Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood and actor, producer and director Anthony Edwa...
Words of Encouragement
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we consider recent events and how to deal with the emotional impact. Bottom line.....we ALL have a mission.....to stand for the vulne...
Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wow....it's been a minute! In this episode we share what Mezzo Allies, Inc. has been passionately pursuing. We also talk about the importance of being...
Advocacy and Abuse in a Church Environment
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have a conversation with Abbi Nye and April Sochia about CFCtoo. CFCtoo is an organization committed to creating a safe space for s...
Conversation with Kimberly Haight from NY State Children's Alliance
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have a conversation about the current state of NY State laws regarding child abuse and the need for reform
What is CONSENT and why does it matter?
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak with Joyce Short who is the author of Your Consent – The Key to Conquering Sexual Assault and a TEDx Talk Presenter and Nin...
Cork Board
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the reality of the web of the network of offenders in organized sexual abuse and how difficult it can be for victims to...
The Ethics of the Podcast
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack in detail the ethics of the decision to move from social worker-client to podcast partner then to non-profit partner.
Response to Liberty University Title IX/Clery Act Fines
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share an unscripted…sometimes raw…perspective on the Liberty University Clery Act settlement of $14 million dollars (plus $2 mi...
Why Don't You Just Move?
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address a question that is asked frequently....sometimes with concern...sometimes with curiosity...and sometimes with a hefty dose ...
Making an Impact with PowHERhouse Nicholle Overkamp
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have a conversation with Nicholle Overkamp of PowHERhouse Money Coaching and Wilcox Financial Group about her upcoming "Becomi...
Conversation with Lisa Goldblatt Grace Co-Founder and Director of My Life, My Choice (MLMC) Boston
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have a conversation with Lisa Goldblatt Grace, LICSW, MPH who co-founded MLMC in 2002 after a teen was murdered by her exploiter. J...
Building the Bridge While Working Against the Tide
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share how Mezzo Allies is growing in spite of the continued efforts made by the offenders, their flying monkeys and the naysayers.
We Keep Going…..still
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Truth moment….we’re tired….and we’re determined….we’re bold and we’re stressed. In this episode we talk about the momentum and the ways ...
Fear of the Podcast
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our last episode, we encouraged us all to be willing to be uncomfortable….to be uncommon. In this episode, we talk a bit about what it takes to b...
be uncomfortable
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we encourage….and challenge….ourselves to be willing to be uncomfortable in the pursuit of showing up for those around us
2 years ago…1 year ago…TODAY
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk about the dichotomy between where we were this very week 2 years ago- hurt, scared and without help…. 1 year ago- begging Co...
...so others don't need a podcast
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
WE'RE IN BOSTON, MA!!! In this episode we share about our experience in Boston, MA sharing information with child protection staff and leaders abo...
Counting the Cost
07 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Trigger warning: In this episode we have a conversation about Gretchen who was abused within the same network as Kait and was was lost to suicide on N...
Suicide Prevention Month
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
**Trigger Warning** In this episode we talk about September’s Suicide Prevention month, the statistics and Kait’s journey
Survivor Re-Exploitation
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk about the idea of survivor re-exploitation….the ways survivors can feel compelled to share details of their experience that ...
Advancing in the face of adversity
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about all that we’ve been doing to build the army of supporters while standing strong in the face of challenges.
Action and Reaction
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the reality that every action we….and others….take triggers a reaction. While this is obvious it can also be complicate...
Chasing Records
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the frustrating experience of working to gather background information to corroborate allegations.
Building the Middle
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share our experience connecting with the anti-trafficking community in Boston, MA. We also talk about the needs of survivors of fam...
Introducing Mezzo Inc.!
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are so excited to announce the beginning of our new endeavor….Mezzo, Inc.….the space between victim and survivor
Episode Recap
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share a high level look at Kait’s experience. If you’re new to the podcast we hope this will give you a place to start. If you’...
What is Justice?
20 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore several paths to justice for survivors and consider the impacts.
Abuse in a Caregiver Relationship
06 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the short and long term impact of abuse that happens at the hands of the primary caregivers in a child's life.
Where is Law Enforcement?
29 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will explore this frequently asked question.....where is Law Enforcement?
Child Abuse Prevention Month
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the question of the long term impact of unresolved childhood trauma. Specifically we consider how difficult it can be for p...
Whiplash
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
That whiplash feeling…
The Memory Wars
08 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the question of repressed memory and address the topic based on current day brain science.
Conversation with Miranda Pacchiana of The Second Wound
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk with Miranda Pacchiana who is the author of many of the posts we have shared from The Second Wound platform. Join us as we tal...
My ACBC Experience
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share Kait's personal experience with ACBC "counseling"
Corroboration
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we respond to the claims by Cornerstone that there has never been corroboration offered to support Kait’s allegations…..complete r...
Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the issue of the extremely damaging and inappropriate counsel offered by ACBC to victims, offenders and churches about how ...
Introducing… YouTube!
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are sharing about our new youtube channel- The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door. We will use this platform for longer videos to share info...
How Can We Help?
04 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the question of how to be the person that can help a child get help and how to show up for a survivor. We specifically look...
The Women
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we answer the question of "where were the women?". We also unpack the impact on a child when a mother is involved in the abuse.
Happy Anniversary to Us
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can this be? One year ago on February 11, 2022 we launched our first episode. In this episode we unpack the journey from then to now…..and the b...
….and then there were two
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have a conversation with Emily who was Kait’s childhood friend. Emily shares her own memories of abuse and experiences with Corne...
Trigger Warning: I Am Not Alone Part Two
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our conversation with Alicia Cohen, familial sex trafficking survivor and advocate.
