What is human trafficking, how does exploitation happen, and what can ordinary people do to help prevent it? In this episode, licensed professional counselor Josh Korac speaks with Brad Riley, founder of iEmpathize, about sex trafficking, labor trafficking, exploitation, vulnerability, prevention, and the role of empathy in protecting young people. Brad explains that human trafficking involves exploiting another person for sex or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. It can happen across countries, in large cities, in small communities, and in places that may appear safe from the outside. Josh and Brad discuss why trafficking is often misunderstood and why awareness must go beyond dramatic stereotypes. The conversation explores how traffickers identify and manipulate vulnerability. They may use romantic attention, promises of safety or opportunity, emotional pressure, money, housing, or other forms of control. Josh and Brad also discuss how pornography, cultural attitudes, economic hardship, isolation, and unmet relational needs may intersect with exploitation. Brad describes the prevention work of iEmpathize, a human-rights nonprofit that equips adults and empowers young people to recognize exploitation, build protective skills, and respond with empathy. He explains how education, media, outreach programs, and partnerships can help communities identify warning signs and respond more effectively. Josh also reflects on volunteering with iEmpathize in Mexico during high school and meeting survivors of trafficking. He shares how those experiences influenced his development as a therapist and changed the way he understood trauma, vulnerability, and human dignity. In this episode, you will learn about: • What sex trafficking and labor trafficking are • How force, fraud, and coercion are used • Common myths about human trafficking • Why trafficking can happen in any community • How traffickers exploit vulnerability and trust • The role of grooming, manipulation, and false promises • How pornography may intersect with exploitation • Why awareness and prevention education matter • Challenges within the legal and judicial systems • Why trafficking survivors may be treated like offenders • How businesses, schools, transportation workers, and communities can help • The importance of collaboration and long-term systemic change • Practical ways individuals can support anti-trafficking efforts Brad Riley is an activist, award-winning filmmaker, media producer, and founder of iEmpathize. His work focuses on preventing exploitation and equipping young people and adults with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to trafficking. His projects have received international attention through film festivals, human-rights organizations, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and the United Nations. Learn more about iEmpathize and its prevention resources at iempathize.org. Josh Korac is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado who specializes in trauma, family estrangement, loneliness, and complex relationship concerns. He is also the Lead Moderator of Estrangement.com. Learn more about Josh at joshuakorac.com. Content note: This episode includes discussion of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child exploitation, pornography, coercion, and trauma. This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute mental health treatment, legal advice, or crisis intervention. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733.