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Housing instability isn’t just about where someone sleeps. Without a safe, stable place to live, it’s incredibly difficult to heal, rebuild your life, or focus on what comes next. In this episode Julia sits down with Lee Anne Cavin of Front Porch Housing to talk about the connection between housing insecurity, vulnerability, and sex trafficking in Greenville. 🏠 We talk about: • Why safe housing is foundational to healing and long-term stability • What supportive housing really means and why it’s more than affordable housing • The holistic support women may need, including financial guidance, counseling, medical care, employment, childcare, spiritual health, and goal-setting • Why restoration isn’t about “rescuing” women, but walking alongside them with dignity and consistency • Reflecting Christ’s love without trying to force faith or conversion • Why trust is often one of the biggest barriers to stability, especially for women who have experienced relationships that were transactional • Why healing takes time and what a 2–3 year supportive housing program can provide • How the church can make a difference simply by showing up, building relationships, and being consistent • Why partnerships are critical as traffickers and predators continually develop new ways to target and groom young people • What keeps Lee Anne hopeful and committed to this work and her important message for anyone experiencing housing instability right now. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer someone is the reminder that they are worth our time, our attention, and our consistency.  Listen to this episode of Ashes & Beauty and learn how safe housing, genuine relationships, faith, and community partnerships can help create a path from crisis to stability and hope. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

What does it really take to fight sex trafficking and protect the women being exploited? In this episode of Ashes & Beauty, we sit down with Greenville City Police Captain Alia Paramore to talk about sex trafficking in Greenville, law enforcement’s evolving response, and why seeing the whole person behind the call matters. Captain Paramore shares how she became involved with Switch and why advocating for women experiencing exploitation has become such an important part of her work. We discuss the challenges facing our community, the misconceptions surrounding sex trafficking, and how law enforcement and nonprofits can work together to help women find a path toward safety and restoration. We also talk about Greenville City PD’s work addressing illicit massage businesses and the role Switch played in supporting women during an operation. Captain Paramore explains why the response cannot stop at an arrest, and it must include understanding what brought a woman into that situation and meeting her immediate needs without causing additional trauma. She shares a powerful story about patiently building trust with a woman who had been traumatized by law enforcement and how simply being willing to sit with her helped her begin to overcome that fear. 🚨 In this episode, we discuss: • The realities of sex trafficking in Greenville • How law enforcement is changing its response to vulnerable women • Why deeper questions can reveal hidden exploitation • The importance of law enforcement and nonprofit partnerships • The connection between pornography and demand • Why officers (and the general public) can't be anti-trafficking while ignoring pornography • What gives Captain Paramore hope in this fight This conversation is a powerful reminder that fighting trafficking isn't just about enforcement. It's about seeing people, building trust, restoring dignity, and bringing hope into some of the darkest situations in our community. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Pornography addiction doesn't just affect one person: it impacts marriages, families, communities, and fuels the demand for sexual exploitation. In this episode of Ashes & Beauty, we sit down with Tim Lyda, founder of The Recovery Trek, to discuss how recovery from sexual addiction leads to healthier relationships, restored intimacy, and lasting freedom. Tim explains why pornography rewires the brain, but also shares the encouraging truth: the brain can heal. We explore why so many men struggle to move from object-focused sex to relational intimacy, and how shame often keeps people trapped. While guilt says, "I did something wrong," shame says, "I am something wrong." Understanding that difference is a powerful step toward healing. Recovery isn't meant to happen alone. Tim shares why true healing happens in community through relationships, accountability, and God's transforming work (not simply by trying harder). ✨ In this episode, we discuss: Common misconceptions about sexual addictionHow pornography fuels demand and sex traffickingThe impact of porn on marriages and relationshipsHow the brain can recover from pornography addiction 🧠Moving from objectification to authentic intimacy ❤️Why community is essential for lasting recoveryWhether you're personally struggling, supporting someone you love, or simply want to better understand the connection between pornography and exploitation, this conversation offers practical insight and hope. Freedom is possible and healing begins with taking the first step. Try Covenant Eyes for 30 days FREE with code: SWITCH  Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