Trigger Warning: I Am Not Alone
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode in a two part series, we have a conversation with Alicia Cohen who is a survivor of family controlled sex trafficking and the fo...
Majoring on the Minors
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the phenomenon of 'staring at a pebble while the parade passes by'....otherwise known as 'majoring on the minors' or being d...
Where Did It All Begin?
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will talk through the churches involved and some of the offenders there.
The Good Shepherd
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Laurie has a conversation with Darrin Folger, former Executive Pastor of The Well in Amherst, NY about what God has to say about a sh...
How is this so hard….part 2
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share how the investigation has been going….or not going.
The Paths to Safety and Justice
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk through some of the potential paths to safety and justice and how these paths can intersect and happen in parallel.
Naming Names
04 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the questions about naming names….Why now? What are the factors that affect the decision for us to name an offender and w...
Tear Down This Wall of Silence
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we hear from Pastor Dale Ingraham who challenges the church to be who God calls us to be….a people who boldly stand for the vulnerab...
Why Is This So Difficult??
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share an authentic and sometimes raw look at what it is like to keep pressing forward when so many forces seem to be pushing agains...
The Eye of the Storm
12 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Also known as the messy middle….in this episode we will address some recent events and more about the reality of what it’s like for survivors tryi...
Decades of DARVO
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address recent events….and the repeating pattern of DARVO and it’s impact
Hopeful and Afraid Part Two
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue the discussion of how investigations feel to the survivor. We will specifically be addressing private/non-law enforcement ...
Hopeful and Afraid Part One
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first part of a two part series, we unpack how a criminal investigation is experienced by the survivor.
Step Up
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we unpack the painful….and empowering….reality of how regular people make the difference. Thank you to the Butfalo Bills for takin...
Conversation with Kait’s husband, Patrick
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as Kait and her husband, Patrick, talk about what it’s been like for him as he has walked this road with Kait. They share a little insight in...
Conversation with Christiana💜
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk with Christiana Christiano about her own experience with the church that much of Kait’s abuse happened in, her own sexual ab...
Q&A: Part 2
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as we continue talking about and answering many of the questions our listeners have asked.
Q&A: Part 1
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You asked and we are answering! In this episode we answer some of the many questions we have gotten from our listeners since starting the podcast.
Part 2: What makes family based trafficking different?
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue to unpack the details that make familial sex trafficking unique and highlight the unique needs of survivors.
What makes family-based sex trafficking different? Part 1
19 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we start to unpack the unique realities of familial sex trafficking
DARVO
11 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deny, Accuse, Reverse Victim and Offender (DARVO)….the playbook for responding when you’re accused of sexual abuse
The Science of Deception
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we interview Zachary Carr, PhD and consider how the science of deception informs our understanding of sex trafficking
Entanglements and Connections
28 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share more details about the enormity of the sex trafficking organization in WNY and the bits of information that have come to us f...
The Second Wound
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the issue of The Second Wound. This happens when instead of support and protection, a survivor experiences victim blaming, ...
What Should Happen
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kait and Laurie unpack what they wish for in an organization’s response to allegations of misconduct. They also directly address wha...
Response to the Congregational Statement
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If only the words and actions matched….this episode would not have ever been recorded. We so so wish it were not needed but it seems to be. In this ...
Conversation with Amberlee and Tim
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we give you a chance to hear directly from a woman who shared her experience of bringing allegations to The Chapel in 2018/19 regardin...
The College Years
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the experiences Kait had during her college years. What she hoped would be a fresh start and an opportunity to reinvent her...
Conversations with John Gannon
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to John Gannon (Kait’s father in law) talk about his perspective not only as a dad, but also as a long time member of The Chapel. John has be...
Where is God?
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Laurie attempts to unpack the question of God’s presence in the heartache of this life
We Keep Going
09 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we share some of the impact this journey has had on us….and on some of our listeners. It has not always been easy or seamless...in f...
The Enablers
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the painful truth that abusers will continue to abuse as long as the enablers enable. If we are waiting for the toxic peo...
Peripheral Puzzle Pieces
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the details that have been filled in for us since the podcast began. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered you...
Never Empty Threats
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kait shares more details about the threats that kept her from being able to tell the whole of her experience all at once rather than i...
Escape Attempt 2
12 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a child attempts to tell and isn’t heard? What would it take for her to try to tell again? In this episode Kait shares the painf...
Keeping our kids safe
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So….if we can’t be sure we will spot someone who poses a risk to our children HOW DO WE KEEP THEM SAFE?? The answer is to give them a deep sense...
It Was Fun…until it wasn’t
05 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Skiing with my family is one of my favorite things…but then ski patrol happened. In this episode we explore how common life experiences become mo...
Investigations
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the damage done when untrained individuals attempt to investigate allegations on their own.
How I Know
26 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the aspects of a disclosure that provide clarity about the accuracy of the report?
Escape attempt
26 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brace yourself….this one is hard….middle school is messy enough without all this
Trauma and Faith
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the question of faith and the relationship between trauma and faith
Why now and escape attempts….how does it all go together?
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk more about memory and Kait’s experiences of trying to break free
How Memory and Trauma Work
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes people are confused about how it is possible for someone to be unable to access some factual details of a traumatic experience. In this epis...
My Two Worlds
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does a child live simultaneously a “normal” suburban childhood while being sex trafficked? The only way to survive that is to have a complete ...
Finding My Voice
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Ugly Truth About The Girl Next Door tells the story of a suburban, middle class girl who was trafficked and sexually exploited for decades startin...
Podcast Preview
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we share a high level overview of the whole of Kait’s experience leading up to the creation of the podcast. This is a great place t...