What role should the Church play in ending human trafficking? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Yon of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church to discuss why churches are uniquely positioned to prevent exploitation, restore dignity, and bring hope to the most vulnerable in our communities. Mitchell Road supports more than 75 missionaries in 35 countries, but they also recognize that mission work begins right here at home. Jason shares why the church chose to partner with Switch. We also explore the connection between pornography and sex trafficking, and why churches must move beyond silence to disciple men toward God's design for healthy relationships and sexual integrity. Finally, we discuss why programs like Faith & Finance are so critical to survivor restoration. Lasting freedom requires more than rescue, it requires equipping survivors with the tools, confidence, and financial stability to build a new future. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: Why churches should engage in anti-trafficking workMisconceptions about trafficking in GreenvilleThe link between pornography and exploitationWhy financial literacy is essential for restorationPractical ways every church can make a difference through prayer, volunteering, giving, and educationWhether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply someone wondering how you can help, this conversation will encourage you to put your faith into action and become part of the solution. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

In this episode of Ashes & Beauty, we sit down with Executive Director Julia Starnes for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith-filled leadership, calling, and the future of the organization. Julia shares her background, what led her to Switch after serving at a Christ-centered pregnancy resource center, and how her faith shapes the way she leads. We also discuss what has surprised Julia most since stepping into the role and why understanding exploitation requires compassion, awareness, and a willingness to see people differently. Julia opens up about the organization’s updated mission statement, what inspired the shift, and her vision for where Switch is headed over the next 3–5 years. From prevention and education to deeper community impact, the future is full of hope. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: • Julia’s journey to becoming Executive Director • How faith shapes leadership and decision-making • What surprised her most about anti-trafficking work • The updated mission and vision of Switch • What the future of anti-trafficking could look like • Simple ways YOU can get involved 🙌 Whether you’re new to Switch or have supported the mission for years, this episode will leave you encouraged, informed, and inspired about what’s ahead. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

How do we protect kids in a world where predators have greater access than ever before? We sat down with a volunteer from our Prevention Program at Switch, to talk about equipping students, parents, and communities to recognize warning signs before exploitation happens. Today’s youth are navigating a digital world full of hidden risks... from online grooming and manipulation to pornography exposure and exploitation. The good news? Prevention starts with awareness. We share how Switch works directly with students to help them recognize red flags, grooming tactics, and manipulation strategies predators commonly use. We also discuss how vulnerabilities (like loneliness, low self-worth, trauma, or the need to belong) can make young people more susceptible, and what parents can do to strengthen protective factors at home. We teach why pornography is considered a public health crisis, how it impacts developing brains and relationships. Early conversations matter more than ever. In this episode, we cover:  • Red flags and tactics predators use online and in person  • How students can recognize unsafe situations  • Strengthening vulnerabilities to better protect youth  • Practical ways parents can start hard conversations   • How prevention education empowers kids, not scares them   • And lot's more! This conversation is for every parent, caregiver, educator, and mentor who wants to help kids stay safe, informed, and empowered in today’s digital world. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

What does pizza, purpose, and protecting people from exploitation have in common? In this powerful episode, we sit down with John Todaro, owner of Todaro Pizza in Greenville, and Elliott Gibbs, founder of SPAR (Supporting Porn Addiction Recovery), for a conversation that will challenge how you define success and how you live it. John shares his journey growing up in New Jersey in the pizza business and the Catholic faith, and how that foundation led him to partner with Switch to fight human trafficking locally. Together, they unpack the harsh reality of sex trafficking in Greenville, including the dangerous misconception that victims are physically “chained.” Instead, they reveal the truth about trauma bonds: the invisible chains that keep women trapped. Elliott brings a powerful perspective on guarding against sexual immorality and how pornography addiction fuels demand for exploitation. Learn how SPAR and Switch are working to support men in recovery while restoring dignity and freedom to those impacted. This episode will open your eyes and invite you into a bigger purpose.  Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Sex trafficking in Greenville doesn’t always look the way we expect (and definitely not how the movies depict). We sat down with Switch Prevention Lead, to unpack the reality of modern-day human trafficking: what it actually looks like, why many victims don’t even realize they’re being trafficked, and how this crisis is happening in our own community. We start by defining trafficking and breaking the common misconception that it always involves physical chains or captivity. In truth, it’s often psychological and manipulative, making it difficult for victims to identify. We share how traffickers target vulnerable populations, especially youth in the foster care system, and how some individuals are even placed there to recruit other children. We also explore the lasting impact of trauma, including how victims can become emotionally “stuck” at the age their trauma occurred and what it takes to begin healing. We discuss the importance of meeting both physical and spiritual needs to help survivors experience true, sustainable freedom, so they don’t return to harmful situations. You’ll also hear about the documentary The Slave in Your Backyard, which reveals how trafficking is often hidden in plain sight. If you think this doesn’t happen where you live, this episode will change your perspective and equip you to see and respond differently! Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Can prayer really make a difference in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation? In this powerful episode, Christie McMillan, Intervention Team Lead, explores the role of intercessory prayer as a tool for spiritual warfare and how faithful prayer can lead to real-world impact in the fight to protect vulnerable people. Scripture reminds us to keep knocking on God’s door and never stop praying. But what does that actually look like when you’re praying for justice, freedom, and the end of human trafficking? In this conversation, Christie shares how consistent prayer and listening to God’s voice has guided our efforts, including moments where locations connected to exploitation in Greenville were revealed through prayer. This episode explores how prayer can move mountains long before we see visible change. In This Episode, We Discuss: • What intercessory prayer is and why it’s powerful in spiritual warfare • Why Scripture encourages us to keep knocking and never stop praying • How prayer can strengthen your personal relationship with God • How listening during prayer is just as important as speaking • How God can reveal community needs through prayer: A real example of how prayer helped uncover local brothels connected to exploitation in Greenville • Why things often move in the supernatural before they move in the natural • The importance of asking God what He wants us to pray for, not just what we think should happen • Walking by faith, not by sight, even when it feels like nothing is changing Intercessory prayer means standing in the gap for others. When we bring the needs of our communities before God, we invite Him to move in ways we may not immediately see. Often the greatest breakthroughs begin in prayer, long before the results appear in the natural world. Prayer is not passive. It is powerful. When people of faith commit to praying consistently, listening to God’s guidance, and trusting Him even when answers aren’t immediate, prayer becomes part of the solution in ending exploitation and injustice. If you believe in the power of prayer and want to see sex trafficking and exploitation end in our communities, share this episode with a friend, prayer group, or church. Because sometimes the most powerful action we can take is to kneel first and listen! Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

In Part 2 of this important conversation, Switch Prevention Team Lead, shares how traffickers groom, manipulate, and ultimately control their victims. While many people imagine trafficking as kidnapping by strangers, the reality is far more subtle. Traffickers often build relationships with children online first, slowly gaining trust before isolating and exploiting them. In this episode, we discuss: • The Grooming Phase – tactics predators use to gain trust and infiltrate a child’s life • The Breaking Phase – isolating victims from family and friends through manipulation, fear, or coercion • The Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mama approach – a tactic increasingly targeting high school and college students • The Turnout Phase – when victims are pressured or forced into commercial sex acts Understanding these tactics is one of the most powerful ways parents can protect their children. This conversation aligns directly with Switch’s mission of reducing sex trafficking and exploitation through effective prevention training. Please share this episode with another parent, teacher, or youth leader. Awareness can save lives. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Children today are growing up in a fully digital world. From gaming platforms to social media apps to messaging features parents may not even know exist. Access is constant and often more dangerous than we realize. In this episode, we talk with our Prevention Team Lead about: How online predators identify and target childrenThe tactics predators use to build trustWhy pornography exposure is often the gateway to deeper exploitationSocial media settings every parent should check todayThe dangers of the dark web Practical safety tips to protect your kids onlineAnd so much more! This conversation aligns directly with Switch’s mission of reducing sex trafficking and exploitation through effective prevention training. Please share with a fellow parent today! It just might save a life.  Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

How do you find your identity in Christ after trauma, church hurt, or seasons that leave you questioning everything? In this episode of Ashes & Beauty, we’re joined by Rob Nelson from GracePointe Ministries for a powerful conversation about healing, identity, and learning to silence the cultural lies that shape how we see ourselves. Trauma has a way of distorting identity. Church hurt, cultural pressure, disappointment, and negative voices can slowly redefine who we believe we are. But those voices are not from God. This episode invites you to wrestle with an important question: What really defines me? When you lay your head down on the pillow at night, who are you laying down with? Shame? Fear? Failure? Or the truth of who God says you are? We talk about:  • How trauma and church hurt impact identity  • Shutting out cultural lies and societal pressure  • Anchoring your worth in Christ, not performance or approval  • Allowing God to walk you through your lowest moments   If you’ve struggled with identity, shame, or spiritual confusion, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to rediscover who you are in Christ. Your trauma does not define you. God does. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Porn addiction affects millions of men, often in silence. In this episode, we have an honest, hope-filled conversation about pornography addiction, recovery, and how men can break free. We're joined by Eric, who courageously shares his personal journey out of pornography addiction and into lasting freedom. At Switch, we believe that if there is no demand for sex, there are no victims. That’s why addressing pornography use matters, not just for individual healing, but for ending exploitation and sex trafficking at its root. In this episode, we cover: How pornography addiction often begins and why it’s so commonThe impact of porn on the brain and why it’s so difficult to quitHow Eric knew pornography had become an addictionThe connection between porn use, demand, and sex traffickingHow quitting porn changes the way men view women and relationshipsHope-filled encouragement for men who want freedomSince breaking free, Eric shares how his view of women has radically changed (seeing them as whole persons, not objects) and how freedom from pornography has impacted his relationships, faith, and overall well-being. He’s honest about the struggle, reminding listeners that while quitting isn’t always easy, freedom is possible.  Recovery is possible, healing is real, and intimacy without pornography is better for you and for your relationships! If you’re listening and would like the Switch to present at your church, school, or organization, or if you’re looking for recovery resources for men, reach out to [email protected]. Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Sex trafficking isn’t something happening “somewhere else.” It is happening in communities across South Carolina, often hidden in plain sight. In this powerful episode, Pastor Rob Marks of Fellowship Greenville joins us for an honest conversation about the realities of sex trafficking in our state, the challenges within current laws and law enforcement, and why awareness is the first step toward prevention. We talk about the critical role parents play in getting educated, not only so they know what warning signs to look for, but so they can equip their children to recognize red flags, especially online. By bringing this topic into the light and out of the darkness, we can remove the shame and taboo that allow exploitation to continue. You'll learn practical ways anyone can get involved. From learning and educating others, to supporting prevention efforts, to the power of prayer, an action that costs nothing, can be done on your own time, and has real impact, you’ll walk away knowing there is something you can do. In this episode, we discuss: The reality of sex trafficking in South CarolinaWhy parent education and prevention matterHow to talk to kids about safety and warning signsThe importance of breaking silence and stigmaSimple, meaningful ways to get involved, including prayerTogether, we can end trafficking in the Upstate!  Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!

Today, we sit down with former Executive Director of Switch, Zaina Greene, to share her powerful, faith-filled journey into the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. Zaina opens up about how she first became aware of trafficking, why she knew she needed to be part of an organization led by the Holy Spirit, and how Switch’s earliest outreach efforts began inside strip clubs meeting women right where they were. This conversation also busts common misconceptions about trafficking, including the myth that it looks like dramatic kidnappings portrayed in movies like Taken. Instead, Zaina explains how trafficking happens through manipulation, grooming, and coercion, hiding in plain sight within our own community. You’ll hear why Greenville, SC has become a hotspot for trafficking, how God revealed His heart not only for survivors but also for perpetrators trapped in sin, and what He has been doing through Switch to bring redemption, justice, and transformation to our city. This episode is a powerful reminder that when faith leads the way, light can fill even the darkest places! Support the show To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter! God Bless!